The Enhanced Armed Guard credential allows a security officer to carry rifles and/or shotguns while on duty. This is a separate authorization from the standard Armed Guard registration and requires additional training, documentation, and instructor approval.

1. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Enhanced Armed Guard status, an individual must:

• Be 21 years of age or older
• Hold a valid Armed Security Guard registration
• Be legally allowed to possess firearms under state and federal law
• Complete a PPS‑approved Enhanced Armed Guard course
• Qualify with the specific long gun(s) they will carry
• Submit the Enhanced Armed Guard application and fees

2. Required Enhanced Armed Guard Training

Tennessee requires additional long‑gun‑specific training beyond the standard 12‑hour handgun course.

A. Classroom Instruction (Minimum 4 Hours Recommended by PPS)

Covers:

• Rifle/shotgun safety
• Long‑gun use‑of‑force considerations
• Ballistics and penetration concerns
• Duty deployment considerations
• Safe carry, storage, and transport
• Liability and legal issues specific to long guns

B. Practical Skills & Manipulation

Must include:

• Loading/unloading
• Ready positions
• Sling use
• Malfunction clearing
• Shoulder transitions (if applicable)
• Safe movement with a long gun

C. Live‑Fire Qualification

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate safe handling
• Fire a PPS‑approved long‑gun qualification course
• Qualify with each platform they intend to carry (rifle and/or shotgun)
• Score 70% or higher

D. Weapon‑Specific Authorization

The officer is only authorized to carry:

• The type of long gun they trained with (rifle and/or shotgun)
• The caliber and platform they qualified on

3. Instructor & Course Approval Requirements

Enhanced Armed Guard training must be taught by a PPS‑Certified Instructor who:

• Has PPS Instructor certification
• Has documented operational experience with long guns
• Has a PPS‑approved Enhanced Armed Guard course on file
• Uses a state‑approved qualification course of fire
• Maintains training records for PPS audits

Your military background (combat deployments, BRM/LRM instructor, .50 cal, etc.) satisfies the operational experience requirement.

4. Application Requirements

To receive Enhanced Armed Guard authorization, the applicant must submit:

• Enhanced Armed Guard application
• Proof of valid Armed Guard registration
• Enhanced Armed Guard training certificate
• Long‑gun qualification scores
• State fees

5. Background Restrictions

Enhanced Armed Guard applicants must meet all Armed Guard background requirements, including:

• No felony convictions
• No violent or weapon‑related misdemeanors (within 5 years)
• No drug‑related misdemeanors (within 5 years)
• No theft/fraud/dishonesty convictions (within 5 years)
• No domestic violence prohibitions
• No orders of protection restricting firearm possession
• Must not be prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)

If they cannot legally possess a long gun, PPS will deny the application.