I was privileged this weekend to participate in a piece that Fox News ran on the surging demand for female bodyguards. Over the last 10 years there has been a huge increase in requests for female executive protection specialists. Even though, the overall number for female executive protection specialists is less than 3% I see an incredible potential for growth for any female considering this industry.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EcQJyIuxRs[/youtube]
Melissa I agree with your comments the work is rare and in most cases men are not willing to work side by side with Female bodyguards.
To all the women who have expressed an interest in training to become a female Bodyguard… Having undergone specialist training myself I only have two recommendations for you.
International Bodyguard Association
Which has offices world wide and holds a basic bodyguard course as well as specialised training
the link is: http://www.ibabodyguards.com/
and the second recommendation is
Athena Academy Female Bodyguard Training.
Run by women and specialising in training Female Bodyguards which
WITH ALL RESPECT DUE TO ALL EP. BUISNESS IS JUST LIKE ANY YOU GET OUT OF IT JUST WHAT YOU PUT INTO ,I HAVE BEEN IN MANY JOB OCCUPATIONS WHERE I HAD TO PROTECT PERSON OF PROPERTY OR LIFE SO I CAN SPEAK ON THOSE TERMS,BUT YES INDEED THERE IS MORE TO EP.THAN JUST WATCHING AND GUARDIND OR BIRDING SOMEONE THE AGENT MUST PROCESSVARIOUS SKILLS IN THE AREA’S OF PREVENTIONS TO FIRST AID (CPR) ANY MANY OTHER TASK AS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL BODYGUARD WITH HAVING SAID THAT I RECENTALLY IN THE LAST YEAR STARTED MY OWN COMPANY INSTEAD OF WORKING FOR SOME ELSE BUT IT’S NO GRAVY TRAIN JUST HAD TO ADDRESS THESE FACTS,SO DUE YOUR HOME WORK BEFORE YOU ENTER THIS AREA ,THERE IS ALOT MORE TO IT THAN ME THE EYE BUT YOU CAN MAKE IT YOU TRY AND WANT TOO. STAN NOLLEY AT INTRA-SCOPE PERSONAL PROTECTION AND ESTATE SECURITY SREVICES.
I agree, people are so quick to underestimate a female, but people are calling out for them in this career. I unfortunately haven’t seen the video, but what from what I have read I have heard that it is putting female bodyguards in a good light.
hi
This is a great video and amazing subject. Female security specialist are always needed. It is good that women want to get into this. I like to do this work for females who really deserves security.
Athena Academy Female Bodyguard Training in Atlanta, GA and Television Casting Call
Athena Academy Female Bodyguard/Close Protection Specialist training will be held July 24-August 1, 2010 in Atlanta, GA. This course will be unique in a couple of ways. First, this will be the first female-only close protection course in the world that is authorized by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Instructors from Israel, Greece, and the United States will be conducting the training.
Second, this course will be filmed for a reality television show based on female bodyguards and Athena Worldwide. The production company producing the series is Endemol USA, who does Extreme Home Makeover, Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor, and Wipeout tv shows to name a few. This should be taken into consideration as you determine whether you want to attend the course. Should the “pilot” be picked up, there is a good chance this will be on a major television network. If being on national tv is something you do not want, then you should wait for the next training. At the end of this training, we will be selecting the best candidate for an assignment with a celebrity, which will also be filmed.
Those that are interested in this training please respond via email and we will forward the course information, application and television release/waiver. Filming will begin prior to the start date of the training, so let me know if you would be available for “casting interviews”. In addition, those that are confirmed for the training may be contacted by one of the shows producers to do a phone interview prior to filming.
Some of the course content will be: The history of bodyguarding, Weapons training, Armed and Unarmed Combat, Physical Security, Anti-terrorism, Estate and Event Security, Surveillance and Anti- Surveillance Training, Body Language, How to Identify Explosives Devices and react, Driving Skills, Walk Drills, Code of professional conduct for bodyguards, Anti-Kidnapping skills, Protective Intelligence, Operational Krav Maga by the founder of OKM Mr Gabi Shai, Dealing with Media, Formations, and much more.
We can only accept 18 students in this course.
This is a great video and amazing subject. Female security specialist are always needed. It is good that women want to get into this. When I work in teams it’s amazing having females on board. As team leader Or agent in charge (AIC) I always try to request a female on. Women have this way of getting across alot easier they look good in a suit or out of one. They just know how to work with the client. There are great schools out there and all you have to do is look online and find one that has a good reputation. The one that I think has a good training system is in Virgina it’s called goldenseal enterprises a good week course that covers alot so look into that one.
I found the segment on Female Bodyguards very interesting. I would love to get more information on the proper training that one should go through. I have been a personal trainer for the past 21 years. I have a Criminal Justice degree and know CPR/AED. I am in good physical condition. I just need some direction. Is there a school in Minnesota? A lot of these websites talk about degrees etc… but I already have that. I want to talk to someone to see if they think I even have the potential. I don’t want to waste anyones time.
As an EP training company we have seen an increase in females checking into the career. Unfortunately the stereotype, that many males even have, of the beefy bodyguard have made it difficult to convince them of the opportunities. Educating the potential pool of students/practitioners is the first step I believe. I was at a PI/Security conference a few years ago promoting our school when I was approached by a very petite female P.I.. She jokingly said she couldn’t intimidate anyone. that was my opening to provide a quick sketch of the business today. Once she found that there was indeed a niche that any qualified female could fill, she was excited enough to pursue additional training, withthe goal of starting an all-female EP agency/team.
Unfortunately, she chose a discount training program and subsequently, has yet to fulfill her objectives. Learning a few self defense moves and spending some time on the range taught her nothing about the networking and business aspects of personal protection.
My point is that we in the business are aware of the need for female agents and we also know that properly trained females are becoming more valuable. Let’s get the word out.
Nick is right, there is a great need for females in the profession here in Asia but the demand is very low. It is my intention to try and change the attitudes here about female bodyguards but it is a daily struggle.
interesting video.
We have been trying to procure female bodyguards in Australia & Asia for some time but have had no positive responses.
It’s very far for US persons to come for short term assignments.
I AM a female EP agent with over 10 years experience. I have an outstanding network and have not experienced what you have stated to true. I have not worked in over 6 months. Over the past 10 years I have had several extended periods of time without work. I reach out to my network on a regular basis and search for these “high demand” jobs to which you refer. IF they are there, I am not finding them. I do agree with elements of Scott’s comment. I have found that many men providing EP services and security management are not willing to nor are they ready to accept strong women as co-partners in providing executive protection. Thank you to the few men I have met that do appreciate what women EP agents bring to the table and are not intimidated by equal knowledge and comparable skills. To other women considering the field of Executive Protection: If you do not depend on a regular/consistent income; if you do not require financial stability or a permanent residence; if you don’t require benefits (as most of these jobs are contract work); if you are thick skinned and have a strong ability to manage emotions, then you will find great fulfillment in Executive Protection. E.S.I. is the best educator and trainer for Executive Protection. However, what many schools don’t tell you is this: You MUST be licensed in any and EVERY state you provide your services. 90% of E.P. jobs are “contract” work and the contracts frequently terminate sooner than expected or promised. As a contractor (self employed), you are not entitled to benefits unless you purchase them yourself AND most states require liability insurance (very expensive for this line of work). I mean no disrespect to Hucky, as he is very well respected in this industry. I am speaking from 10 years of solid experiences and had to learn these things at my own risk and cost.
Additionally, many security companies providing EP services to clients are driving down the compensation rate for TRUE professionals, by hiring the services under-qualified people. No disrespect, but previous Law Enforcement or Military (mutually exclusive)experience does not in itself QUALIFY a candidate as an EP specialist. Clients will typically “get what they pay for”.
To protect and serve. I love the thrill and excitement of high risk jobs. I would like to obtain a long term career in this field.I am always eager to learn new and exciting career opportunities. I would like to better my career and advance in my career options.
I would like to gain this experience to continue my field in law enforcement. I feel that this is another avenue in shich I can continue to protect and serve.
I am a retired New York City Police Officer and am interested in becoming a bodyguard. I live in Atlanta, Ga.
Great article. A lot of female clients especially prefer female protection. On this side of the pond it is still difficult for females though to be recognised in the industry as it has become flooded over the last few years with surplus to requirement with suitably qualified men and women. However, in balance I have female friends who work for embassies in hostile environments.
I’m a retired female Milwaukee police officer. very interested in executive protection. Could you recommend a training course in the Milwaukee area?
Thanks
Tammy
Mr. Austin, I seen this piece Saturday on Fox news. I immediately went to your website, but it was not available. I guess you had too much traffic lol… I never knew that there were this many opportunities for women in this industry. Are there any schools, that specialize in training for female bodyguards. What is the name of the school that they show in this video clip?
Huck,
Great interview! So often anything related to our profession is shown in a negative light, it’s good to see some positive coverage. The topic is a timely one, we’ve seen a noticeable spike in request for female agents over the past 12 months. The training course has also had a few women successfully complete in the last year so I hope they go far. Again, kudos, you represented the industry well!
Elijah Shaw, CEO
Icon Services Corporation
Executive & VIP Protection Services
http://www.Industry-Icon.com