CEO

Erika Gonzalez

Erika Gonzalez is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant with 22 years of distinguished service, known for her leadership, precision, and dedication to excellence. Throughout her decorated career, she served as a Contracting Officer, managing and executing millions of dollars in government contracts in support of critical defense operations. Her ability to lead teams, oversee complex projects, and maintain the highest ethical standards earned her recognition as one of the most reliable and mission-focused professionals in her field.

In addition to her contracting expertise, Erika served as a Drill Instructor at both Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and San Diego, where she played a vital role in shaping the next generation of Marines. Through discipline, mentorship, and uncompromising leadership, she instilled in her recruits the values of honor, courage, and commitment — the same principles that continue to guide her work today.

Erika’s career exemplifies excellence in leadership, organizational management, and operational execution. Her proven ability to adapt, inspire, and lead teams under pressure has made her an invaluable asset both in uniform and in business. She has successfully transitioned her military experience into the private sector, applying her extensive background in government operations, logistics, and leadership development to build and manage high-performing teams.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Battle-Tested Training Group LLC, Erika is the strategic backbone of the organization — overseeing operations, partnerships, and program development. Her mission is to empower individuals and organizations through structured, real-world training programs that uphold the same discipline and standards of excellence she maintained throughout her Marine Corps career. Under her leadership, Battle-Tested Training Group continues to expand its reach, bringing elite-level training and mentorship to communities across the nation.

Founder/Lead Instructor

Yoseph Gonzalez

Yoseph Gonzalez is a seasoned Marine Infantryman (0369, Infantry Unit Leader) with over 15 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his distinguished career, he served at every level within infantry battalions, including as Platoon Sergeant for a Scout Sniper Platoon, leading Marines in combat operations across Iraq and Afghanistan, where he earned Combat Valor awards for his leadership and courage under fire.

Beyond the battlefield, Yoseph served as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) and Range Safety Officer at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, shaping the next generation of Marines. He later held key leadership positions within III MEF as the Training and Operations Chief and Range SNCOIC for the Carlos Hathcock Range Complex in San Diego, California. In this role, he worked alongside specialized military units and partnered agencies, including the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, to develop advanced marksmanship and tactical training programs.

Following his military service, Yoseph has continued to serve as a government contractor for over four years, supporting the Range and Training Area Management (RTAM) division under TECOM as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Range Safety. He now contributes his extensive operational and technical expertise as part of the United States Pentagon, continuing his lifelong mission of advancing training excellence and operational readiness.

As the Founder of Battle-Tested Training Group LLC, Yoseph brings this unmatched background to every course—combining real-world experience, Marine Corps precision, and combat-proven instruction to develop confident, capable, and disciplined shooters across the nation.

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Instructor

Manny Torres

Manny Torres is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant with 22 years of exceptional service in infantry and security operations. His distinguished career reflects unwavering commitment, discipline, and leadership across multiple levels of command within the Marine Corps.

Throughout his service, Manny held numerous leadership positions in infantry battalions, including serving as Operations Chief, where he was responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale training and operational missions. His strategic approach to readiness and mission execution ensured that the units under his supervision operated with precision and efficiency in both training and combat environments.

As a member of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST Company) and the Marine Corps Security Forces, Manny was entrusted with carrying out some of the military’s most critical rapid-response and high-security operations. He completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where his leadership and courage under fire earned him Combat Valor medals. His extensive experience in tactical operations, close-quarters battle (CQB), force protection, and threat response has made him a respected expert in modern combat tactics and operational leadership.

Manny’s ability to lead from the front, mentor subordinates, and maintain composure in the most demanding environments has established him as a role model throughout the Marine Corps and the tactical training community. His passion for developing others and his relentless pursuit of excellence continue to define his professional journey.

After retiring from active duty, Manny transitioned into the defense industry, where he has served as a government contractor for over four years, supporting critical missions within the Department of Defense. His work has focused on enhancing operational efficiency, improving training systems, and maintaining the highest standards of readiness and safety.

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Long Range Precision

Instructor

Kenn Ward

Kenn Ward is a Marine Corps Infantry veteran and law enforcement professional with over 15 years of combined service dedicated to precision, discipline, and tactical excellence. He began his career in the Marine Corps as an 0331 Machine Gunner and later earned his place among the elite as a Marine Sniper, operating in demanding environments where accuracy, composure, and mission execution were paramount.

Following his honorable service, Kenn transitioned into law enforcement, where he has continued to serve as a SWAT Sniper and tactical operator. In this role, he has participated in numerous high-risk operations, applying his advanced knowledge in long-range precision shooting, target identification, and threat response to safeguard lives and support mission success. His unique background bridges both military and law enforcement worlds, bringing real-world perspective and depth to every aspect of his instruction.

With over a decade and a half of operational experience in sniper employment, small-unit tactics, and advanced marksmanship, Kenn is known for his calm leadership and technical mastery. His instruction style focuses on building confidence through fundamentals, emphasizing accuracy, mindset, and adaptability under stress — traits that define true professionals in the precision shooting community.

As the Long-Range Precision Instructor at Battle-Tested Training Group LLC, Kenn brings his combat and operational expertise to each course, teaching students how to balance precision with tactical decision-making. His mission is to ensure that every student leaves with the ability to read wind, calculate distance, and engage targets effectively under any condition. Kenn’s commitment to excellence and real-world experience make him an invaluable part of the Battle-Tested team.

Law Enforcement

Instructor

Nelson Hernandez

Lt. Nelson Hernandez is a seasoned law enforcement professional with more than 15 years of service dedicated to public safety, leadership, and tactical excellence. Throughout his career with the Sheriff's Office, he has built a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to developing the next generation of law enforcement officers.

For over a decade, Lt. Hernandez has served as a member of the agency's Special Response Team (SRT), including more than 10 years as a Team Leader. In this role, he has led high-risk operations, critical incident responses, warrant services, and tactical deployments requiring decisive leadership and effective team coordination under pressure. His extensive operational experience provides him with a practical understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals in dynamic environments.

With over 15 years of experience in patrol operations, tactical response, leadership development, and law enforcement training, Lt. Hernandez is recognized for his ability to translate real-world experience into effective instruction. His teaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, sound decision-making, accountability, and the confidence required to perform when it matters most.

As the Primary Law Enforcement Instructor for Battle-Tested Training Group LLC, Lt. Hernandez brings a wealth of operational knowledge and leadership experience to every course. His mission is to prepare officers with the skills, mindset, and confidence necessary to succeed in today's complex operational environment. Through realistic training and proven methodologies, he is committed to helping students enhance their capabilities and perform at the highest level.