Kevin Mante is a United States Air Force Security Forces Veteran (1988-1992) and a retired Illinois Law Enforcement Officer (1992-2019 Full-time, 2019-2023 Part- time). During his career, Kevin served with both county and municipal police agencies in the capacity of Patrol Officer/Deputy, Field Training Officer, Tactical Team Member, and Firearms Instructor/Armorer. He retired Full-time at the rank of Sergeant in 2019. 

Kevin obtained his initial Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Certification in 2001. Soon after, he was employed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) to instruct Basic Firearms Courses through the Illinois Mobile Training Team System. In 2003, Kevin obtained his Master Firearm Instructor Certification through the University of Illinois Police Training Institute (PTI). That same year, he joined the Staff at PTI teaching Basic Recruit Law Enforcement Firearms and Tactics Courses. In the following years, Kevin became a Primary Instructor at PTI teaching both Basic and Advanced Law Enforcement Firearms Classes. In 2019, Kevin assumed the Lead Instructor role in the Firearms Division at PTI and oversaw all training operations until 2024. In January 2024, Kevin accepted a new Full-time position as the Director of Safety and Security for a large School District in Central Illinois. As of 2026, he continues to serve in a related capacity as a Security Consultant with his own company as well as remaining on staff at PTI in a Part-time capacity.

In 2013, Kevin founded Applied Combative Solutions, LLC (ACS) after working for many years as a contract trainer and court recognized subject matter expert in firearms training/use of force. Since that time, ACS has taught basic through advanced firearms and tactics courses to several thousand Law Enforcement, Military, Contract Security, and members of the Public. Currently, ACS is contracted at a number of range locations throughout Illinois and provides Training, Security Consulting, and Expert Testimony Services statewide.

As a continual student, Kevin is a multiple course graduate of the Gunsite Academy (Handgun, Shotgun, and Rifle Classes). He has also trained with nationally recognized Instructors: Larry Vickers, Pat Rogers, Travis Haley, Jason Falla, Ernest Langdon and various others throughout his career.