Jeff Burns

Twenty-five years of covert operations and law enforcement teaches you a specific way of thinking about gear: it either runs when your life depends on it, or it doesn’t. Everything else is marketing.

My career has spanned close protection and covert operations across both government and private sectors, trained to U.S. Department of State WPS2 standards, with board certifications in Dignitary & Executive Protection (CDEP) and as a Certified Master Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CMAS). I carry multiple firearms instructor and armorer certifications and have trained in Advanced Urban Warfare, Special Operations tactics, and Hostage Rescue for Hostile Environments. I’m also the author of Patriot Gangster, a published trilogy drawing on both sides of that experience — 22 years embedded in outlaw motorcycle club culture alongside my operational career, covered in a Kirkus review and reviewed across independent book press.

My role at CAT Outdoors is expert review. When Justin and the team cover defensive gear, carry pistols, SHTF loadouts, or home defense products, I stress-test the recommendations against what I’ve actually seen work and fail in hostile environments. Most gear is fine for range day. The question I’m asking is whether it still works when range day is the last thing you’re worried about. That’s the filter I apply to every review with my name on it.