Start one conversation.
Choose the stage that fits your daughter. Read the guidance, try the words, and listen to how she thinks.
Read the age-by-age guide ↗The Raising Tactical Daughters community
The shield mattered.
The people made it.
Parents. Daughters. Supporters. A shared belief that girls deserve to grow up strong, prepared, and confident.
RTD began with a father’s responsibility to his daughter. Other people saw their own families in that idea, and carried it much farther.
See the community ↓
The community
we built
150,000+People reached
35States
4Countries
Historical
community reach.
More than a shirt
A way to say:
she deserves to be ready.
A shirt made the idea visible. The purpose behind it was practical: support preparation, start conversations, and help women and girls build confidence in their own decisions.
Proceeds supported in-person and online training for women. Families shared the message. First responders and service members carried the shield into their own communities.
The reach matters because of the people behind it. The photographs and reflections here are part of that history.
Read how RTD started ↗The community archive
Different lives.
The same belief.
A broader look at the people who wore the shield and helped make Raising Tactical Daughters a community.
RTD in the news
The story, in their words.
ABC15 Arizona · Sonoran Living
Watch the conversation.
A television appearance introducing Raising Tactical Daughters and its message.
Watch the segment ↗VoyagePhoenix · April 2020Meet the founder.
An interview with Kevin M. Coles about the beginning of Raising Tactical Daughters.
Read the interview ↗Peoria IndependentA story that started locally.
Coverage of Raising Tactical Daughters in the Arizona community where it began.
Read the coverage ↗What Families Are Saying
Madison R.
"I was nervous going into it but honestly had a lot of fun. Learned some stuff I never really thought about before. Definitely glad I went."
Kaylee M.
"I thought it was going to be boring but it really wasn't. Kevin made it fun and showed us things I wouldn't have known what to do in real life. I told my friends about it afterwards."
Jennifer S.
"My husband signed our daughter up and I'm glad he did. She had a great time and came home showing us what she learned. I think more girls should have the chance to do something like this."
Brian T.
"Really liked what Kevin was doing with this program. My girls learned a lot and he kept them interested the whole time. Would absolutely sign them up again."
Michael D.
"My youngest was pretty shy going in. By the end she was asking questions and getting involved. That was probably my favorite part. Would recommend it to other dads."
Keep the purpose moving
You can put it to work today.
Practice a real situation.
Use the free field guide for fifteen exercises, a family safety agreement, and a plan you can revisit.
Download the workbook (PDF) ↓Bring parents together.
Start the conversation at your school, parent group, or community organization with Kevin M. Coles.
Explore speaking ↗Schools & parent groups
Bring the conversation
to your community.
Invite Kevin M. Coles to speak about awareness, confidence, and preparing daughters for greater independence.
Explore speaking