Meet Your Instructor: Chester Sprankle

Our lead instructor, Chester Sprankle, is a veteran of the US Army Military Police Corps, and an NRA-certified instructor, Level II pistol and rifle coach. Chester is certified to teach the Personal Protection In-The-Home class, which includes a state-specific legal section. Additionally, he serves as a Chief Range Safety Officer, a Home Firearm Safety instructor. Both of these classes are non-shooting courses.


Lastly, Chester is also a Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor. As such, he is certified to teach the Maryland HQL, Wear & Carry, and the Maryland Wear & Carry refresher class. Tri-State Training is more than just a training – it’s a community of passionate individuals united by a shared love of responsible gun ownership and self-defense.

From Military Service to Civilian Training: A Personal Journey

My name is Chester Sprankle, I have dedicated a significant portion of my life to serving in the military as a Military Policeman. Over a span of 6 1/2 years, I had the privilege of serving my country. During this time I honed my skills with a variety of firearms that are integral to military operations.

Military Journey

My journey began with rigorous training and qualification with the iconic M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol. Later I transitioned to the Beretta M9, which is an essential tool in law enforcement. Alongside these handguns, I became proficient with the M16A2 rifle. I focused on mastering accuracy and reliability in various scenarios.

Beyond standard infantry weapons, my training extended to specialized equipment such as the M203 40mm grenade launcher. Furthermore, handling the formidable M60 machine gun underscored the importance of firepower and control under pressure.


Overseas Experience

One of the most defining chapters of my military career was my assignment in Nuremberg, Germany. Stationed there during the fall of the Berlin Wall, I witnessed major historical shifts firsthand. Consequently, this experience deepened my understanding of security dynamics and reinforced the importance of readiness.

Transition to Civilian Life

After my service in Germany, I transferred to Fort Meade, MD. There, I spent the final three years of my military career in law enforcement duties. As a result, this phase allowed me to apply my military background to civilian contexts. I focused heavily on community safety and strict legal standards.

Sharing Knowledge and Skills

Today, I am committed to sharing my wealth of experience and expertise through Tri-State Training, LLC. Whether you are a beginner looking for safe firearm handling or an experienced shooter aiming to enhance tactical proficiency, I offer personalized training programs. My approach emphasizes safety, practical application, and respect for firearms. Therefore, I am passionate about empowering individuals with necessary safety skills.


Join me at Tri-State Training, LLC, where military precision meets civilian education. Together, we can ensure a safer community of firearm enthusiasts.

Ready to train with an experienced professional? Contact us today to schedule your class or ask any questions!