Comments on: Getting Started in Executive Protection

By: sean

sean — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:24:47 +0000

i am begining work in the body guard field this month and am looking for some information on omega locatedc in las vegas, NV. i met a guy who is a big time body guard here in tx and with 3 years active military service i think i would be good in this field. any advise would be great.

By: David

David — Mon, 10 May 2010 05:02:33 +0000

I’ve been in law enforcement now for 25 years. I bought 4 years military time with my 401k so I’ll be retiring in less than two years. I have numerous less lethal teaching certificates. I’ve practiced martial arts for over 30 years now. I recently asked my administration to compensate me for my time to go to Kobetz school if I paid for the classes – they declined, so I guess I’ll wait til I retire. I’ve had a strong desire to get into this field for many years. I feel that protecting people is more than a job, its a calling. I know its going to be tough but I’m willing to put in the time, money and effort to break into this profession.

David
Intrepidinv1@yahoo.com

By: Karl Thornton

Karl Thornton — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:34:23 +0000

I agree with many of the issues covered in this article. I know through my experience that yes you need to be proficient in so many areas to be successful in Executive Protection. You do need to build a portfolio of diverse assignments, you do need up to date training, you do need the physical and mental skills of a professional, and you do need to network.

As one of Australia’s Elite Executive Protection Specialists for 538 Pty Ltd, we run in house training for upcoming EPS operatives that focus on areas needed to professionally deliver the services our clients require.

Yes we train in all other areas discussed in this topic, but we also focus on strong “Protocol & Etiquette” skills. Sadly I have seen many professionals that have the years of experience; they have the physical capabilities and even to a certain degree the dress sense to present as an EPS. Yet as soon as they open their mouth, or try to converse, BANG. It’s all over.

You can complete all the courses in the world, but unless you apply the required skills and develop a high level of protocol and etiquette skills to your approach, YOU WILL FAIL. Think about it, we are talking about offering personal protection services for national and international executives, high profile individuals, and high profile company directors, as well as entertainers etc. Yet I have seen many trained, qualified, and licensed bodyguards that will swear, smoke, and generally annoy their clients with constant chatter and questions.

Or the operative will get the opportunity to escort a high profile individual to a function and may be placed at a separate table, on a covert assignment, and discuss all his/her clients matters. This may be to make sure they all know how important an EPS he/she is because of the client he/she is protecting.

My advice to all entering this profession. Never forget that it is not how good you are, it is how much better you can be.

Karl Thornton
Executive Protection Specialist
538 Pty Ltd

By: Josh Kinney

Josh Kinney — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:52:05 +0000

Yeah LE can’t stop crimes unless they just happen to drive by and see them. I know this because I have been in LE for 3 years now. The only crime I have ever stopped was when I was OFF DUTY and some dumb ass tried to hold up a convenient store. Anyone want to hire a real professional? I took courses in Executive Protection and high security operations from BLACKWATER XE and they are phenomenal instructors. All former Special Forces and Navy Seals. The have decent prices for their courses too! Well worth your time and money. A lot of people know who they are whether they like them or not they know the caliber of training you have had and you get a badass certificate of completeion that looks good hanging on your business wall! The link I provided has a list of all of BLACKWATER XE’s training courses. ENJOY!!!

By: RaveClothing

RaveClothing — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:28:30 +0000

Thanks for the good read! I dont have much to do sitting here wasting time at work and this kept me entertained for a little bit.

By: Twins Muay Thai

Twins Muay Thai — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:34:47 +0000

I dun recall how I got here LOL but cool blog

By: A. Channelle

A. Channelle — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:10:08 +0000

I have been doing security(uniformed side)for about 6 years off and on and I am thinking about going to the next level (Close protection)now that I am done with college.

Thanks for the informative tips.

By: P. Swanson

P. Swanson — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:02:07 +0000

First off, please excuse my typo spelling the city I was born in.

Thanks for the good advice Gary. I appreciate all the input from you and all the people in the industry that are certainly more of an authority than I am. I’ve spoke with many veterans in the industry now and I’ve been nothing but impressed with everyones attitude and willingness to help me. A special thanks to Harlan who actually took time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me for almost an hour and gave me some invaluable advice and direction.

P. Swanson

By: Gary P.Peters

Gary P.Peters — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:13:12 +0000

Hey Huck,
You are spot on 100%, as are all the other contributors, unless you can get in on a ground level opportunity it is very hard to start a rewarding career in this business, Ive seen many people apply for the job as BG, CPO, ect, but only a small selected few actually get on, and then like you said they have to apply themselfs and proof not only to the client but to the employer that they are worthy of this position.
Executive Protection courses are a must, I know they are expensive but they will pay off in the end, you gotta network, network, and more network with peers and contacts.
as for Mr. P Swanson, your age should not factor much, if your fit, and look after yourself, know your job and how top do it, there is a place for you somewhere, life experience enhances your performance a great deal when it comes down to dealing with the client. just keep on trying.
We hold our own course here for our employees, and also for anyone who is thinking of getting into this line of work, but it is only an introduction, basics on how to move a principle, advance work ect, but at least it is something before you get out there
Best of luck to all and Stay Safe.
Gary

By: P. Swanson

P. Swanson — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:35:04 +0000

Wow, thanks for this website.

I am debating going into EP also. I’m an X-Ranger but figured knowing how to do mission planning for ambush and recon patrols and being able to fire and field strip a M60 MG isn’t going to help me much. Plus I’m 52 years old now.

After I read up on Mr. Holifield and all his experience and qualifications I couldn’t help but think to myself why would someone hire me fresh outa some EP school. Even though I’m still in good shape and have great endurance. And I’ve also had lots of experience communcating to successful wealthy people from when I sold residential security systems for Honeywell in the well-to-do neighborhoods of Minnepolis.

It hit me yesterday when I was this close to giving my credit card number to EPI (Kobetz) and charging up $3500 for the basic PPS course. Even though I know this is right up my alley and haven’t slept much because I thought I finally found my dream career. I started to wonder if there’s 40 people already signed up and I’ll bet most of them are younger and have Law Enforcement backgrounds what are my chances?

I would greatly appreciate some advice from someone like Mr. Holifield or Hucky with experience who obviously dosen’t have any conflict of interest involved and just wants to sell me thousands of dollars in training. Please advise…………….