Elevated Tactical Solutions, LLC

Elevated Tactical Solutions (ETS), founded by Mike Ellefson, is committed to making tactical knowledge accessible and practical for everyone. Unlike traditional programs, ETS emphasizes practical skills for everyday situations and prioritizes non-political, evidence-based instruction. What sets ETS apart is its focus on real-world application, a supportive learning environment, and a philosophy centered on accountability and continuous improvement, helping both civilians and law enforcement officers navigate challenges with confidence and professionalism.

For example, a civilian who completed ETS’s self-defense course was able to calmly de-escalate a heated argument in a parking lot using verbal strategies and situational awareness techniques learned during training. The training resolved the confrontation using the minimal amount of physical force necessary to ensure everyone's safety.

Law enforcement officers benefit from ETS’s advanced Defensive Tactics and Officer Survival training through the P.A.C.T. (Police Applied Control Tactics) program by augmenting and improving on skills already incorporated in their current training.

Mike is a seasoned security contractor and consultant who has provided expert services to a range of government agencies, private businesses, and even sovereign nations. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, he is also a licensed Protective Agent specializing in Executive Protection—safeguarding high-profile clients such as corporate leaders and dignitaries during travel and public events within the United States. Mike’s credibility is further reinforced by his full membership in the International Association of Close Protection Professionals, a respected global body for security specialists.

Over the years, Mike has built a strong reputation as a subject matter expert in several critical areas of personal and organizational safety. For instance, “Asset Retention” refers to the protection of valuable property or information against theft or loss, a skill Mike has demonstrated while consulting for technology firms needing strategies to secure sensitive data and equipment. “Weapon Retention,” is another area of his expertise, a crucial competency when training law enforcement personnel and security professionals. His knowledge of “Applied Environmental Weaponry” means he teaches clients to use everyday objects and their surroundings for self-defense, a skillset he has delivered in practical workshops for real estate professionals and educators.

Mike’s progression in the field is highlighted by his extensive certifications. Through the USCCA, he is recognized as a Conceal Carry & Home Defense (CCHD) Instructor and a Countering Mass Shooter Threat and physical security instructor. He has developed and led training sessions for real estate agents focused on personal safety, and in 2022, completed the USCCA Training Counselor Certification program. This allows him to certify other instructors at the national level, helping to raise professional standards across the industry. Mike’s commitment to ongoing education ensures all his courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest best practices and legal requirements. His USCCA profile, which details his credentials and further accomplishments, can be viewed here.

Mike’s teaching philosophy stands apart in the industry by focusing on the mind as the most powerful tool for self-protection and resilience. Unlike standard training programs that often prioritize rote techniques, Mike emphasizes rigorous mental conditioning, integrating real-world scenarios and deliberate stress inoculation exercises that ensure skills are not only learned, but reliably retained and applied under pressure. Clients who train with Mike experience a transformative approach—developing the judgment, adaptability, and confidence needed to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities even in unpredictable situations. This commitment to mental preparedness is seamlessly reflected in ETS’s operational model: when specialized expertise is required, ETS supplements its core team by bringing in carefully selected subject matter experts. This ensures every training scenario is supported by top-tier, relevant instruction, and that each client receives the highest quality and most comprehensive preparation available.