Paul Sweeney grew up in a Marine Corps family and began training at an early age, eventually becoming a Reconnaissance Marine. He graduated from MCRD San Diego in 1988 as Company Honor Man and was selected for a special intelligence program, serving overseas.

His career continued in elite and classified programs, including Marine Reconnaissance, where he led Special Operations Teams in support of national security missions across the globe. After 20 years of distinguished service, Paul retired in 2008 as a Master Sergeant.

Following his military career, Paul was selected to develop the Expeditionary Combat Shooting Skills Program for the Navy, including the ESAMI (Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor) course. He then continued serving the nation by training government agencies and deploying programs worldwide as a contractor.

In 2014, continuing to follow his passion for service and protection, he founded Total Defense Solutions (TDS), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). As CEO of TDS, he built the company on a foundation of discipline, experience, and a deep understanding of real-world threats.

Our mission goes beyond just elite training. At TDS, we believe everyone deserves to feel prepared, confident, and capable—whether you're on the frontlines or protecting your family at home. We translate decades of military and tactical experience into real-world, accessible instruction tailored to your level—whether you're just starting out or sharpening an already advanced skill set.

Our team is here to empower you with the tools, mindset, and training you need to face uncertain situations with clarity and confidence. Whether you're a first responder, security professional, responsible gun owner, or corporate team looking to build resilience under pressure—we’re ready to help you train smarter, respond faster, and stay in control.

“At TDS, we don’t just teach tactics—we build warriors.“