David Acosta Jr

David Acosta Jr. is a firearms, tactics, and combatives instructor, curriculum developer, and host of the Achilles Heel Tactical Podcast.

David brings 17 years of law enforcement experience, including specialized assignments in undercover narcotics investigations, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force. His career also included 12 years in SWAT, where he served in multiple operational, leadership, and instructional capacities, including assaulter, breacher, sniper, team leader, and lead instructor.

Following his retirement from law enforcement, David transitioned into the private sector, where he continues to work full-time in executive protection, specializing in low-profile protective operations.

As a member of the Achilles Heel Tactical instructional cadre, David teaches across a broad spectrum of firearms and defensive disciplines, from foundational pistol and carbine instruction through advanced performance development, integrated combatives, and active threat response.

He developed AHT's Defensive Pistol, Low-Light Defensive Pistol, Combatives, and Singleton-Based Active Threat Response curricula. Additionally, he provides specialized firearms and tactical instruction tailored to the operational requirements of law enforcement personnel and agencies.

Central to David's instructional philosophy is the distinction between teaching students how to think rather than simply what to think. His approach emphasizes understanding the principles governing performance, recognizing relevant variables, evaluating circumstances, and making informed decisions rather than relying exclusively on predetermined techniques or responses.

His objective is to develop capable, adaptable practitioners who possess not only the technical proficiency to execute skills, but also the understanding and judgment necessary to apply them righteously within context.