Executive Protection Schools

Bodyguard Careers is pleased to present information on EPS Training Programs. Inspired by Kirian of Tactical Forums, we have conducted due diligence in researching these schools and provide a list below of our top picks. As you know, the quality of EPS Training (and the cost) can vary widely. We’re presenting you with what we believe to be reputable companies, along with their most current contact information.

Remember, if a school is offering you something that looks to good to be true, it probably is! Nobody can guarantee you employment after training. You cannot “buy” your way into this business by paying a business thousands and thousands of dollars for training. Do your homework, investigate, ask questions, consult with trusted individuals in the field. Your first task in the pursuit of work protecting other people, is to protect yourself!

Executive Protection Institute (EPI)

Dr. Kobetz’ school. Well respected and well thought of in the industry. It’s a week-long course and they cram as much information as possible in to that time frame. It is probably the best known of the Big Names and the level of training is generally top-notch. Dr. Kobetz is a pioneer in the private sector training arena and without him most of the other schools would not be in existence. Having Executive Protection Institute on your resume as a private sector agent can go along way.

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Executive Security International (ESI)

Bob Duggan’s School. Another well respected school. Their program is different in that they have an at-home study program. With the Home study portion the course will generally take a year to complete and you will participate in a two-week residential course. It is expensive, but you do not have to do the Home study portion, you can do just the residential part if your budget is tight. I have taught for ESI and they offer a quality course and when combined with a highly motivated student the Home Study/Residential combination is very comprehensive.

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Oatman & Associates

Bob Oatmans School. Bob runs a great program that is geared towards corporate America and their needs. He is a former Kobetz instructor who recognized the need for change in private sector training. Mr.Oatman has been very successful in marketing his training program because he partnered with ASIS and teaches their 2-day EP program. This has brought him many corporate training and protective services clients. The ASIS relationship has made him the trainer of choice for corporate America.

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Bodyguard Training International (BTI) 

I have known David LaManno for years and he is a man of integrity, intelligence and an expert in the arena of Executive Protection. I highly recommend his training program and materials for any aspiring EPS/Bodyguard. BTI is unlike most Bodyguard training schools and academies. At BTI they focus on each student individually as there instructor to student ratio is much smaller than many of there competitors. By limiting enrollment to 8-10 students per course, BTI can offer individualized instruction based on the class and not the syllabus. Each one of BTI courses is tailored according to each student, something you should look for in an Executive Protection academy.

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Scotti Training Network

Tony Scottis School. What can you say about Tony Scotti he is an icon in the industry and like Kobetz is considered a pioneer in this field. Tony’s niche is driver training and he is the most recognizable name in that field. He has started programs and partnered with most of the above schools at one time or another, because they recognize that he is the best at what he does. If they don’t work with him now they probably still use his material. If you have a chance to train with Tony jump at it because it doesn’t get any better. The costs of his programs vary based on the length of the course.

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Trojan Securities International (TSI)

Trojan Securities International (TSI) is a well recognized global training provider which offers hands on courses ranging from Hostage Rescue Training to Advanced Bodyguard Techniques. Taught by my good friend industry veteran Elijah Shaw Trojan Securities also offers a five day course of practical theory and hands-on training in the world of Celebrity Protection. If you are new to the bodyguard industry or a current operator looking to refresh and polish your skills, this course offers excellent instruction into the professional side of VIP Protection.

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Olive Security Training Center

Formally known as Tactical Explosive Entry School (TEES), The Olive Security Training Center (OSTC) has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading tactical training institutes for military, law enforcement, and government special operation units, as well as corporate security personnel. Their facility has been designed specifically to meet the training needs of units and personnel who are tasked to operate in high risk environments. They believe in hands-on-training with the emphasis placed on realism and safety. The techniques taught at OSTC have been time tested and operationally proven.

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International Bodyguard Association (IBA)

Jim Short’s School. The IBA is a fairly well known name overseas with members in 60 countries. They are one of the few schools that do not adhere to the standard State Department doctrine with regard to protective services training. I find this refreshing, as I do not believe the Diamond Formation is the only way to do things. As with Vance you are not going to employ or in this case train as many people as they have and not take some negative hits. IAPPA, Mark Yates (that’s right Yates), etc, have all adapted this groups training and made it their own. If you look at Mark Yates videotape about his so-called “high profile” detail in Puerto Rico, it is actually an IBA training exercise that they let him videotape. As a side not Mr. Yates is long disassociated from this group. The IBA was going to start offering programs in the states again a few years ago, but I don’t know what came of it. They will provide you a weeklong training program for $700.

Contact us for more information about the International Bodyguard Association

This is not a complete list by any means; HK International, SIG, Black water, ITI, IAPPS, ISA, NPA, etc, all offer quality training programs depending on your region and needs. I’m sure there are a hundred other schools out there; unfortunately, I just can’t name them all.