Chris Fry is a life long martial arts student and instructor who has specialized in high-intensity force-on-force combatives simulation training since 1990. Chris holds instructor certifications in the filipino martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, multiple karate systems, Combat Concepts, less-lethal weapons, Fear Adrenaline Stress Training (F.A.S.T.), and various NRA and tactical firearms training programs. Chris is currently active in the executive protection industry working as a Protection Agent for PFC Safeguards. Additionally, Chris has graduated numerous commercial handgun, shotgun, carbine and tactical training courses conducted by industry experts totaling 1000+ hrs of training.

Chris is credited with developing many innovative rape prevention and child/student safety programs for schools and educational institutions. He is a subject matter expert in personal defense and an active member of the National Rifle Association, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, American Self Defense Institute, American Society for Industrial Security, FAST Defense Instructors Association and is the current director of education and training for the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. Chris holds a bachelor's degree in cytotechnology from S.U.N.Y. Health Science Center at Syracuse.

Chris is the owner and director of training and curriculum development for Modern Defensive Training Systems in Utica, NY where he conducts courses in reality driven practical combatives skills, extreme close quarters physical defense, tactical folding knife and edged weapon combatives and combative pistol, carbine and shotgun skills. Chris has been an active instructor with Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts in Nevada since 2003, servicing law enforcement, military and select government agencies. Chris is a certified AR15/M4/M16 and Glock armorer, contributor to various online firearms resource websites and a frequent presenter at national and international personal protection and small arms training conferences for both citizens and law enforcement.

Click here to see a complete training and instructional resume:
C.Fry Training & Instructional Resume


Luke Slatton

CPT Luke Slatton is an infantry officer in the US Army and an Army Ranger with significant combat experience. Luke spent more than 27 months deployed in support of the Global War on Terror (OIF/OEF). He has conducted combined arms combat operations with every branch of the military, and conducted operations with both foreign and domestic Private Military/Security Companies. Luke is a subject matter expert on small unit tactics and combined arms integration, with a focus on military operations in urban terrain (MOUT).

In conjunction with his experience as a combat leader, Luke spent more than a year as a training officer for an Airborne Infantry Battalion, where he developed training plans and doctrine. Luke has planned and executed countless small arms densities, live fire exercises, shoot-houses, and stress shoots; incorporating every weapon system from 9mm to .50 Cal. In addition, Luke has conducted joint training exercises with numerous foreign forces including, Thailand, Korea, Australia, and the UK. Luke is also a certified trainer of Modern Army Combatives.

Luke holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master’s Degree from Utica College. He is an instructor and training officer for Syracuse University ROTC, and lectures on International Humanitarian Law and Rules of Engagement for a graduate-level seminar. Luke is currently the military/veteran liaison for the Sitrin Health Care Center, helping to develop a state-of-the-art Veterans’ Rehabilitation Program.



Pat Scalise

Pat is currently a N.Y.S. Probation Officer with 26 years experience. His current assignments include but are not limited to electronic monitoring and surveillance, fugitive search officer, warrant execution unit, department field intelligence officer and staff training and development officer.

Pat has graduated numerous police DT programs as well as the Mohawk Valley Police Academy firearms school (DCJS approved), N.Y.S. Parole firearms/tactical program (DCJS approved) and certified collapsible baton course. He is a Certified N.Y.S. peace officer and is a graduate of the N.Y.S. Probation Academy.

While pursuing his duties as a peace officer Pat was Awarded his 5th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in 2000 from Seoul Korea. Pat is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a Bachelor's degree.

In addition to his duties as a trainer with MDTS, Pat currently operates one of the largest Tae Kwon Do Schools in the Upstate N.Y. region.



Marc Hutcheon

Marc has been working with MDTS since 2005 assisting with many of our core classes. He has 280 hours of firearms and tactics training time from industry experts such as FIRE, Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts, SouthNarc and Greg "Sully" Sullivan of Defensive Edge. Marc is an NRA Certified Instructor in Pistol, Home Safety and one of a very few who has attended every class MDTS offers.

Marc is a N.Y.S. Certified Armed Guard, active in the industry and has close protection experience for a Section 8 Housing manager. During 2008 Marc worked with a protective detail for a fortune 100 company.

Marc graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York Environmental Science and Forestry school. He is currently a biochemist and microbiologist with 19 years experience in handling biological samples and radioisotopes.

Marc actively promotes responsible firearms ownership and training. He runs a number of “practical/tactical” action shooting events annually at his club for central New York shooters, and actively competes with pistol, rifle and shotgun.

Marc prides himself on being a deer killer extraordinaire, with all weapons systems.


Dan Vaillancourt

Dan comes to MDTS from a competition background which started nearly 20 years ago. He’s participated in a full spectrum of events in this time. From NRA Bulls-eye pistol, rim fire and center-fire rifle, to trap shooting, NRA Action Pistol and the type of competition he enjoys the most: USPSA and IDPA action shooting in pistol, rifle and 3 gun events. His USPSA classification is over 83% and he holds a Master classification in IDPA Stock Service Pistol. The Stock Service Pistol classification is a reflection of Dan’s current mindset about training with MDTS: No use for gaming hardware, just actual tools you would carry and training with them in the closest approximation to reality possible. Whether it is an IDPA match or rolling around on the ground with an opponent engaged in a force-on-force evolution in a class.

Dan holds an NRA Instructor Certification in Pistol and is an NRA certified Range Safety Officer. He has held the position of Chief Range Instructor for his local home club and as a Range Officer with the National Range Officer Institute of USPSA. Dan is also one of a select few who has attended every class MDTS offers.

Dan holds an A.A.S. in Environmental Conservation. He is currently a NYS Correction Officer with 10 years experience.