By Doc Rogers

The objective of this article is to help talented bodyguards’ problem-solve their money management activities and to reach their financial goals. As bodyguards we get paid sporadically at times.  The goal is to plan an effective budget and to accumulate enough funds to survive the slow times and eventually become self-sufficient. No one is coming to our financial rescue; we need to hang tough there is no other option.

This year serious bodyguards and elite executive protection specialists will make a lot more money in the industry than in previous years.  This is the best time to get the ball rolling and accomplish something important financially with your bodyguard career.  Money management takes three of the most unglamorous things to accomplish; planning, self-discipline and hard-work.  Practice them or perish:

1. Planning. Bodyguards should efficiently plan their time, energy and money into areas of the profession that offers the biggest payoffs.  Bodyguards should be constantly asking themselves on a daily basis: “What is the best use of my time and what BG projects will be most financially rewarding?” Focus on the most important projects and activities. You must start planning business and personal lifestyle changes to reduce your overhead. You goal at this stage of the game is to earn more and save more of what you earn.

2. Self-discipline. Unlike what you see on TV bodyguards should not live a lavish lifestyle, we are not rock stars. You don’t need the latest model car, drive a nondescript one instead, you don’t need that Rolex, a Timex will do for now. You don’t need to display a social status at this time; you need to start building a nice little nest egg for yourself.  It’s time to get focused and get your financial house in order. Cut all useless spending; stop or cutback on going out to the club for a round of drinks and start tighten up your spending habits.

3. Hard-work. Now it’s time to get focused and get your head into the game. Make your money management goals happen through hard-work and action. Open a savings account either at your local bank or online (http://ingdirect.com).  After every successful BG assignment tuck away $500 into your savings account. Take for example if a bodyguard goes on three well-paid BG assignments per month, that’s thirty-six assignments per year, saving $500 from each assignment adds up to a total savings of $18,000. You are now taking full responsibly of your money management. Your individual savings budget may fluctuate, save a much as you can.

Your bodyguard career financial barriers can only be surpassed by extraordinary measures. Continue to significantly reduce your spending and push yourself to save beyond your normal cash saving limits.  You number one enemy is hesitation. The clock is ticking. Good luck and God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

http://corporate-executive-protection.com/

By Bruce Alexander

I’m constantly on the lookout for tactical concepts that have applicability to Executive Protection. A while back I discussed Richard Nance’s “Winning in The Kill Zone” as a worthwhile read for Executive Protection. I see lots of similarity and applicability in Kevin Davis’ article “The Combat Draw Stroke.” Like Richard Nance, Kevin Davis focuses on a close range tactical application which when analyzed, has a direct applicability to Executive Protection. I won’t try and rewrite the entire article for you since Mr. Davis does a superb job of getting the point across (therefore no need for me to muck it up with my two cents) but here’s where I see the Combat Draw Stroke as applicable for the Executive Protection community:

First, quick on target. With a close-in threat, and the very real possibility of multiple assailants, quick on target is a must for Executive Protection. Not that it’s any less important for anyone else, but the Executive Protection specialist usually does not have the ability to seek cover, or buy time or space by issuing commands during an assault on a principal (AOP). As I indicated in one of my earlier postings, the presence of a homicide bomber (assuming he/she has been detected) doesn’t allow much time or to assess multiple options before acting. Therefore, quick on target is a must for Executive Protection.

Second, response to spontaneous attacks. Let’s face it, in a crowd situation, your ability to adequately scan hands and demeanor is seriously stressed. Therefore the Executive Protection specialist must expect to confront a spontaneous attack. The standard Law Enforcement approach to escalation of force commensurate with the escalation of the threat, is usually not an option. Therefore the ability to draw in response to a spontaneous attack is paramount.

Third, draw and shoot with one hand. As I read this article I thought about the times during an Executive Protection mission that shooting with one hand might be a very real consideration during an AOP. I came to the conclusion, more often than not. One hand shooting takes on a real possibility when you start to consider the times we can be deprived of the ability to use two handed shooting given the nature of the Executive Protection assignment. One hand shooting is another one of those tactics that we must be ready to do.

Anyway, there are those who are far more skilled at this than I am but for me, this article was exceptionally enlightening.

Defensive Handgun: Preparing to Prevail

By Mark “Six” James

Mark “Six” James is a friend of mine, and in my opinion the subject matter expert with regards to Firearms. His book Defensive Handgun: Preparing to Prevail is without question one of the best.

As an executive protection specialist we pray we never have a need to have to bring our firearms into play.    However when we do we realize time is life.  Firearm instructor and fellow bodyguard Mark “Six” James has written a comprehensive, but easy-to-read book focused on the art of defensive combat.

Defensive Handgun: Preparing to Prevail details many critical topics of particular importance to the protection specialist.  It will take you from selecting your tools to defending your client or family member.

This comprehensive resource is beneficial to both new and experienced protection specialist and will challenge us all to upgrade and keep our training contemporary.  In addition to helping you build a strong shooting platform based on the timeless firearm fundamentals.  “

There is no such thing as advanced shooting there is only advanced applications of the basics.”  He also covers many of the most stress filled situations like dealing with multiple adversaries, effective use of cover and concealment, slicing the pie, malfunctions and many more tactical applications.

One of Mark’s key goals is to always make his students “instructor independent verses instructor dependent.”  Defensive Handgun goes a long way toward accomplishing that objective.  It explains means for avoiding dangerous situations, gauging the appropriate level of response to a threat, and how to apply that level of response.

The concepts are easily understood because James takes care to not only fully explain terminology but includes many illustrations to help you visually grasp the techniques.  The 8.5” x 5.5”, 232-page, paperback from Samurai Publishing will fit neatly in your shooting bag or briefcase.

James is the founder and executive director of Panther Protection Services, LLC, which provides security consulting, threat assessment, executive protection, self-defense training and firearm instruction.  He and his company regularly protect government officials, corporate executives, entertainers and professional athletes.

Defensive Handgun: Preparing to Prevail is available for $19.95 plus shipping at www.amazon.com or from Panther Protection Services, LLC, 3695F Cascade Road, Suite 2207, Atlanta, GA 30331.  Phone 404-349-9117

By Brandon J Delcamp

As the sales and marketing director for Executive Security International I have had a number of conversations with protective agents working in the industry that have little or no formal training.  They are filling the roles of close protection agents for celebrities, ministries, music artists and for the most part are getting by, but the, “what if” factor is frightening to say the least.

I queried one of these agents concerning the application of an “advance” his reply. . . . “An ad-what?”
Initially I was shocked, but after some consideration I realized that the people doing the hiring are not always educated as to what skill sets a protective agent should possess.  When hiring someone to protect them they rely on superficial skill sets.

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By Bruce Alexander

You never know when the next personal protection specialist you run into might show you their teeth. Just hope its not a personal protection dog. This Miami Herald article on personal protection dogs brings an interesting perspective to Executive Protection. You can, and should, read the article yourself. I’m not adding any value by repeating the contents. However I will offer a few observations.

There’s no doubt a dog can serve as a means of personal protection but there’s a limit to what you can expect from a dog. A dog would certainly deter an attacker who was looking for a target of opportunity or keep paparazzi at arm’s length, but for a committed attacker, particularly one who has prepared a pre-attack plan, and performed even rudimentary surveillance on the target, a dog is nothing more than a minor nuisance who will be quickly dispatched at the start of the attack.

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