Comments on: Getting Started in Executive Protection

By: Ark D. Thompson

Ark D. Thompson — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:21:03 +0000

This is one good path i can reccomend to anyone that does not possess LE or Military background exp, etc. Start of by getting your basic security guard license and handgun license, or if you already have your security guard licenses and/or experience, get hired at a security guard company that also provied EP, Witness Protection, Etc work. You will start by doing regulard uniformed guard work, but do the job with absolute precision, etc. Whilst working uniformed, save up some cash and take a few training courses in Ep, etc. The ones that helped me out were the, Executive protection, Counter Terrorism driver and bushmaster carbine operator courses from BlackWater USA. I bought couple of suits, a secondary small handgun, a shotgun and a cheap m4-carbine. Then i went to my company that i worked security for, and they started me off doing ep work. From there on, i easily moved to other companies that do similar work, and so forth. Starting on your own is nearly impossible, start with a company that provides ep work, you can start small, security guard and build up from there.

By: Prof. L.C. Holifield

Prof. L.C. Holifield — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:36:08 +0000

The world of executive protection is not one-dimensional, but multi-faceted. By this I meannto be successful in this business, you must first have the desire, discipline and self confidence, second you must get specialized training in executive protection from a recognized EP school or training academy. Prior military or law enforcement experience is icing on the cake, but is not neccessary. Let me sat that again, prior law enforcement or military experience is not neccessary. It is looked upon favorably, not only by a perspective employer, but by this country as a whole. Third, you must prove that you are competent and able to do the job. You will hear this over and over again ” in this business, it is vital to network with other agents in the field” Networking and your reputation is the key to landing details in this business. It’s not always what you know - but who you know in this business, that gets you work. That being said, you should get to know as many agents as possible and establish close ties with them. They will serve you well in the future. As a former graduate and staff instructor for ESI, I have had the opportunity to train at one of the country’s top EP schools and establish contacts in this business that have served me well through the years. Networking cannot be overstated. In closing, my advice to anyone entering the field of executive protection is for you to get the proper specialized training from a reputable EP school and instructor, always be and look professional, get to know others in the field by networking via internet, attending EP seminars, conferences (ASIS) and EP training courses, and build a solid reputation in the EP community.

By: Mr. Philbrick - Ontario, Canada

Mr. Philbrick - Ontario, Canada — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:52:34 +0000

I started working uniformed guard service about 4 years ago in a downtown Hospital. I enjoyed the challenges the job presented. I decided that I wasn’t interested in Policing and that I wanted to persue a career in Executive Protection and Intelligence Security.

So I enrolled at E.S.I. and have enjoyed the course thouroghly so far. While preforming uniform guard services at high profile special events I’ve worked with government Executive Protection Agents from the RCMP and OPP. I have found that they were very impressed with my in dpeth knowledge and my ability to apply it.

But training at a school even as good as ESI is only a drop in the bucket. I’ve been a competitive Mixed Martial Artist my whole life, so I decied to get away from traditional arts such as Muay Thai and BJJ. For the purposes of my career I started training Russian Systema and Israeli Krav Maga. I’ve also went out and bought over 50 pylons and practiced my Protective Driving techniques on a regular basis. You’d be surprised how fatigued your forearms can become from ducking down while driving backwards through a driving course is. I’ve also sought out other driving opportunities, such as driving cars on a an Off Road/Rally course. I’ve taken up studying auto-mechanics, joined a car club and taken up the hobby of car modification. I’ve also read “Sun Tzu’s - Art of War” more times than I can count, I’ve also read every other book I can find on the Intelligence Community, Terrorism, History of Religion, Statecraft, Political Science and so on.

I’ve also built up a nice wardrobe of black suits and white whirts, learned how to iron well, studied corporate culture and learned the meaning of deportment.

I’ve also played on a professional Paintball team in major tournaments and we’ve consitently won first place. You’d be surprised how many teams of Military Special Forces and Law Enforcement Tactical Response Units play paintbal professionally. When your competing against guys like this for a purse of 5000 dollars or more, it’s no longer a game, it’s very f’ing serious. You have to be able to exercise precise team work, move and shoot under lots of pressure. It’s so funny how mad they get when they loose to civilians.

Yet because I don’t have Military or Law Enforement experience I get completely overlooked all the time when I apply for EP postitions. Most of my training is informal and can’t be put neatly on a resume with a certificate to back it up, but it doesn’t mean I am any less qualified. It also doesn’t help that I’m in Canada and this work is few and far between here.

So after slaving my butt off for four years in uniformed security to build a proffesional reputation, enrolling in a recognised EP training course, and using all my free time for endless pursuits that apply to Executive Protection. I have finally landed my first job on an Executive Protection detail back in June.

I love this work as much as i thought I would. It’s really an amazing job. I especially like driving the six-figure vehicles. I’ve also been praised for my impeccable Advance Work.

I had to sacrifice a lot just to get to this point. Even though the contract will likely expire in October and I may have to go back to uniformed guard work for a while. It’s all been worth it.

I know it’s a long post, but I think it serves as a good example of a civilians path to get their first break in Executive Protection.

By: Haminc

Haminc — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:47:34 +0000

This business is tough. I actually lucked into it through a friend a few years back, and I have a few years of combat experience from the military. I may work 3-6 months out of the year at times. That is just the name of the game in this type of career. Even as such I manage to make a substantial income and have learned to budget for the not so good times, of unemployment. With most of the work being private/self contract there is no unemployment comp, so you make do with what you can get. All the training and networking doesn’t help during hard economic times such as were having now. Outside of certain government contracts, EP’s and security are a luxury during recessed economic times.

By: Hucky

Hucky — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:08:33 +0000

Wolf
Here’s my .02 on ESI solid school one of the best. But with any school make sure you do your homework, cost and curriculum will always play a major part with most individuals. And remember NOBODY can guarantee you employment after training. You cannot â€œbuyâ€ your way into this business by paying a business thousands and thousands of dollars for training.

By: Wolf

Wolf — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:54:22 +0000

Hucky,
I have read plenty of comments on your site. I am listed to go to class with ESI in August and am looking for plenty of feedback on the company. I have read the favorable articles published from magazines and they are good. However, I have not seen anything current on the company. I have talked to a couple people at the company and they seem knowledgable and do give a warm feeling, but I am still looking for an outside prespective.

Thank you

By: Jack

Jack — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:31:45 +0000

Learn how to speak english and articulate yourself properely and maybe someone will give you a chance but if you rant and rave like a monley then forget it. Being and EP requires restraint and pure professionalism and an an excellent command of english in the western world.

Take a look at yourself first.

By: JIMMY

JIMMY — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:20:53 +0000

IV GOT TO SAY WITH ALL THESE BODYGUARD SCHOOL OUT THERE MAKEING CLAIMS.FOR WHAT, JUST TO GET YOUR DOLLARS.I TREID TO GET INTO ESI.WITH TOO AGENTS,AND ALL I GOT WAS EMPTY PROMISES,ONE TOLD ME THEY WOULD HIRE ME AND TRAIN ME.I BOUGHT THE LINE AND THE ONLY THING I HAVE FOR IT IS A CD FORM OMIN AND A CERTIFICATE,,THEY EVEN TOLD ME THEY WOULD SIT ME UP WITH MY OWN WEB ADDRESS.AND I STILL HAVENT SEEN THE WEB ADDRESS.AND EVERY TIME I WOULD EMAIL TO FIND WHAT GOING ON ALL I GET WAS I WAS MAKEING THREATS.AND I GOT A SAY THE NAME ITS SAMURAI WARRIOR.THE OTHER AGENT SADI THEY WOULD FIND A COMPANY THAT WOULD PAY FOR MY TRAINING AND THATS BEEN 2 YRS AGO.BUT I STILL WANT TO GET INTO THIS CAREER,BUT HOW NO EXPERIENCE NO ONE IS WILL TO REALY TRAIN AND HELP FIND CLIENTS,AND AGAIN MABE ALL THIS BODYGUARD ARE ESI IS NOTHING BUT AWAY TO GET UP MONEY AND RUN

By: Leroy

Leroy — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 02:43:45 +0000

I do not come from a military background and I can tell you I have spent a fortune on training which anyone can do to get to a key level and to be honest with you - some ex military people will play on the “I am exmilitary” but forget to tell you they were in catering or logistics for 10 years and only held a rifle in basic and annual qualifications. This does not discount those who trained for war or hostilities or were active serving o/seas, but it just shows you the perception of the industry.

Now in LE, you have some people who pound the pavement for years issuing infringements and responding to school issues - yes this is about recognising issues BEFORE they escalate and knowing venues, etc but don’t write off someone who can come from a background that can adapt to almost any scenario through training and aptitude. I have worked with 3 industries - ex military, ex LE and others like me who all built up a strong reporte ready to work again shortly.

The Hollywood scenario of protecting your VIP with a .38 special whilst he is covered by your 400lb body is all bogus. If you have had to draw your weapon (often not having 1) you have failed. Getting that principal away and safe is your priority not taking on the 40 Ninjas who attack you only 1 at a time.

By: TLCLEM

TLCLEM — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:19:01 +0000

THE SAD THING IS I HAVE NEVER SEEN A COP STOP A CRIME. I HAVE BEEN DOING CLUB SECURITY FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND NOT ONCE DID I SEE A COP UNTIL WE CALLED THEM TO P/U THE PERSON WHO TRIED TO ROB, STAB, JUMP OR COMET SOME OTHER CRIME AFTER WE STOP THE CRIME AND HAVE THEM IN CUFFS THATS WHEN WE SEE THE COPS.. (A FRIEND OF MINE WHO IS A EP AGENT) AND WHO ALSO GAVE ME SOME TRAINING TOLD THIS AND LIVE BY IT TO THIS DAY YOU HAVE TO BE PROACTIVE AND NOT REACTIVE. EPA’S, BOUNCERS ARE PROACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT IS REACTIVE.. I STILL HAVE THAT GUT FEELING,WHEN YOU KNOW SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN A CROWD OF PEOPLE 700 TO 1000 PEOPLE DEEP I CAN STILL PICK OUT THE FEW HOW WILL TRY TO START SOMETHING. HELL I CAN TELL WHO HAS A WEAPON OUT SIDE. BUT I STILL GET PASSED UP FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.. OH WELL THATS LIFE