Lindsay Lohan and girlfriend Samantha Ronson’s were recently in the news for their very public Las Vegas fight. But did you know that Lohan left her Bodyguard high and dry in Vegas?

Lindsay wanted to surprise her girlfriend so she enlisted one of her bodyguards to drive with her to Las Vegas from Los Angeles. The two had a huge fight and Samantha ran away from Lindsay, prompting Lohan to scream “Did she [bleep]ing leave me?!”

She then took off after her girl and presumably, back to Los Angeles, leaving her bodyguard behind. He was last seen by a witness in front of a Vegas club, trying to figure out how to get back to LA and furiously texting on his BlackBerry.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Babysitter? Chauffeur? Bodyguard? When we sign on to do this work, often times the scope of the job is beyond the initial job description. Lohan’s bodyguard has his hands full, though. It’s one thing to be asked at the drop of a hat to do something for a client-that happens all the time. To have the client take off without protection and to be so inconsiderate as to leave an employee stranded approximately 282 miles from home is just plain rude. Sometimes clients really work you for those paychecks, and sometimes the pay isn’t worth the aggravation.

By: Georges Tabet

One of the most important pieces of equipment that any protective agent carries, whether he/she is operating in the hostile environments of Iraq or Afghanistan or providing a low profile entertainment  protection detail in the United States is an individual aid kit, or better known to most operators as a “Blow Out Bag”.

A blow out bag for those not familiar with this term is nothing more than a small personalized aid bag that an operator/protection agent carries on their person while working in the field. The blow out bag should contain various pieces of medical aid items that reflect the needs of that specific protective agent as well as the environment and threats that may be encountered.

Keep in mind that the kit you put together should contain the basic items you need to treat common traumas (airway, bleeding, shock, burns).  The purpose of the blow out kit is not to heal a wound; it is meant to keep you alive and in the fight until you are able to be MEDEVACED to a location that has the advanced medical facilities needed to properly care for your injuries.

In the summer of 2006 while assigned to A PSD Team operating in Iraq, I carried in my personal blow out kit the following items;

1.    Two ratchet-strap tourniquets. (In Iraq it was not uncommon to have multiple injuries that may require the use of an additional tourniquet.)

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By Hucky Austin

You’ve written the perfect cover letter. Spell-checked your resume. You’ve gotten the call; they want to meet you for an interview. NOW WHAT?!

Following are a few tips to help you maneuver your way through this often challenging part of your job search. Watch next week for more hot tips to help you land the job!

+   Do your homework. Go online and learn all that you can about the company (or organization or client) as possible. Ask friends in the field what they know about this particular employer.

+    Be sure to get accurate directions to the location and drive by one time so you know where it is located and how long it will take to arrive. There’s nothing worse than becoming lost; also be sure to have money to park at either the meters or the ramp. Bring the telephone number also.

+   Dress appropriately for the position. Conservative almost always is appropriate. Clothing must be clean, pressed and without tears, rips or stains. Personal hygiene and grooming are important; don’t overlook it!  Bring gum or mints for your breath, but don’t chew gum in the interview. Also, don’t wear cologne. A surprising number of people are sensitive to perfumes and cologne. An interview may be cut short for this reason; don’t risk it!

+   Arrive 10 minutes early for the interview so you are not late; which makes a terrible first impression. Call if you are running late.

+   Bring extra copies of your resume, along with contact information for your references and copies of letters of recommendation. Review your own resume so you are prepared.

+   Upon arriving, be courteous to everyone you meet; from the parking attendant to the people in the elevator to the receptionist. Receptionists do talk about people’s behavior; be sure yours is appropriate.  If the person you’re meeting with has an unusual name, ask the receptionist for the correct pronunciation.

+   Turn off your cell phone.

+   Upon meeting the individual interviewing you, use his or her title (Mr., Dr., Ms.) and LAST name. Do not use their first name unless asked to do so. Give a firm (but not too hard) handshake.

+   Wait to be offered a seat and once seated, sit up straight and quietly take a deep breath. Exhale slowly, to help calm any nerves. Listen carefully and closely and stay as focused and present as possible. It is important that you make eye contact during the interview.

NEXT WEEK-LANDNG THE JOB: INTERVIEWING MUST-KNOW TIPS

The author of next week’s Feature Story (TOOLS OF THE TRADE) is someone who will be joining the BodyguardCareers.com staff as an ongoing contributor. Please allow me to introduce you to Georges Tabet.

Georges Tabet is a protective specialist with over 15 years of experience.  George’s background includes tours of duty as an Army Ranger, as well as spending time working in the US Special Operations community.  Georges has worked protection details in the United States, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Haiti and Asia. Georges is currently working and living in the Middle East.

Georges brings his unique experiences and perspective to Bodyguard Careers and we are pleased he wants to share his extensive knowledge and background with our readers.

According to a recent story in the Tribune-Democrat, a resident of Flinton, Minnesota is seeking the position of District Judge covering Hastings, Northern Cambria and Patton boroughs and Barr, Chest, Clearfield, Elder, Susquehanna, West Carroll and White townships.

What makes Brian L. Gates unique is that he not only has served (for 10 years) as a state constable, but he is also a professional bodyguard. Gates owns three companies offering defensive tactics training and bodyguard services. He teaches self-defense courses to law-enforcement officers, women’s groups and senior citizens, and holds an eighth-degree black belt in karate.

Gates is 46 years old, and plans to bring his background in safety and the protection of citizens to the job, should he win the election against incumbent Judge Michael Zungali. According to Gates, “I am interested in becoming an integral part of the solution in making our communities safe.” Specifically cited were issues of drug trafficking, theft deterrence and crimes against senior citizens.
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It is refreshing to read a story like this; Gates clearly is a smart, entrepreneurial individual interested in using his skills and expertise in the area of protection to serve his community.