Many veterans transition from military service to new careers. The path can be difficult. Frank McGaha’s journey from US Navy helicopter crew chief to a respected law enforcement training director shows how dedication and mentorship change lives. His story offers inspiration and practical lessons for those seeking a career in public service, especially law enforcement.
Frank McGaha is a US Navy veteran and former police officer. He now leads Armagon Consulting and Training. This firm specializes in helping law enforcement professionals. He provides recruiting, coaching, and career development. Tim Staton highlights Frank’s mission. He helps others succeed in law enforcement.
Frank’s journey began in southern New Jersey. He enlisted in the US Navy at 19. His naval career spanned six years, from 2009 to 2015. He completed three deployments to the Middle East. He started in Naval Special Warfare training but a serious injury changed his path. Stress fractures led to compression fractures. He thought his military career was over.
A senior chief guided him towards aviation. He became a helicopter crewman. This role had its own special aspects. Frank McGaha states, “He told me, hey, if you do this, you could still, you know, probably work in NSW and do stuff along those lines. I said, great, sign me up.” This mentorship was vital. It reshaped his career. He learned mental toughness during this time.
His military experience provided a foundation. He learned camaraderie, discipline, and situational awareness. Physical fitness and mental toughness were key takeaways. Frank McGaha stresses, “There’s not a single thing that I don’t use today.” These lessons were critical for his next career.
Frank always had an interest in law enforcement. After the Navy, he pursued conservation law enforcement. He loved being outdoors. Western North Carolina was ideal. It was where his family was from. The National Park Service Law Enforcement Program had an academy there. He attended.
He received good mentorship. He became Sergeant of his academy. He served as a backcountry law enforcement ranger in Smoky Mountain National Park. He called it the “best job ever.” He later transferred to Washington, D.C. He joined the Government Publishing Office Police. This federal agency offered new opportunities.
His career grew quickly. He credits good leaders and mentors. He became officer in charge of the federal special weapons unit. He also served as lead protection officer for presidential appointees. He worked under both President Obama and President Trump.
Military injuries began affecting him. He found a passion for instruction. He became an instructor for various disciplines. This led him to establish Armagon Consulting and Training in 2020. His firm focuses on helping law enforcement candidates. He helps them get into law enforcement and succeed in their careers.
Frank McGaha describes the early stages. He realized his time in law enforcement was limited due to injuries. He pursued instructing. He noticed a significant gap in training. Many officers struggled with basic qualifications. For example, failing firearms qualification was a common reason for suspension.
He initially offered broad training. He taught tactical medicine, CPR, firearms, and professional development. Traction was slow. Mentors suggested social media. He started sharing his knowledge online. Videos about “how to become a police officer” gained significant attention. They received thousands of views.
Frank faced a major decision. He was in law school, almost on a full scholarship. His business was gaining momentum. He had to choose between law school and his growing company. He chose to focus on the business.
He recalled a mentor’s advice. If people consistently ask a question and want its answer, there’s a business opportunity. This was true for law enforcement careers. Many aspiring officers sought guidance. They asked about becoming a cop or entering federal law enforcement.
He learned about the struggles of candidates. The legal jargon was confusing. Third-party evaluators often lacked investment in the candidates’ success. These evaluators included psychologists and polygraphers. They focused on their time, not the candidate. Frank McGaha explains, “The more time you spend in my office, the less I’m making an hour.”
He decided to go “all in” on his business. He left law school. This was a bet on himself. It worked. He dedicated himself to Armagon Consulting and Training.
Armagon Consulting and Training (ACT) helps law enforcement candidates. They navigate the hiring process. They also assist with transitioning into law enforcement. They help officers succeed in the academy.
The company offers several services:
ACT screens all coaching candidates. This ensures they can genuinely help. They do not accept individuals with automatic disqualifiers. These include dishonorable discharges or felony convictions. This careful screening maintains their high success rate.
The hiring process for law enforcement is competitive. Frank McGaha provides a numerical perspective. A department with 10 vacancies might receive 500 to 1,000 applications. Only a small fraction makes it through. Mistakes on applications can eliminate candidates early. Testing phases further reduce numbers. Written exams and physical exams are common hurdles.
Consider this example:
This process highlights the odds. Frank McGaha calls it “one in 500” if someone is “winging it.” A typical hiring process involves 11 phases. Each phase requires a pass to continue.
ACT’s one-on-one coaching program boasts an 80% success rate. This high rate stems from close collaboration. Coaching continues until the candidate gets hired. Frank McGaha says, “I really don’t accept option number two.” The remaining 20% are individuals who do not follow through.
One-on-one coaching is crucial. Tim Staton points out its importance. It leads to significantly higher success compared to peer groups or communities. Frank’s team closely monitors progress. They ensure homework gets done. This accountability is a key differentiator.
The value of this training is clear. In a field where competition is fierce, guidance is essential. Frank’s approach addresses common pitfalls. He ensures candidates are prepared for every step.
Frank offers advice to anyone considering public service. This includes military, law enforcement, or EMT roles. Every aspect of one’s life will be evaluated. Honesty is paramount. Recruiters might suggest withholding information. This can backfire during polygraphs or security clearances.
Frank McGaha advises, “Everything that you do in life is going to be evaluated and judged.” This means integrity is vital. Transparency from the start prevents issues later. His experiences underscore the importance of preparation. They also highlight the ethical conduct required in public service.
Frank McGaha’s journey showcases the impact of mentorship and dedication. His transition from the Navy to law enforcement provides valuable insights. He identified a critical need for structured guidance. He built a successful company to fill this void. His commitment to equipping officers makes a positive community impact. His story is a testament to betting on oneself. It demonstrates the power of providing others with the tools to succeed. His work strengthens the law enforcement profession one candidate at a time.
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