Protect Academy 82nd

Civilian Training with a Military Mindset

Protect Academy was built on a foundational truth: preparation builds confidence, and discipline builds calm. Founded on airborne military experience and decades of protective instruction, we bring structured, responsible training to civilians who want to be capable rather than fearful. We empower everyday people to think clearly, move deliberately, and respond responsibly in high-stress situations. This is not combat training; this is mindset training.

Defining the Military Mindset

In our curriculum, a military mindset does not equate to aggression. Instead, it represents situational awareness before reaction, calm decision-making under pressure, and radical personal responsibility. It is about structured repetition and maintaining leadership in moments of uncertainty. We apply these professional principles to the environments where you live and work—homes, offices, schools, and public spaces.

Who We Train

Our doors are open to parents, educators, business owners, and security professionals. We provide a focused environment for women seeking self-defense skills and any citizen who desires greater awareness and confidence. No prior experience is required to begin your training.

Instructor Cub Lewis

Graydon “Cub” Lewis Jr. is a U.S. Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division (1/508th Infantry). Drawing on his background as a paratrooper, he founded the 82nd Tactical Unit Complex to provide disciplined, safety-driven leadership and tactical training.

Through a strategic partnership with Lt. Col. Itay Gil’s Protect Academy, Cub integrat

Through a strategic partnership with Lt. Col. Itay Gil’s Protect Academy, Cub integrates elite international defensive standards with over twenty years of firearms and situational awareness expertise. His mission is to develop confident, accountable individuals through rigorous preparation and integrity.

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Itay Gil

Instructor Cub Lewis

Lieutenant Colonel Itay Gil, Ph.D., is a distinguished veteran of Israel’s elite Yamam counter-terror unit and a world-renowned authority on close-quarters combat. With over 37 years of operational experience, he has served as the Chief Instructor for the Israel Border Police and currently acts as a Strategic Mission Planner for IDF speci

Beyond the battlefield, Dr. Gil has spearheaded security training for the Israeli and Ukrainian presidencies and consulted for premier global agencies including the FBI, HRT, and Spetsnaz Alpha Group.

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Aaron Ames

Instructor Cub Lewis

Jason Wyman

Certified Security Professional, Certified Executive Protection Specialist, Certified Close Combat Firearms Instructor, Owner/Operator AK Security Consultants

Jason Wyman

Iraq veteran with extensive experience in the tactical industry. Tactical medical and firearms instructor for Muzzle Front LLC.

Tim Achorn

Jason Wyman

Tim Achorn

Tim Achorn, a '79 alumnus and retired Navy Commander, is the Director of the Center for Professional Mariner Development (CPMD) at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in Brewer, ME. He leads professional maritime training, bringing extensive experience in the industry to his role as a director and instructor.

The Maine Maritime Academy

CPMD stands out by offering flexible scheduling options, including regularly scheduled trainings and customizable a-la-carte selections. We prioritize your convenience, understanding the demands of your busy lifestyle. Our commitment to excellence extends to individuals and corporate entities alike. We take pride in delivering a world-class student experience within our state-of-the-art facilities, situated in the picturesque mid-coast region of Maine.

Maine Maritime Academy's Center for Professional Mariner Development (CPMD) is a renowned institution dedicated to fulfilling your STCW certification and maritime training requirements with the utmost professionalism. Whether you prefer online, hybrid, or in-person learning, our expansive array of courses, totaling over 40 diverse options, are meticulously crafted to cater to your training needs.CPMD stands out by offering flexible scheduling options, including regularly scheduled trainings and customizable a-la-carte selections. We prioritize your convenience, understanding the demands of your busy lifestyle.

Our commitment to excellence extends to individuals and corporate entities alike. We take pride in delivering a world-class student experience within our state-of-the-art facilities, situated in the picturesque mid-coast region of Maine.Explorer our comprehensive course listings to find upcoming offerings. Please contact us with questions or to inquire about scheduling a class that you do not currently see listed. Your journey towards maritime excellence begins here.

Excellent Location

The Center for Professional Mariner Development is centrally located in Bucksport, Maine. Thirty minutes from the Bangor International Airport, Bucksport is easily accessible by air and major roadways. Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the Appalachian Trail are within driving distance so you’ll have many options for outdoor adventures on land, too.

Join the Conversation: Cub’s Military Podcast

Beyond the training mat, we invite you to tune into our podcast hosted by Cub Lewis. As a 82nd Airborne veteran himself, Cub has created a dedicated space for open, authentic dialogue. It is a premier destination for Veterans to connect, but the invitation extends to everyone. Whether he is sharing his own experiences or inviting guests to pull up a chair and chat, the podcast is rooted in the same camaraderie and straight-talk that defines our academy. It’s more than just a broadcast; it’s a community hub where stories are told, lessons are shared, and the transition from military to civilian life is navigated together.