With nearly three decades in U.S. Army Special Operations, Rick Hogg brings a wealth of real-world experience and instructional insight to the modern tactical training community.
A 29-year combat veteran, former Special Operations K9 handler, and founder of War HOGG Tactical, Rick has dedicated his career to helping others perform and survive in the most demanding environments. His experience—spanning 13 combat deployments—has shaped his reputation as a trusted voice in firearms instruction, survivability, and decision-making under pressure.
Now, as the newest member of the Safariland CADRE, Rick brings his deep operational knowledge and training philosophy—“1% better every day”—to Safariland’s mission of innovation and life-saving excellence.
“Being part of the Safariland CADRE is an amazing opportunity to partner with a company that is always innovating the holster industry,” Rick says. “Our teaching of shooters to enhance their marksmanship is right in line with the Safariland motto: Together We Save Lives.” ~Rick Hogg
Meet Rick Hogg
Combat Tested Expertise
Rick’s nearly 30 years of service in Special Operations forged his approach to leadership, instruction, and performance under pressure. His experience, across multiple combat theaters, provides a foundation for his teaching philosophy: blending proven tactics, strong fundamentals, and a focus on individual accountability.
From Battlefield to Training Range
Through War HOGG Tactical, Rick translates his hard won battlefield experience into practical, results driven instruction for law enforcement, military, and civilian students. His training emphasizes survivability, decision making, and skill progression – teaching students how to perform at their highest level when it matters most.
Building Officers Through War HOGG Tactical
Rick’s program, Project Officer Survival, brings a no cost series of firearms and skill training to law enforcement officers nationwide. With over 600 officers trained, his program has contributed to multiple confirmed officer saves.
Real-World Training, Real Results
Rick’s instruction is rooted in combat-proven fundamentals. From vehicle tactics to firearms proficiency, his methods are practical, tested under pressure, and easy to apply.
Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, military operator, or civilian shooter, Rick teaches skills you can trust to work when it matters most. Being a Safariland CADRE member gives Rick a platform to share insights from experience, helping the company develop and refine products for real-world application.
Giving Back: The In Honor of Duco Project
Beyond the range, Rick founded the In Honor of Duco Project, named after his retired SOF K9. The project provides medical care and support to retired SOF K9s, continuing Rick’s commitment to service and dedication to those who’ve served alongside him and his brothers in combat.
Strengthening the Safariland CADRE
As part of Safariland CADRE, Rick joins an elite team of real world professionals who bring valuable experience driven insight to training, our product development, and field performance. His feedback, and our other CADRE members help to shape innovation in Safariland’s gear—from holsters, belts, armor, and more—ensuring it meets the needs and standards of those who rely on it most.
What This Means for You
As a member of the Safariland CADRE, Rick brings his decades of real world experience directly to his students. Whether it’s learning vehicle tactics, marksmanship, or decision-making under stress, he and other CADRE members deliver knowledge and instruction that’s tested, practical, and effective.
Rick’s approach is simple but powerful: “Strive to be 1% better every day.”
That philosophy is central to all his instruction—and now extends into the CADRE program.
Check out our other CADRE members that include pros like Kyle Morgan, Dan Brokos, Rich Graham, Rick Crawley, and Blayr Drumm.
