Mike has extensive formal training and experience in all phases of military and law enforcement training. Currently a co-host on the popular t.v. show The Best Defense, Seeklander has authored two books, numerous articles, and more than 20 lesson plans specifically related to basic and advanced firearms training.
Previously, Mike served as the Branch Chief and lead instructor for the Firearms division, and as an instructor for the Tactics and Physical Training divisions at the Federal Air Marshal Training Division in Atlantic City, N.J., where he was responsible for the development, implementation and supervision of all firearms and tactical shoothouse instruction for the Federal Air Marshal Service. In addition, he served as a Federal Air Marshal, providing counter-terrorism security to commercial American air carriers nationwide.
A combat veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Seeklander served five years of active duty and four years of reserve duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was an intelligence specialist and marksmanship instructor. Prior to receiving his honorable discharge in 2000, he was attached to a Federal multi-agency task force investigating large-scale international drug trafficking.
From 1995-98, Seeklander served in the Knox County (TN) Sheriff’s Department’s Corrections division and was a member of its highly trained Special Operations Response Team. From 1998-2001, he worked as a police officer for the Knoxville (TN) Police Department where he was assigned as a patrol officer and also as an investigator for the Organized Crime section, investigating narcotics and vice-related crimes at the local, state and federal levels.
Seeklander is the recipient of numerous awards and honors in the law enforcement community, and as a semi-professional shooter. He is a former Tennessee State Pistol Champion (2000), Georgia State Pistol Champion (2001), Multi time-South Carolina State Pistol Champion (2004), Northeast (Area 7) regional champion, as well as a top ten finisher in the handgun and multi-gun (rifle, shotgun, pistol) national championships. Seeklander has placed highly in every major practical type championship on the circuit including the World Speed Shooting championships and Action Pistol championships. He is currently ranked as a Grandmaster by the United States Practical Shooting Championship. Having competed in the shooting sports nationally, Mike adds to this experience with more than 15 years of experience in various martial arts holding multiple ranks including a Black Belt in Okinawan Freestyle Karate.