Mike Lazarus is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement and the Army, with 19 years of experience on SWAT. He teaches tactical rifle, sniper skills, and defensive tactics at California Tactical Academy.
Mike Lazarus brings over four decades of combined military and law enforcement experience to the range. A 27-year veteran of law enforcement, Mike has 19 years of experience on SWAT, serving as a sniper, assaulter, team sergeant, and FBI-certified firearms instructor. His expertise spans MP5/submachine gun instruction, defensive tactics, and police academy training.
In addition to his law enforcement background, Mike spent 13 years in the U.S. Army, completing multiple overseas deployments. His military training includes Airborne School, SOTIC (Special Operations Target Interdiction Course), PSD (Personal Security Detail), SRT (Special Response Team), and miniature arms armorer courses, among others.
Mike also holds faculty positions at California State University, Northridge, and Ventura College, where he shares his tactical and firearms knowledge with the next generation of professionals.
He is a regular instructor at California Tactical Academy (CTA) in Piru, CA, an expansive 1,500-acre facility renowned for its 50+ shooting ranges and long-range capabilities, which extend up to 1,000 yards. CTA offers an ideal environment for tactical rifle, sniper instruction, and competitive training, where Mike helps both civilian and professional shooters build the mindset and skill to perform under pressure.
Outside the classroom and range, Mike is an avid hunter, competitive shooter, and outdoorsman.
Trusted by law enforcement, military, and serious civilian shooters alike.
California Tactical Academy in Piru, CA, offers steel to 1,000 yards across 1,500 acres and 50+ ranges, blending public access with advanced tactical and precision shooting.
