Jeremy Gray
I began my tactical career at the age of 17 when I joined the United States Air Force. I was stationed in the United Kingdom, where I not only served my country but also discovered my passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. During my time in the Air Force, I developed a strong foundation in leadership, firearms manipulation, combat medical training, and more.
In 2009, I forward deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I served honorably for six years until I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that ultimately ended my military career.
After transitioning out of the service, I pursued my lifelong dream of becoming a law enforcement officer in Kansas. I started as a patrol officer and eventually transferred to a specialized unit focused on investigating street-level narcotics. Our team also executed narcotics search warrants and conducted high-risk vehicle encounters. Not long after joining the unit, I was designated as our shield operator.
Early on, I encountered a significant gap in training: while ballistic shields were readily available, comprehensive training on how to use them effectively in a team environment was lacking. Most courses focused heavily on shooting from behind the shield, with minimal instruction on maneuvering through tight, confined spaces as a cohesive unit.
I sought out advanced shield training from multiple out-of-state programs, and I began to see a troubling trend—departments weren’t struggling to afford ballistic shields; they were struggling to properly implement them due to inadequate training.
Today, I also serve on a Kansas law enforcement SWAT team as a ballistic shield operator. Drawing from thousands of hours of training, hundreds of tactical entries, and numerous high-risk vehicle stops and barricaded subject deployments, I’ve developed my own ballistic shield curriculum.
Throughout my career, I’ve heard many team members dismiss ballistic shields as cumbersome or ineffective. The common criticisms are that shields are too heavy, too bulky, and require too much specialized training. But the reality is that ballistic shield technology has evolved—they're now lighter, stronger, and more adaptable than ever.
At Gray Matter Solutions, we’re committed to changing the narrative. When used properly, ballistic shields are not a burden—they are a force multiplier. With the right training and integration, they can dramatically improve team safety, mobility, and effectiveness in high-threat environments.
In 2009, I forward deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I served honorably for six years until I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that ultimately ended my military career.
After transitioning out of the service, I pursued my lifelong dream of becoming a law enforcement officer in Kansas. I started as a patrol officer and eventually transferred to a specialized unit focused on investigating street-level narcotics. Our team also executed narcotics search warrants and conducted high-risk vehicle encounters. Not long after joining the unit, I was designated as our shield operator.
Early on, I encountered a significant gap in training: while ballistic shields were readily available, comprehensive training on how to use them effectively in a team environment was lacking. Most courses focused heavily on shooting from behind the shield, with minimal instruction on maneuvering through tight, confined spaces as a cohesive unit.
I sought out advanced shield training from multiple out-of-state programs, and I began to see a troubling trend—departments weren’t struggling to afford ballistic shields; they were struggling to properly implement them due to inadequate training.
Today, I also serve on a Kansas law enforcement SWAT team as a ballistic shield operator. Drawing from thousands of hours of training, hundreds of tactical entries, and numerous high-risk vehicle stops and barricaded subject deployments, I’ve developed my own ballistic shield curriculum.
Throughout my career, I’ve heard many team members dismiss ballistic shields as cumbersome or ineffective. The common criticisms are that shields are too heavy, too bulky, and require too much specialized training. But the reality is that ballistic shield technology has evolved—they're now lighter, stronger, and more adaptable than ever.
At Gray Matter Solutions, we’re committed to changing the narrative. When used properly, ballistic shields are not a burden—they are a force multiplier. With the right training and integration, they can dramatically improve team safety, mobility, and effectiveness in high-threat environments.
TYLER RICHARDS
BIO coming soon
Adam Ward
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My tactical career began in 2013 when I joined the United States Army. It was there I first developed a deep understanding of teamwork, communication, and leadership. I deployed to Syria, where I led a 20-Soldier element providing high-threat security operations in an austere combat environment. During this deployment, I had the opportunity to train in hostage rescue tactics alongside various federal law enforcement and military agencies, gaining exposure to advanced techniques and joint operations.
In 2016, I transitioned to a career in law enforcement in the state of Kansas. I served as a patrol officer for five years, where I quickly noticed a gap in shield deployment training—often being handed a ballistic shield and told to “figure it out.” This lack of formal instruction became a turning point in my professional development.
Later, I joined a specialized unit focused on street-level narcotics enforcement. Our team was responsible for executing numerous narcotics search warrants, and I frequently operated in the shield cover position during tactical entries. This hands-on experience allowed me to refine and pressure-test shield tactics in real-world conditions.
In addition to my role in narcotics enforcement, I concurrently serve on a SWAT team in Kansas, where my primary responsibility is breaching. This dual role in shield deployment and breaching has given me a well-rounded tactical background rooted in operational experience.
In 2016, I transitioned to a career in law enforcement in the state of Kansas. I served as a patrol officer for five years, where I quickly noticed a gap in shield deployment training—often being handed a ballistic shield and told to “figure it out.” This lack of formal instruction became a turning point in my professional development.
Later, I joined a specialized unit focused on street-level narcotics enforcement. Our team was responsible for executing numerous narcotics search warrants, and I frequently operated in the shield cover position during tactical entries. This hands-on experience allowed me to refine and pressure-test shield tactics in real-world conditions.
In addition to my role in narcotics enforcement, I concurrently serve on a SWAT team in Kansas, where my primary responsibility is breaching. This dual role in shield deployment and breaching has given me a well-rounded tactical background rooted in operational experience.