Bodyguard Blog and Executive Protection Blog

Am I too old to be a bodyguard?

The question of the week: An individual recently asked me at 52 was he too old for Bodyguard work? Here was my response.

Too old is a relative concept. Too old for what? It’s all about the individual and the condition he’s in. One operator and a close friend put it this way. I’m 50 and fat thanks to the poor choices I like to blame on my environment. Am I too old for protection work? – NO. Am I too fat? -YES. I don’t think a fit guy can be too old for protection work as long as all his body parts are working and he’s maintained the edge over the years. Me … well, I better step away from the refrigerator really soon.

Research and preparation aimed at identifying potential threats and contingency plans supersede age. Overall, what’s expected is everything it takes to make the life of your client safer. Anticipating needs is a big one— being able to look at a situation and determine what can go wrong and make sure it doesn’t or knowing how to fix a problem once it occurs.

Have a great week

Hucky

How Massad Ayoob Could Help you in Rules of Engagement

Announcements, Featured Articles

LAST MINUTE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY AND SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR VISITORS TO BODYGUARD CAREERS WEBSITE!

The Threat Management Institute is pleased to announce that Massad Ayoob of the Massad Ayoob Group will be returning to the Twin Cities to teach his world-famous course, the Armed Citizen’s Rule of Engagement. The course will be held June 1st -2nd 2013 at the Threat Management Institute in Bloomington, MN.

Who is Massad Ayoob?:

If you read the various and sundry gun magazines at the news stands (American Handgunner, Guns Magazine Guns and Ammo, Combat Handguns et al) or watch the Sportsman Channel TV, Massad is no stranger. If you have not heard the name or seen the face, Massad is nothing short of a legend in the world of firearms, especially when it comes to civilian self defense. Massad has authored several books and over 1,000 articles on combat techniques, firearms, legal issues and self defense. Additionally, Massad has testified in countless court cases and has been instrumental in keeping law-abiding citizens like you and me out of prison for using justifiable use of force in the defense of self or others. In short – Massad is the man!

With the recent controversy surrounding firearms in the hands of private citizens in the United States, this course is more important than it has ever been in the 32 years it has been in existence. As EP professionals, we are held to a higher standard. Make no mistake – if you carry a firearm (and many of us in the field of executive protection do) this is the most important course of instruction you will ever take. Remember in the final analysis, it isn’t what you carry for personal protection, its what you know about personal protection.

Here’s special offer for you consideration: If you register for this course by May 15^th, you will receive a $400 voucher that will allow you to attend the 2 day MAG 20 shooting course for free. The offer is limited to the 1^st 12 people who register. Here’s a link to the shooting course description: www.threatmanagers.com/?page_id=54

To learn more about the Massad Ayoob course or to register, please click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. Massad Ayoob testifies as an expert witness in court cases on a regular basis. If you’re involved in a defensive shooting, he’s the one you want in your corner. He charges $2,500 per day plus expenses as an expert witness and if your life is on the line, he’s worth every penny. But here’s the best part – if you take the Armed Citizen’s Rules of Engagement Course, Massad will testify as your expert witness at no charge. For many people, that alone makes the course worthwhile. You be the judge.

Book of the Week: Just 2 Seconds

Book of the Month

We originally posted the review for this book in November of 2008. The original review was done by Bruce Alexander. Seeing that this is such great source for anyone working in the executive protection industry I thought it would be worthwhile posting again.

Enjoy

Hucky

Just 2 Seconds

By: Gavin de Becker

Review By: Bruce Alexander from Executive Protection News

I just finished reading “Just 2 Seconds” by Gavin De Becker, Tom Taylor and Jeff Marquart. If you had to buy only one book this year on executive protection, this is it. Part philosophical, part practical, part tactical, part academic and part historical, “Just 2 Seconds” covers the essence and essentials of preventing an attack on a principal.

The book has three main themes. The first theme addresses attack methodologies from the perspective of how time, distance and space impact both the attacker and the protector. This sets the basis for the second theme which is how to implement preventative strategies and techniques which capitalize on the attackers’ limitations as manifested by time, distance and space. The third aspect of the book is a “compendium” of attacks that is probably the single most comprehensive collection of various criminal and terrorist attacks relevant to executive protection.

The book reflects the thorough research which has come to characterize books written by Gavin De Becker. This trait is most evident in the attack compendium. The attack compendium is an excellent collection of various attacks that have occurred around the world. What is particularly unique about this section is that various attack methodologies are depicted which are then cross referenced by the authors to illustrate either preventative or protective measures which had an impact on the attack. Not every attack is directly related to executive protection however this does not diminish the value of the book since there is a learning lesson associated with every example.

The book also contains additional material which by itself, is worth the price of the book, De Becker shares various forms and techniques that his firm uses when providing executive protection. The form he provides to his clients regarding how they should conduct themselves in regards to crowd situations is an exceptional resource. There are also several practical executive protection techniques that his firm uses which are worth replicating.

Between the advice, techniques, examples and case studies, this book would be a bargain at twice the price. My only complaint about the book is that I didn’t write it.

Bruce Alexander

Nine Things All Bodyguards Should Consider With Regard to Physical Fitness

Doc Rogers, Featured Articles

Several bodyguards outside running in the desert intensive training — Bodyguard Workout

Good health is the single most important factor in being a successful bodyguard. No one will hire an unhealthy bodyguard. Bodyguards with low fitness levels are twice as likely to die earlier than their fit counterparts.

Therefore, physical fitness is essential to the job, and it attenuates the age-associated decline of bodyguard skills and job performance. It is my experience that increased fitness levels in the industry are also directly associated with higher income levels. Whether you are a male or female bodyguard, your goal should be to look and feel healthy and fit.

Bodyguard Fitness Program

It does not matter what your current fitness level is. As a bodyguard, you must do some type of moderately high-intensity cardio exercise (brisk walking or jogging) for 30 minutes five days a week to keep your heart and lungs healthy, strength training (weights or bodyweight exercises) three times a week to prevent loss of muscle mass, and stretching exercises to make your daily strenuous bodyguard activities easier.

The Job Never Gets Easy, You Become Stronger

The job never gets easy; you become stronger through cardio exercise and strength training. You should consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise or nutrition program. You need to commit to your physical health and improve your mental state to have the proper self-image that is imperative for the bodyguard operating in today’s industry.

Be devoted to exercising, feeding, and resting your body well. Keep a daily exercise log of your progress to stay on track and see how far you’ve come in your bodyguard fitness program. If you don’t keep track of your progress, how do you know if you are succeeding in meeting your goal?

The Bodyguard Diet

Bodyguards, whether on assignment or off-duty, should eat healthy diets. This includes vegetables, fruits, lean beef, poultry, and fresh fish. You should also drink lots of water throughout the day to keep hydrated and decrease hunger. On the job or during your downtime, avoid getting very hungry.

I know that missing meals happen all too often while providing bodyguard services. To avoid hunger on the job, carry nuts, seeds, fresh or dried fruit, and/or high-protein beef or ostrich jerky with you for healthy snacks. Avoid processed foods, those that come in boxes, cans, and packages. They are loaded with preservatives and other chemicals.

Vitamins & Supplements for the Bodyguard

As a bodyguard, you should incorporate some supplements into your new eating and training program. Most bodyguards take vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements to look and feel younger. I use The following supplements when I use them, and what benefits they bring.

Protein intake for bodyguard doing moderately high intensity cardio five days a week and strength training three times a week is important for rebuilding muscle once the muscle has been broken down from working out. A high-quality protein shake will help your body recover and rebuild quickly.

Branched-chain amino acid capsules further aid muscle recovery and reduce fatigue when working out and on the job. For best results, I recommend consuming three amino capsules before and three immediately after your workout. Multivitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy body and mind. Multivitamin capsules provide a broad spectrum of coverage, ensuring all your nutritional needs are met.

Working Out On-the-Job

While on assignment, the bodyguard should get up early each day and go to the hotel gym. There, he or she should do 30 minutes of moderately high-intensity cardio exercise and 45-60 minutes of strength training (weights or bodyweight exercises).

When exercising on assignment, the bodyguard should accomplish two things during training. First, you want to ensure you preserve the strength and cardio fitness levels obtained during your downtime. Second, you want your body to recover fully from every bodyguard workout.

a mature African American male doing push-ups — Bodyguard Physique

Sample Basic Bodyweight Workout

The following is a good basic bodyweight exercise program that you can do in your hotel or at the hotel gym while on assignment: 1) Chest exercise; decline pushups, 2) Back exercise; pull-ups; 3) Leg exercise; squats, 4) Triceps exercise; bench dips, 4) Biceps exercise; chin-ups and, 5) Abdominal exercise; sit-up. All exercises should be done for 10-15 repetitions for three sets for each exercise. After the bodyweight workout, do 30 minutes cardio exercise (brisk walking, jogging, stationary bike or jump rope).

Workout Recovery

Recovery when working out on bodyguard assignments is crucial to your bodyguard performance and energy levels. After working out, your body is primed to absorb nutrients. For optimal recovery from your workouts, you should eat a large serving of carbohydrates, protein, branch-chain amino acids, and vitamins. Your post-workout recovery meal should reduce muscle soreness, rebuild muscle tissue, and prevent inflammation. Meals should consist of lean protein sources, vegetables, and fruit.

Peak Bodyguard Performance

Your goal as a bodyguard is to ensure your body is not inhibited when performing your duties. Here are some suggestions for good recovery after your workouts. 1) Ten minutes of stretching; this will allow a good stretch for your muscles which helps recovery, 2) Ten minutes in an ice bath; this allows your body to revitalize and aids muscle tissue recovery.

If no ice bath is available a cold shower is an acceptable alternative as cold water stimulates muscle tissue makes them stronger and, 3) Foam rolling; foam rolling each muscle at the point origin to insertion, will aid in the recovery procedure. After each workout, ensure you are fully focused on supporting the recovery process.

Investing in Yourself

If you invest your time in a good workout program, you will have the physical capabilities of a serious bodyguard. You will physically separate yourself from other bodyguards in the industry. You can have results or excuses, not both. You must live a healthy and productive lifestyle as a bodyguard and be disciplined physically and mentally for the job. Bodyguards healthy in body, mind, and spirit can function at their peak regardless of age. Keep safe and God speed.

About Doc Rogers: He is the author of best seller Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and the newly released eBook entitled How to Build Your Own Executive Protection Business. Doc is president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd., has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University, is a Certified Protection Specialist from Executive Security International, a decorated veteran police officer and is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security.

Executive Protection: New Solutions for a New Era

Book of the Month

This week’s book of the week (Executive Protection: New Solutions for a New Era), is another great Executive Protection Book. New Solutions for a New Era”, is an excellent follow-up to Robert Oatman’s first book “The Art of Executive Protection.” I have over 25 years of executive protection experience, several of which were spent on a high-profile celebrity protection detail. As this book brings out, many of the concepts of executive protection have changed since the tragic events of 9/11. This book is a great read.

Have a safe weekend

Hucky

How to Choose the Right Bodyguard Assignment

Doc Rogers, Featured Articles

It’s your responsibility to educate yourself on choosing the right bodyguard assignment that is right for you. You need to have the ability to say “no” and not go after particular bodyguard assignments that aren’t rights for you and your bodyguard future. You should keep the following in mind:

The Client Profile

Look for the right assignment with the right client for your skill set and relative to your bodyguard career goals. For example, you wouldn’t want to go on a bodyguard assignment with a principal who is a heavy metal rock artist known for numerous brushes with the law and illegal drug use if your ultimate goal is getting into executive security; bodyguarding CEOs of multi-national corporations. It’s just not a good fit for your career ambitions with too many negatives involved. You don’t want to risk your future career reputation bodyguarding sleazy clients, give it a pass, you don’t have time for games, keep focused on your mission.

The Team Profile

The majority of the bodyguard assignments you will go will have team members who are principled, loyal, dignified and professional. However, there still are a few bodyguard teams in the business that have members without honor, respect, personal commitment or discipline. You do not want to be on such a team such. Instead look for teams who value trust, respect, solidity, professionalism and loyalty. Avoid ‘cowboy teams’ with no honor code or mutual respect at all costs. You’ll be glad you did.

Your Position on the Team

Look for the right assignment with the right position for your skill set and relative to your bodyguard career goals. For instances, if you are just starting out in the bodyguard industry you should ask yourself do I have the required skills at this stage of my career? For example, the principal wants you to conduct a three country advance to include: 1) Entry/Exit airport surveys, 2) Responsible hospital surveys, 3) Hotel surveys, 4) Safe heaven surveys, 5) Venue surveys and, 6) Route surveys. You should not bother applying if you don’t have the required skills to conduct these assignments in a professional manner. Remember, the skill level required to be hired depends on the job and expectations.

However, as a rule advance work is a craft that needs to be studied, practiced and mastered. To succeed as an advance man in the bodyguard business you must have the ability to do the job well and the potential to do the job great. Keep studying your craft, build your confidence and keep focused. You don’t get paid good money for something that does not require training and expertise. This is not to discourage you, just trust your abilities and make sure you are ready and fully prepared for the particular assignment. When you are ready, you’ll know it and will accept the position with complete confidence in your ability.

What Teams Look for in Prospective Bodyguards?

Teams on the circuit look for prospective team members who are professional and pleasant, someone who has a good understanding of the business and fits in with the other members on the team. This also means knowledge of the principal and the culture of the company. They will also look for industry experience and training, someone with good people skills, widely trusted, keeps confidences, doesn’t blame others for his own errors and keeps clear moral and ethical boundaries when bodyguarding principals. Get trained in the specific skills and knowledge you may be lacking, be persistent, proactive and sets high standards for yourself and your bodyguard career. Some things new bodyguards need to work on is paying attention to details, being open to criticism and applying good listening skills at all times. It is strongly recommended to work on any of these skills you may be deficient in every day. Bodyguard candidates usually score higher on interviews with teams on the circuit when they have these characteristics. Good luck and God speed.

About Doc Rogers: He is the author of best seller Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and the newly released eBook entitled How to Build Your Own Executive Protection Business. Doc is president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd., has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University, is a Certified Protection Specialist from Executive Security International, a decorated former veteran police officer and is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security.

Am I too old to be a bodyguard?

How Massad Ayoob Could Help you in Rules of Engagement

Book of the Week: Just 2 Seconds