The Art of Staying Invisible: Mastering Low-Profile Protection
Let’s face it; we all like gear! More importantly, we like the kind of gear that the high-speed operators endorse. Whether we intend to use it daily in a demanding environment or throw it in the trunk of our car “for that day,” we want to know that we are using what the experts recommend. We are proud of our gear and want our peers to know that we wear, carry, or shoot only the finest. Many of us have seen (or owned) the T-shirt that says, “If you die first, we’re splitting up…” enough said.
However, when working in the often misunderstood field of protective operations, calling attention to our gear is usually a mistake. It lets others know who we are, and it often alienates or worries the very people we are assigned to protect.
Let’s think back to the principal focus of a protective mission. It is not only to prevent intentional or unintentional injury to the protectee but also to prevent embarrassment. Protection can only be successful if the protectee and their organization are cooperative and engaged, highlighting the need for subtle executive protection strategies.
The public expects to see guns and gear in combat theatres or high-profile presidential events. However, the vast majority of protective details are carried out by one or two agents (protection specialists) and are successful due to the invisibility of the security advance work.
Often, the protectee’s chief concern is not appearing to be “protected,” they are therefore reluctant to have you stand too close or impede their ability to look strong and independent in front of their constituents or friends. This situation underscores the importance of executive protection strategies that prioritize discretion and effectiveness without visibility.
