Kirk's Loadout: Guns, Gear, Tactics
Updated: Apr 13, 2022
By Nathaniel Free
VALOR Forge is pleased to introduce Kirk Holmer as a guest content creator and expert reviewer for our Rucksack category, specializing in reviews of gear, technology, innovation, training, and tactics.
As a hunter, soldier and competitive shooter, firearms have been a huge part of Holmer’s life. He joined the military in 1998 as an infantryman but soon went through the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) or, informally, the “Q Course,” to transfer to the Army Special Forces. As a Green Beret, Holmer has instructed soldiers and law enforcement officers from at least 14 countries. Additionally, he has completed additional training in courses such as the Special Forces Sniper Course (SFSC) level 2, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC), Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC) and he earned and maintained Expert Marksman Qualification with rifle and pistol for 20 consecutive years.
In 2012, Holmer was selected to serve as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of 19 SFG(A) Advanced Skills Detachment. He planned and taught Special Forces Sniper Course (SFSC) level 2, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC), and was later selected to serve as NCOIC of The Small Arms Readiness Training Section for the Utah National Guard, where he trained more than 4,000 Guard members in combat pistol and rifle marksmanship.
While in the military, Holmer began competing in national and international shooting competitions. He was selected as a member of the All Guard teams, including the Combat, Action and Tactical teams. As an All Guard competitor, he earned both the distinguished rifle and the distinguished pistol shot badges, as well as the Chief's 50 Badge for both rifle and pistol. In 2018, Holmer was selected to serve as the Region VII Marksmanship Advisory Council (MAC) Representative. During his competitive shooting career, he had the following placements:
First Place overall in the 2017, 2018, 2019 Utah National Guard Adjutant General’s match.
2019 First Place Pistol, Second Place Rifle and First overall in the Marksmanship Advisory. Council (MAC) Region VII match.
2019 13th overall and 5th in multigun at the All Army Small Arms Championship.
4th Overall in the 2019 Winston P. Wilson Small Arms Championship.
Selected to represent the United States National Guard in two international matches, in which he also shot for the overall champion team:
-- 7th in the 2019 Armed Forces Skills at Arms Meeting
-- 2nd with pistol in the 2019 Royal Dutch Army National match
First place Limited Division at 2020 Blue Line 3 Gun Match.
Third Place Heavy Division at the 2020 Wyoming Governor’s Match for the United Multi Gun League.
Second Place Limited Division at 2021 Blue Line 3 Gun Match.
Current Tactical Games Masters 40+ division National Champion.
7 podium finishes in The Tactical Games.
Holmer is passionate about shooting, whether it’s competing in shooting sports, hunting, or mentoring competitors. He is currently coaching more than 20 shooters through his dry-fire training program and is personally helping to grow a strong female presence in male dominated tactical shooting competitions. He is also spearheading pro-Second Amendment youth training and competitions in Utah with the goal of continuing shooting competition and training for many generations to come.
Holmer is currently a brand partner specialist, overseeing all of Black Rifle Coffee Company shooting sports involvement, the lead marksmanship coach for the Tactical Games, and he is a Staccato 2011 endorsed athlete.
If you would like to reach out to Holmer for endorsements, public speaking engagements, or gear reviews, please email shooterfreedomtactical@gmail.com or email our editorial staff.
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