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Introduction to Executive Protection in Las Vegas

Announcements

Colleague John Sexton, who also is a member of the Top Executive Protection Schools is having a one day introduction to executive protection class in downtown Las Vegas Nevada on 3/20/11. Some of the topics which will be discussed include; how much money you can expect to make – both in the U.S. and overseas (very important when it comes to getting an assignment as you want to be sure you are being paid a fair amount), how to work overseas, how to network and build a list of contacts that will assist you with employment, what a school should be teaching you, what they should be charging you (it is just as bad to pay too little as it is to pay too much), different laws in the U.S., when you can carry a weapon, etc. For more information visit the following link: Introduction to Executive Protection in Las Vegas

Close Quarter Combat Skills For Executive Protection

Bruce Alexander, Featured Articles

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.

Tough Times Bodyguard Guide

Doc Rogers, Executive Protection Articles

It’s no secret that the economy’s still struggling and with the slowdown of bodyguard assignments more and more bodyguards are feeling the pinch. Now is the time to start promoting your bodyguard services, seek external contact with potential clients and employers, get involved and engaged in your service promotion or job efforts. Focus your EP assignment or job search, be interested in people and various companies that have an executive protection unit (EPU) and have a strategy firmly in place to get the interview, the assignment or the job.

Look at various industries that have an EPU (most large corporations have established EPUs).  During your service promotion or job search efforts seek out unfamiliar organizations. You need to maintain a sustained effort to find a company that will hire your EP services or hire you as an in-house EP employee.  Great strategies in trying times include:

•    Spend lots of time actively networking with other EP professionals in the industry.

•    Follow up on all potential EP assignment or employment leads despite how unlikely they may seem.

•    Post your corporate resume or personal resume on Internet job boards and answer ads and Internet postings on a regular basis.

•    Put a structure in place and have a daily plan with goals and objectives (send out resumes, network, follow up on leads, etc).

•    Attend bodyguard networking opportunities to increase your knowledge and surround yourself with knowledgeable people in the business.

•    Your objective (EP assignment or EP job) should be achieved by any means necessary. Do the things that failures don’t do.

•    Up your credentials, additional EP training and accreditation in recessionary times can sometimes mean the difference between tough times survival and road-kill in the EP industry.

[Read more…] about Tough Times Bodyguard Guide

Book of the Month

Book of the Month, Mark Six James

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

Driving Considerations For Executive Protection

Bruce Alexander, Featured Articles

By Bruce Alexander

I thought this article by Steve Ashley was as much applicable to the Executive Protection community as it is to the patrol function in Law Enforcement. With the high profile accident of Governor Corzine and the spotlight on Executive Protection and Executive Protection specific driving skills, Mr. Ashley’s reminder that driving skills are perishable skills is equally true for the Executive Protection community.

I have also been thinking about those agencies and organizations with protective details that are not staffed full time with Executive Protection agents who have to transition from one mind set to another. There is another set of challenges there which should be addressed in terms of training and policy.

We have at least three considerations when it comes to Executive Protection specific driving. First, we have the motorcade portion which calls for certain skills. Second, we have the emergency driving aspect which is performed during an attack and Third, we have accident avoidance or safety considerations which is performed in the motorcade formation as well as in response to a threat/attack.

One lesson learned from the Corzine incident, is that the Executive Protection community must consider driving on the same par as firearms or protective tactics. It’s not only the high speed low-drag stuff that will get us into trouble. It’s also the mundane (or what is perceived as mundane) such as accident avoidance and motorcade discipline. We can’t afford to be complacent with the ordinary.

Executive Protection: Job Search Management Plan

Doc Rogers, Executive Protection Articles

During these recessionary times many executive protection agents are looking for work. This article gives you ready to use information on a well-constructed executive protection job search plan.

Networking

Connect with as many target clients or employer decision makers as possible from your list of potential executive protection employers. Reach out to as many contacts within your network that can assist you in getting a solid referral.

Conduct inquiries and come up with additional EP job search networking opportunities with the mindset of providing value to others while enhancing your EP job search network. Share your insight on EP to get in front of potential ideal clients or employers. Imagine yourself as a one-man PR firm with one goal in mind; to land an EP job.

[Read more…] about Executive Protection: Job Search Management Plan

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