Shortage of Female Bodyguards
By: Harlan (Hucky) Austin
More and more, female BODYGUARDS are being sought after by women celebrities. Because executive protection has been a male-dominated field, there is a lack of female talent from which women celebrities have to choose. Harlan Austin, President of BodyguardCareers.com attributes this shortage to the on-going perception that “size matters.”
The simple fact is that a successful bodyguard should never have to use violence or draw a weapon. The belief in “brawn over brains” is a misconception. With that in mind, there’s no reason to doubt a woman can successfully manage the job.
There is also a “boys club” attitude towards the field of Executive Protection, simply because the pools from which an bodyguard is selected has traditionally been from a male-dominated workforce; law enforcement, military personnel, martial arts and the like. Because women have now been more integrated into these traditionally male careers, they too, are candidates worthy of consideration for careers in executive protection.
Female executive protection specialists are as well trained in threat assessment, self-defense, weapons and tactics as their male counterparts. In addition, women have some highly prized skills that may be considered inherent in females–the ability to listen carefully, utilize intuitive skills and successfully manage conflict negotiations.
Women celebrities (Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce Knowles, and J K Rowling, to name a few) often gravitate toward female bodyguards. The preference is to have a protector who is attentive, alert, quick on their feet, and won’t draw attention in public–the way a 6′5, 350 pound man would. For some celebrities, even the need to have a Bodyguard on hand can feel disruptive to living a “normal” life. A female celebrity accompanied by a woman protector is a more natural fit and less obtrusive.
There may be fewer opportunities for female executive protection specialists, but because they are rare, these positions can be quite lucrative. If you are a woman interested in learning more about training programs or employment opportunities as an Executive Protection Specialist, contact Harlan Austin at hucky@bodyguardcareers.com for more information.
September 1st, 2006 at 2:00 pm
That is interesting I never really thought of a woman being a bodyguard. Never crossed my mind.
Thanks 4 the know and read!!!
Anita aka Nitabnpg
September 1st, 2006 at 4:51 pm
I definitely have this problem within my own organization. Of my staff of twenty and dwendling crews I only have three women and they are not on a stand bye calling list they need preparation of a detail and adequate time to make the call. I am searching the net and the ops for more qualified women who are interested in this position. Most are coming from our well trained killing machine uncle sam. Keep us posted on this adventure im sure their is more to come with this story….
September 2nd, 2006 at 3:25 pm
Greetings,
I am a female body guard and what I tend to find is the EP companies want me, but the Client wants the 6′ tall male. I am trained by Uncle Sam, but what the client gets is an effect, well trained and combat proven PSD Agent! If EP firms are interested in my skills, please contact me at karolyn.smith@us.army.mil and I will be happy to send a CV. Regards
Karolyn
September 3rd, 2006 at 11:35 pm
Female Executive Protection Agents
http://www.epwomen.com/
September 13th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
I am also a female bodyguard, with 4 yrs military police experience, currently looking for work, any takers, then contact me via email
September 23rd, 2006 at 8:59 am
I think that women would be great bodyguards. Can you imagine how “The Matrix” movies would be like if they had some “female” agents? That would be so kick ass!!!
Indy (Ian)
November 6th, 2006 at 10:45 am
WOULD LIKE MORE INFO ON BECOMING A FEMALE BODYGUARD
January 9th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
females, are greatly valued.. they have a capability to reach places further than male clients. such as if a client whom is a female and needs to go on a bathroom run males ethically cannot join females in public restrooms hence why female bodyguards are great and metilistic in this profession
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 am
[...] Unfortunately, no! I strongly urge women to get into this field. Executive Protection is something of a niche market-the majority of the industry is made up of [...]
September 10th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
HI
I HAVE BEEN IN SECURITY NEARLY 5 YEARS IN THE UK,CLOSE PROTECTION,DOOR SUPERVISOR,EVENT SECURITY,WOMEN HAVE THE CAPABILITYS TO DEAL WITH ALOT MORE IN THE PROFESSION THEN PEOPLE THINK,I HAVE A GREAT TEAM WHO WORK FOR ME, AND CONTACTS ALL OVER THE UK WHO CALL ME TO WORK WITH THEM,AND I AM THE ONLY FEMALE IN THE TEAMS,I HAVE PROTECTED VIP SPORT AND MEDIA CELEBRITIES IN VENUES AND ON LOCATIONS, SO YES WOMEN DO HAVE A PART IN THE BODYGUARD PROFESSION REGARDS SUE
September 10th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I AM 41 YRS OLD AN HAVE BEEN IN THE PHYCIATRIC NURSE BIZ 1OW I COULD MAKE IT 17 YRS AND HAVE TAKEN MEN 6/5 DOWN AND I WAS ALSO AN ABUSE VICTIM SO I HAVE NO FEAR OF ANYONE OR ANYTHING, MOST OF MY KNOWLEDGE IS WORK AND GROWING UP ON STREETS AND HAVING TO DEFEND MY OWN 2 BROTHERS FROM PUNKS, ID LUV TO HELP LINDSEY LOHAN OR BRITTANEY SPEARS OUT WITH ALL THEY GO THRU IT MAKES ME CRAZY WHAT THESES PHOTOGS DO TO THEM, ID LUV TO HELP THEM OUT.
October 9th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Hi
I have just opened a company in South Africa which specialises only in Female Bodyguards.
We have no other company here that specialises in this. I, myself have trained and worked with plenty Bodyguards in South Africa. We also have a shortage of Female Bodyguards here, and im hoping that having this Company we can all work together in making people more aware that Female Bodyguards are as successful in their work as Male Bodyguards.
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:57 am
Hi,
I have been doing security for 16 years part- time. I heard that they are looking for female’s in the industry for bodyguards. I am ready to do this fulltime. I am located in Atlanta, GA and I am very professional.
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Hi There, I am an Ex Recovery Agent of 14 years. I had to deal with alot of situations in my life for taking someone posessions, and think this would be a great challenge to my carrer. I am a 38 yr old female with alot to offer. I would need to be trained in this type of work but don’t know where to start. If intersted please drop me a line in my email. Thx
November 6th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Hello. I am looking for female bodyguards based in Hong Kong, or who have links to the area.
It’s for a feature I’m writing for the South China Morning Post.
If you can help, please email me at nadine.bateman@scmp.com
November 24th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Hi
Im a Bodyguard INSTRUCTOR for more then 8 years in SA and also a CPO, and I keep on reading that female Bodyguars is very rear, but you wil not believe me after I left the South African Air Force it took me 3 years to find another job and still today a havent recieved any responce on my CV.
I know Im one of the most Qualified female Bodyguard Instructors, if not the only,but still havent recieved any career oppertunity.
That is strange for me.
So were do think does the problem lies.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Hi Adele
You wrote about on the webside in Octover 2008 the 9th that you have opened a company in South Affrica for female Bodyguards. I would like to have more information regarding this.
Thanks.
My email: frieda.strydom.07@gmail.com
December 5th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Hi
I would like all Female Bodyguard Training Instructors to email me with regards to the Qualifications they have obtained and where. If any one would like to find out more on how to become a Bodyguard/Instructor they welcome to email me.
Kind Regards
frieda.strydom.07@gmail.com
January 9th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I’m creating a film project and am looking for attractive female bodyguards at all levels of experience. we are based in los angeles.
if interested – please e-mail a resume / CV and photos of yourself to americanbachelor (at) gmail (dot) com
thank you.
January 25th, 2009 at 6:52 am
I beg to differ!
There are loads of Female Close Protection Officers out there. Started a group on Facebook called Female Security Operatives and got a great response from Female Bodyguards accross the globe!
March 16th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hello,
I’m 21 years old and have always had in interest in Law Enforcement, the military, and just recently Executive Protection. My boyfriends in the army, Infantry for 4 1/2 years now. We both are wanting to go into the EP business once he’s out. If anyone can help me by giving me any helpful information on what i can do to start or to learn more on EP that will help me in this career, much would be appreciated. please feel free to email me, i am very serious about this career and would like to hear from a FEMALE bodyguard on helpful tips and what its like and what i can do to start my career in this field of work. I believe women are far more stronger then men, the men just don’t know it yet
Cheers,
Kindest Regards,
Sarah Brouqua
June 12th, 2009 at 4:10 am
I am genuinely interested in meeting with any female bodyguards for a short documentary I am producing. My intention is to shed some light on a career path that is generally viewed as exclusive to a man’s world, and what individual concerns/passions/obstacles/successes various women bodyguards have faced over the years. Looking for a wide range of types, the greater the variety the better.
Please feel free to contact me at jackmprice@gmail.com if you are interested in discussing this opportunity further. I am a recent film school graduate who sincerely wishes to treat this subject with as much empathy and objectivity as possible.
July 14th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Hi,
I’m nineteen and I’ve wanted to be a bodygaurd for years. Now seems like the time to do it. I don’t really know how to get the training I need. I’ve searched the internet for days and half of what I find sounds like a hoax. I would like to know of any letigimate, acredited school where I would get the training I need. If anyone has any ideas please contact me at
sara_@live.com
July 25th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
This was a great post to read, thanks for sharing this with me
August 10th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Sarah,
If you send an e-mail to us at; training@sextonsecurity.com, I will put you in touch with a female E.P. agent who has been doing this for many years and has her own security agency. She is also one of our instructors. We recently had a training class that was made up of 50% females and it was great having her to be able to address any particular concerns that they might have had. On our last big detail I could have used 6 female E.P. agents 24 hours a day as we had three female Principals. Not having any females available, we had to use all men.
November 21st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
[...] 2006, Bodyguard Careers did a story on the need for trained female bodyguards. The need for women in the executive protection field has continued to grow. In India, a new [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
[...] for good reason. Starting on Saturday, the national broadcast on Fox News had a story profiling Female Bodyguards and how there has recently become a surging demand for female bodyguards. In that story, our [...]
December 10th, 2009 at 3:37 am
I watched this broadcast and I was so excited. I was born and raised in an all american, patriotic family out in the country. As both my father and grandfather served in the US Army as rangers I too spent time in the army as a PsyOps specialist at Ft. Bragg. I have been considering resigning just to live the “military culture” but I have a daughter now and that would make resigning very tough. I am 25 years old and looking to start a new career. I feel like this career would allow me to have my cake and eat it too! It seems like this industry would satisfy the rush and challenge that I crave for myself and allow me to come home to my little girl at the end of the day.
I am good with a weapon (As I am sure you all are), very level headed, quick thinking, thick-skinned, confident, reliable and always looking for a challenge. While I have all the characteristics I seem to lack the training. Can someone please advise on where I can find the BEST training and knowledge of this industry.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Do female bodyguards have to act and look like male bodyguards?
Breaking the myth of a female bodyguard acting like a man.
Lately, it has come to my attention, the fact that some clients looking to hire female bodyguards are asking how many black belts in martial arts the bodyguard has and how huge and threatening does she look? Is it enough to consider ones martial arts skills or size or gruff appearance?
Well, first of all, we have to clarify that a female bodyguard is not only trained in martial arts. In fact, it is far more important for females in executive protection to learn the business as a whole. This includes protective intelligence, advance operations and security contingencies. Some bodyguard training courses start their training from 3 days (we will discuss another time what you should look before booking yourself in a training course) and goes until 10 days and in some cases even longer. However, any course, no matter the length of training days is never enough to learn all the appropriate skills to becoming a bodyguard (female bodyguard), much less an accomplished martial arts practitioner. Both male and female close protection agents need to hone their hand-to-hand combat skills that are needed to fend of an attacker. Also, it is important that whether your looking to hire a female bodyguard or you are already a female close protection agent that you establish an annual training plan.
Female bodyguards are hired for reasons that suit the clients particular needs. A female bodyguard should be just as poised and polished as her male counterpart as she fills the same roll. However, female bodyguards sometimes are projected as a woman with tattoos, leather vests and short hair with spikes. This just is not the case. Female bodyguards should maintain the look that best suits their clients needs and above all – always looking professional and fit the environment and the event.
A bodyguard is much more than a huge person who can punch and throw a threat down. If the clients wants someone to hold the enemy down then he could hired a wrestler. The most important is not how to react during the attack but how to prevent the attack. How many martial arts or wrestlers can guaranty you that they will get out an attack without any injuries? In a bodyguard team what is well known as a react on an attack is parry the attack and helped the clients to escape into a secure zone. They don’t stay and continue the fight with the attacker. During my career I have worked with and train small sizes female bodyguards who had the same exact training and professional exposure as their male colleagues. They had enough training in how to prevent the attack and even how to react during one without losing their femininity. So if you are someone who needs to hire a female bodyguard we would recommend you to look first the training she has gone through, do they fit you and your personality and environment. Are they if they are certified and authorized. We would say ‘’the mind comes first and the size second’’.
Those that are wanting to be female bodyguards need to understand that you may be who you want to be. But, its important to know that the more you can remain versatile the more work you will obtain. Those wanting to hire a female bodyguard have choices. Don’t hire because you are looking for beauty, but hire based upon their ability to protect you and the more they assimilate into your environment the less you become a target.