The bodyguard industry is a tough profession, not a game. However, if you have a truckload of drive and determination you may have what it takes to become a full-fledged professional in the business.
Let’s take a look at a typical day in the life of a bodyguard. Background: The preparation for this assignment started two days in advance of the actual execution of the client’s agenda.
0100 Hours – The bodyguard has already picked-up the jet-lagged client at the airport who has crossed several time zones and safely delivered him to his hotel suite. In the client’s jet-lagged condition he probably gave little notice of the bodyguard as he swiftly guided to the waiting security vehicle.
0500 Hours – The BG wakes up in his hotel room in the dark gloomy morning hours. Clutching his wake-up coffee he scans CNN and the local newspaper to absorb any new developments.
0530 Hours – The BG heads down to the hotel parking lot to inspect the security drivers (one executive car and driver and one security follow-up car and driver). The inspection was a good one; the drivers looked thoroughly professional and the cars were spotless inside and out with full-tank of gas. The security drivers give the BG a brief of the morning traffic conditions within the grim, dirty and overcrowded city in question.
0600 Hours – The BG heads over to the hotel coffee shop for breakfast. Seasoned BG’s know they may not eat again for the next 8-hours, so they eat a good breakfast to have more energy to burn throughout the day.
0650 Hours – The BG has been fed and is suited-up, ready to meet the most important person in his career – the client. This is the time you get to make a second impression, the first one was at the airport. There are a few general rules you should keep in mind. You want to look professional (dress, walk and talk), you need to project a healthy, alert and friendly image. You should warmly greet the client with a “good-morning, sir.” Don’t expect a reply or attempt to engage in conversation.
0715 Hours – The client exits his hotel suite and the BG performs professionally by escorting him to the elevator and alerting the security drivers to get into position.
0800 Hours – The BG and the client are stuck in bumper-to-bumper gridlock. However, the BG has ran the routes at the same time and has unshakable knowledge that they will make the client’s first meeting on-time. As a professional the BG knows that he is not only concerned with a surprised ambush, but also maintaining the client’s schedule integrity.
1000 – 1400 Hours – The client’s agenda proceeds at a frantic pace; from meeting-to-meeting, venue-to-venue the BG protects the client with precision and agility. Throughout the day the BG utilized his peripheral vision to scan for potential threats, 360-degree checks of the client’s surrounding, always having an escape route in mind. Vigilance pure and simple. On the surface the BG is calm, but beyond that, no matter how hectic things are he has an intensity and a total conviction for keeping the client safe. No one else carries that responsibility but the BG.
1500 Hours – The BG delivers the client safely back to his hotel and escorts him to his suite. Prior to entering his room, the client asks the BG to make dinner reservations at an exclusive restaurant on the other side of town for 1800 hours, and the BG responds “I’m sure it can be arranged, Sir.” Clients expect miracles to happen immediately and its the BG’s job to ensure they do.
1800 Hours – By use of the BG’s professionalism and charisma he secured the reservation for the client. The client enjoyed a nice dinner with a business partner and seemed pleased. The BG kept surveillance of the restaurant keeping his anonymity intact.
2200 Hours – The BG delivers the client safely back to his hotel and escorts him to his suite. The client asked the BG to arrange a 0630 wake-up call and the BG responds “that will not be a problem, Sir.” The BG bids the client a warm goodnight.
2215 Hours – The BG returns to the hotel parking lot and briefs the security drivers on the client’s agenda for the next day.
2245 Hours – The BG writes an activity report to the client’s executive protection unit, providing essential communication and keeping them in-the-loop all the way.
2315 Hours – With the email sent and the client tucked safely in his bed for the evening, the BG heads over to the coffee shop for his second real meal of the day. The BG eats some high-quality food to keep strong and fuel his professional ambitions.
0010 Hours – Lights-out and a new day starts with a 0500 wake-up call.
This is an average day in the life of a bodyguard that demands much. These types of BG’s are an elite group whom are paid well, because they earn it. When asked about the trade, these pro’s normally response with: “I would not change a thing; this is my chosen profession and I love keeping people safe.” That’s a true professional. Keep safe 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
Alonzo Gomez
Yes, two aspects that outsiders are often unaware of are well shown here: focus on the client’s comfort (on top of safety per se – is the car stocked with the client’s favorite brand of water?) and routine physical discomfort for the agent (you just never know when your next meal or bathroom break will take place and learn to… roll with the punches).
Doc Rogers
Antoine and V. E.: Thank you very much for the kind comments. I am happy you enjoyed the article! Keep safe.
Hucky: If it wasn’t for your brilliance in founding Bodyguard Careers; we would not have a forum and network to share our professional ideas. It is my great pleasure to be assoicated with you. Thank you.
V. E. Jaxson
Great read Doc. as this with the others I have enjoyed reading this article and much appreciate the way your articles have a way of making me remember to pay attention to the little things and remember why I chose this profession. I think this article is very important for an up and coming agent because it will make them really ask themselves if they want to do this or not.
Hucky
Antoine, I concur. It’s been a pleasure to be associated with Doc over the last several years.
Antoine Bellamy
Doc, I love your articles. Very informative