Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does each class cover, what are the gear requirements, etc.?
A: The course outlines for our open enrollment classes are available on our Courses page.  Each outline includes a class description, gear list and round count.  The outlines are subject to change.

Q: Do I have to take Intro before taking Level I?
A: We prefer that all students, despite their level of experience, take our Intro class on any platform before taking Level I so that they can be properly introduced to our methods and procedures.  In most cases it will be a prerequisite.  We will occasionally grant a waiver for an Intro class if a student has very specific training experience.

Q: Where are you located and is housing available on site?
A: Our open enrollment courses are currently all being held in South Louisiana.  We mainly utilize two facilities, one in Slidell and one in North Covington. Neither of our facilities offers housing or camping, but both have hotels nearby with reasonable rates.  We do offer mobile training for groups. 

Q: When will you be offering a specific class again?
A: The course dates reflected on our Calendar page will always be a complete, up-to-date list of the classes we currently have open for registration.  We always try to post classes three months or more in advance.  As soon as a new course date is confirmed and added to the schedule we send out a course announcement email.  If you would like to be added to our email list, let us know through our Contact Us page.

Q: Do you offer private lessons?
A: We do offer private lessons.  Private individual lessons are $100 per hour with a 3-hour minimum and can be customized to suit your training needs.  You may add up to two additional students with that single instructor for an additional $50 per hour, per student.  Private group lessons for civilians are $200 per person for a full day of training with an 8-person (or $1,600) minimum.  Private group lessons for agencies require custom quotes depending on the training needed and number of students.  If you would like to schedule training, let us know through our Contact Us page.

Q: Is my deposit or payment refundable?
A: Deposits and payments are only refundable in the event that VATA cancels or postpones a course for any reason other than inclement weather. In the event of a non-weather-related cancelation, refunds will be issued minus a 5% service charge, or a student can choose to keep their full deposit/payment amount on file as a credit to be put toward a future VATA course. If a student needs to withdraw their registration from a course, they must do so at least one week prior to the scheduled course date. If a cancellation is received at least one week prior to the course, the student's deposit/payment can be held on file as a credit that can be put toward any future VATA course within 18 months. If a cancellation is received less than one week prior to the course date, the student's deposit/payment is non-refundable and cannot be held on file as a credit. If a course must be postponed or canceled due to inclement weather, all registered students’ deposits/payments will be held on file as a credit to be put toward a future VATA course within 18 months of the original training date. 

Q: Do you offer Concealed Carry Permits?
A: We do not handle CCPs.  Our Intro to Tactical Pistol course can be put toward your 8-hour CC class if you go through a gentleman we work with based in Harahan to complete the legal/classroom portion with him. 

Q: Are you hiring?
A: VATA is not currently hiring.