I recently read about a bodyguard who was killed while protecting American government VIPs in Iraq. He was shot in the neck, which was the only part of his body that was not protected by body armour. Clearly, the individual who killed him was a highly-trained sharp shooter. At this level of Executive Protection, the “bad guys” become more dangerous, better trained, and even more ardent in their efforts. These types of assignments are designated as “high risk.” The bodyguard was no doubt superbly trained and skilled, and had in fact been honored and medalled by the Queen of England for his work.
And still, he was killed on the job.
He was only 45, and leaves behind a young wife who is devastated.

I thought it time to address the part of Executive Protection Services that is often overlooked–the inherent risks associated with this line of work.

I recall when I was first hired to work as a bodyguard to Prince. To many, his arrival on the music scene was exciting and ground-breaking and to most fans, “Purple Rain” was a musical phenomenon. The downside was a certain segment of the population viewed Prince as “the Anti-Christ.” I thought I had the greatest job in the world—great pay, and of course the cachet of being one of the bodyguards for the hottest performer of that time. I also clearly remember the time we went to a concert venue and had to do a security sweep with bomb-sniffing dogs because there’d been religious zealots who thought Prince represented evil and claimed bombs had been placed at the venue to try and prevent the concert. That was the day I realized that this was not a “fun-and-games” job. I realized that this high-paying job comes with a very high price tag: potentially the loss of my life.

Now, for the most part, protecting a celebrity is not deemed “high risk.” (Those assignments usually go to individuals with a good deal of military training and the paychecks for those jobs are staggering because of the level of risk involved.) However, even when working as a celebrity bodyguard, there were a certain number of people who were a potential risk to be around. I remember a individual in Atlanta who approached me and told me “God had commissioned her to kill Prince.” We took every threat very seriously. We just never knew. Being associated with a celebrity meant that we were all targets. It really hadn’t occurred to me when I signed on to work for Prince. I thought I was invincible.

I don’t know that this business is the right fit for an individual with a family. Granted, the paycheck can be lucrative and alluring–but remember, if you have a wife and children, it is not your life alone that is impacted, should you be wounded or killed on the job. The risk is very real and the consequences can be far-reaching. Just as Law Enforcement officers are putting their safety and very life on the line every day, Executive Protection can mean you are taking the blow (or the bullet) for your employer. It’s something to think about.
Hucky

Prominent NYC family seeks chauffeur/bodyguard. Must have prior experience, and excellent references. Must have a license to carry a weapon. Must be flexible. Excellent salary for the right candidate: $70-$80k please send your resume as a word attachment to: Career Builder

Happy hunting.
Hucky

By Hucky Austin

Recently the following question was posed: “what is the age cut-off to for this type of work?  When is a person considered too old?”

Truth be told, it depends partly upon the assignment. Every job requires different skills from an EPS/Bodyguard. Surprisingly, many positions don’t demand someone to be in top physical form, (although that is most often preferred) it is to a certain degree, an industry expectation. However, there is no industry standard that says you must lift X amount of pounds, or run a mile in X amount of time in order to do this type of work.

SIDE BAR: If you can’t go up several flights of stairs without getting out of breath or can no longer bend over to tie your shoes, you might be in trouble with this type of career!

I continue to work out and stay strong. The thing is, I’m of an age where I just no longer want those celebrity details that keep me up all hours of the night at a club or in a recording studio. I’m strong and have a lot of stamina, but my MIND gets too bored with all that. And truthfully, I don’t care to bench 350 lbs any more and spend so much of my life at the gym. I am more interested in the organizational and recruitment aspects of protective services now.

Certainly, to have the most opportunities, potential bodyguards need to be physically strong, quick and flexible. Also mentally bright, articulate, and an outstanding problem solver. The ability to handle firearms and shoot with accuracy is certainly a bonus. If you can speak other languages, then your opportunities (and salary) certainly go up from there. Lastly, if you have keen insights and experience with a foreign culture or military training, you are fortunate and certainly well-rounded and the most likely candidate to garner top jobs in terms of responsibility and pay.

The range of work and range of skills needed in this business are wide. The scope can start at the big burly front door guy and move into celebrity protection all the way to protecting foreign dignitaries and the like.

Age is not necessarily relevant in this line of work. Some of the best tactical skills and problem-solving skills come with age, and much is to be said about on-the-job experience. A physically fit body is not the only criteria for success. I will state however, that most individuals who want real longevity in this field are in excellent health, take good care of themselves physically and mentally and could pass physical fitness tests that the general public would most likely fail!

Hucky

You’re trained and experienced. You’ve got an outstanding professional resume, a few nice suits in the closet (and well-polished shoes). You have even teamed with a career coach to work on your interview skills. You’re all ready to go and get that fantastic Executive Protection or Celebrity Bodyguard job…now what?

This is the point in your career where networking and research become vitally important. This field is not quite like any other. Rarely, do you see an advertisement in the paper that reads: “Seeking bodyguard for celebrity superstar. Call Beyonce…” with her phone number. Most work is obtained through word-of-mouth and your own hard work and perseverance. Most often, YOU must seek the employers.

One of the best tools available to help you do this is the Internet. Specifically, there is an online site that I have used and recommend for your employment search:

Contact Any Celebrity
For a small monthly fee, you can obtain contact information which will allow you access to the business managers, agents, and publicists of many celebrities. These are the people who need to have your resume on file. You can’t get the interview, if they don’t know you exist. I have personally used this database, and highly recommend it.

Remember, success in this career depends on your ability to be proactive, resourceful, and often creative in your search for the best-paying jobs. This site is a worthwhile tool to help in your employment search.

Also available in hard copy

Permanent bodyguard positions in NY! $55K typical first-year earnings, great benefits package, Paid Time Off, 401K-retirement plan. We are seeking motivated, physically fit professionals.

Gavin de Becker & Associates is widely known as the world’s leading innovator in security and executive protection.

Send resumes to:
recruitment@gavindebecker.com Refer to our website for more info:
Gavin de Becker & Associates www.gavindebecker.com