The people who join the Georgia State Defense Force bring a wealth of knowledge and skills into the service. These individuals not only benefit the Georgia State Defense Force but also play a vital role in supporting the Georgia National Guard. One such person who brings a wealth of skills and knowledge is Capt. Michael Makropoulos. Serving as an instructor with the Georgia National Guard Marksmanship Unit at Fort Stewart and as a coach for the marksmanship team, Capt. Makropoulos is instrumental in improving the precision and readiness of National Guard soldiers. His expertise with the M17 and M18 SIG platforms and his role in leading the Small Arms Leadership Course twice a year demonstrate his commitment to ensuring troops receive exceptional training and preparation.
Capt. Makropoulos’ contributions extend beyond marksmanship, leveraging decades of experience in the private sector to support National Guard operations. As the owner of Palisades International, an executive protection firm staffed by prior and active military agents, he brings real-world expertise to Protective Security Detail (PSD) training. At the request of National Guard NCO leadership, Capt. Makropoulos delivered critical PSD instruction for soldiers deploying overseas this year, focusing on advance work and protective intelligence. His training equips these soldiers with the skills they need to safeguard senior officers in high-risk environments, reflecting his ability to translate civilian knowledge into actionable military training.
In addition to his instructing roles, Capt. Makropoulos continues to support National Guard events such as the Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition, where he serves as cadre, ensuring range safety and providing on-the-spot instruction. With nearly 50 years of experience in security, operations, and technology management, his leadership and expertise greatly benefit the National Guard’s mission readiness. A member of the GSDF for over a decade, Capt. Makropoulos’ dedication is driven by a deep sense of duty instilled as the son of a career U.S. Army officer. His service is a testament to how individuals in the Georgia State Defense Force can bridge military service and civilian expertise to strengthen both organizations and serve the state of Georgia effectively.
CAPT. MICHAEL MAKROPOULOS BRINGS SKILLS, TALENTS, AND EXPERIENCE TO THE STATE
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Capt. Michael Makropoulos Brings Skills, Talents, and Experience to the State
PAO Q&A by Capt. Beverly Shepard and Pvt. Ryan C. Thomas
In case you missed it, WSB Radio (95.5) interviewed Capt. Michael Makropoulos earlier this year. Capt. Makropoulos has been a guest on multiple radio shows in the past. The WSB interview, which aired in July 2024, centered around his civilian work, but Capt. Makropoulos uses his skills to benefit the state of Georgia in many ways.
As a civilian, Capt. Makropoulos is a senior-level executive with nearly 50 years of security, operations and technology management experience. He has led many different groups, programs and initiatives, both nationally and internationally.
He owns Palisades International, an executive protection firm with more than 25 prior and active service military agents. The firm provides security for celebrities, elected officials, and dignitaries, and others.
His certifications include:
• U.S. Concealed Carry Association Instructor • NRA Chief Range Safety Officer • Engagement Skills Trainer II Advanced Warfare Weapons Simulator • Ammunition Supply Point Tactical Weapons Instructor • Military Range Officer
In his GSDF capacity, Capt. Makropoulos serves as executive officer for GSDF Headquarters and Headquarters Company.
Capt. Makropoulos is an instructor with the Georgia National Guard Marksmanship Unit at Fort Stewart. He is also a coach for the Georgia National Guard marksmanship team.
Q1. You own a security company. What skills does that allow you to use with your service to the state of Georgia?
A. I am a Georgia state arms instructor. I serve as Cadre for the Georgia National Guard Marksmanship unit at Fort Stewart, Ga. Each year, I instruct at the Small Arms Leadership Course twice—once in the spring and once in the fall. I have been doing this for the past 8 years or so. I specialize in the new SIG weapons platforms rolled out about two years ago, the M17 & M18 pistols.
Q2. You assist with training with the Georgia National Guard. What type of training?
A. Because of my private life of owning an Executive Protection firm, I was asked by the NCO leadership of the National Guard 178th Military Police to come in and instruct on Protective Security Detail (PSD) to 5 NCOs deploying this year to cover a senior officer overseas. I went to their drill in March to instruct a basic course on Advance Work and Protective Intelligence. The NCOs are then attending the PSD school in April. I will come in again in May and teach an advanced course.
Q3. Will you work with the upcoming Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition? In what capacity?
A. I will serve as Cadre helping to run the state match, monitor for range safety, and simultaneously adding instruction, when needed.
Q4. Do you prefer to instruct or to participate in competitions. What drives your preference?
A. I now prefer to instruct, although I still compete in civilian and protection industry matches a few times a year.
Q5. Your WBS interview was in July. From a civilian perspective, have you done similar interviews?
A. A few, over the years, but I am highly selective. We are called the “Quiet Professionals” because we seldom, if ever, talk about our protection details, clients, or other details about our industry.
Q6. When did you join the GSDF? What motivates you to serve in the GSDF?
A. I joined 10 years ago. Being a son of a career U.S. Army officer, I always wanted to serve. After working 2 years in the Middle East as a security contractor as a young man, I decided to pursue a civilian career in technology. After seeing the GSDF in action, I heard Maj. Clark Howard (GSDF, ret.) promoting the GSDF, and I joined.
The GSDF is an unarmed component of the Georgia Department of Defense. Weapons are used for training, sanctioned competitions, or other authorized purposes.
