In the past few years Hollywood media outlets have played a negative role in the portraying of today’s Executive protection specialists that have created popular misconceptions about both the EP industry and the job itself.  Action packed movies where “bodyguards” are able to identify the threats and then immediately neutralize the bad guy with gun blazing deadly force is nothing more than a myth.

The true reality is that specific threats, both real and perceived by the client are in many cases difficult to fully pinpoint.  In the real world, an Executive Protection Specialist has no legal right to actively “engage” a threat with either reasonable force or deadly force unless an attacker has made or attempted to attack the principal or the protection specialist and or team. (more…)

By Hucky Austin

Okay, so I kind of ripped off Oprah’s concept of her favorite things list, but Oprah was not talking about her favorite EP items so I think we are ok.

1. The Tactical Tailor – The Tactical Tailor was the brain child of Logan Coffey, who was killed in a tragic car accident in 2008.  The Tactical Taylor has numerous products for individuals working in both the executive protection and high threat protection industries.  For more information on their gear go to; http://www.tacticaltailor.com

2. 511 Tactical Clothing – I have to admit that I am a die hard fan of many of the items that 511 produce.  The tactical clothing line, especially the covert dress shirts work extremely well when you need to be armed on a protection detail, the choice of colors reasonable prices and durability are one of the reasons I prefer to wear these clothing articles if I work a detail.  You can find additional information on 511 Tactical clothing at; http://www.511tactical.com

3. Panasonic Tuff Book – Any individual who is going to get into the executive protection field MUST have a laptop computer of some kind. A laptop is essential when you are conducting and preparing mission briefs, going on line to do background checks and for use on advanced work.  I have found that Panasonic makes a series of well built, rugged and durable laptops that you can take into the field without worrying about dust, dirt or banging the computer into a hotel wall.  To find out more about this great tool go to;  http://www.panasonic.com/business/Toughbook/toughbook-products.asp

4. Google Earth and Street View – Ok so know that you have your new Tuff Book you will need some software to help you with your movement and advanced work planning.  Google Earth has both free software and also has a pay version ($400) that gives you additional tools not available with the free subscription.  Along with Google earth there is now also Street View which is an awesome tool for helping you plan  for advanced work, routes and selection and placement of personal and vehicles, you can find more on both of these excellent tools at;  http://earth.google.com/ and http://maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/ .

5. Brickhouse Wireless Camera Hunter – An important part of your job as an Executive Protection Specialist is to ensure that you also protect your client from embarrassment.  One of the best tools on the market right now is a camera hunter that is able to find any hidden camera in a room.  The system picks up frequencies that range from 900 MHZ to 2.52 GHz’s and is able to find a wide range of cameras including PAL/NTSC/CCIR and EIA. Take a look of this great piece of equipment; http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/dd9000.html

When it comes to employment as a Bodyguard, the most frequently asked question is “How much can I make?” Well, let me offer you some advice but, please note there are no hard and fast rules. This is based on my 20+ years of EP work and a survey of the current rates from colleagues and EP training instructors. Towards the end of this chapter, you will see a table with specific job skills, detail expectations and pay rates (2004). Also included is a breakdown of information regarding different cities.

The rates associated with bodyguard/executive protection work vary widely, depending upon a myriad of important factors:

*  The Economy

*  Prior Experience, Skills & Training

*  Client Profile (Celebrity vs. Dignitary vs. Corporate)

*  Level of Risk/Danger

*  Political Climate

*  Amount of Travel Required

*  Locale & Circumstances of the Detail

*  Range of Duties for the Position

First of all, there are no set fees for bodyguard employment. All fees are arranged by negotiating with the client. Obviously, the more skills you have, the more experience, the more training–the more you can earn. A highly trained, extremely seasoned bodyguard with a substantial work history may earn $100,000 per year plus bonuses, but these are often positions with distinct requirements and skill specifications, and the work may be located half-way around the world. It can also mean working in some of the most dangerous regions on the planet.

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Position:  Executive Protection Specialist

Location: Blue Bell, PA

Salary: $65,000 – $85,000 USD per year

Posted Date: June 11, 2009

Close Date: June 30, 2009

For more info click on this link: Job Alert

There are no magic pills that you need to take to become successful in the Executive Protection Industry. To put it simply, it’s just hard work nothing more nothing less. Have you heard of the saying, “Work hard now and play later?” This phrase holds great meaning. So many individuals are unwilling to put forth the effort needed to succeed in this field.

Let me explain. In order to succeed in this EP industry or any industry for that matter, you must have the desire and hunger to achieve your goal. And by the way, your goal is to obtain continuous employment in this field. One of the biggest reasons individuals are not successful in this industry is Laziness.

I speak with at least 10 individuals a week, who expect me or someone like me to not only take them to the water, but they also expect me to drink it for them as well. In other words, they count on me to hand over all of my secrets to them so they don’t have to put in any hard work. This is a simply, without doubt, called laziness. Laziness is not a characteristic that will lead to successfulness by any means. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.

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