About Us.

23 Years.
One Mission.

Jason Ottum — Owner & Lead Instructor

Jason Ottum is the owner and lead instructor of CORE Firearms Academy. He served 23 years in the U.S. Army Infantry — eight years on active duty and the remainder with the Minnesota Army National Guard — spending much of his career as an Infantry Squad Leader. Leading and mentoring soldiers for more than two decades shaped his calm, structured approach to training and reinforced his belief that safety, clear communication, and personal responsibility are the foundation of responsible firearm handling.

Jason holds an A.S. in Law Enforcement, giving him a strong academic grounding in public safety, communication, and ethical decision-making. He also brings extensive experience from both hotel security and the private security sector. His work in hotels taught him how to balance safety with customer service in fast-paced public environments, while his armed security work for private clients strengthened his professionalism, discretion, and ability to stay composed under pressure. These experiences support the steady, student-focused teaching style he brings to CORE.

As an NRA-certified instructor, Jason focuses on helping adults build real confidence through practical, judgment-free education. His teaching reflects the CORE values of Confidence, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence, and he is committed to creating a welcoming environment where every student feels supported as they learn.

Outside the classroom, Jason serves as a Scoutmaster for a troop in South Minneapolis, where mentorship, service, and community responsibility continue to guide his approach to leadership and instruction.