Bodyguard Careers

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Just Say No

Executive Protection Articles

Bodyguard Careers has addressed this topic before on this site (A SLIPPERY SLOPE: Balancing Ethics With Discretion as a Bodyguard) but I think it is worth another examination, given a breaking news story. As many of you may already know, former Navy SEAL bodyguard Stephen “Otter” Otten has been sent to jail for refusing to cooperate with an investigation into his employer’s former company, Broadcom Corporation. The company is under investigation for illegally backdating stock options and falsifying reported income. The jailed man’s attorney stated on behalf of Otten that “SEALs don’t snitch.”

I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m not sure I’d be willing to go to jail for my employer’s (alleged) misconduct or indiscretions or illegal activity.

I am curious as to how it is that Otten would be in possession of any corporate information as regards Broadcom–or that Otten was even aware of any wrong-doing on the part of his employer. Perhaps he was witness to certain meetings, or heard conference calls, nobody knows for certain. My understanding is that his job was to protect his employer’s children.

I do know that over the long haul of my years as a bodyguard, I saw things that were questionable, and witnessed all kinds of behavior–but never felt that I was in a position of being held accountable or responsible for another adult’s actions. BUT I also learned when to draw the line and let my employers know that I was not going to participate in anything illegal.

I can imagine how a young person, who is being paid a hefty salary could be convinced by an employer to conduct themselves in ways that serve their employer, but harm themselves. Which is why it is vital that bodyguards not become “star-struck” with the celebrity they are paid to protect. It is important to remember that these individuals–no matter how famous, rich, or influential–are people who are subject to the same laws and will suffer consequences for illegal actions.

It is extremely important to let your employer know that you will not participate in illegal activities of any kind. As to morals, that is something of a “gray” area. Some clients will cheat. Some will lie. Some will want you to “cover” for them. At some point, you may be in a position where you will need to ask yourself if the paycheck is worth it. If you sign on to work with a client who is known to be involved in drugs, or risky behavior you have signed on to an assignment that could potentially land you in hot water. 

I think the wisest thing to do would be to remind your employer that just as you are keeping them safe and secure from harm, that you expect the same from them. Tell them in advance that you’re not willing to risk arrest. If you’ve been hired and it is clear that your employer is putting you in jeopardy you may need to resign. There is no “gray” area if it’s a choice between jail or a paycheck. The law is black and white.

Need For Female Bodyguards on the Rise

Executive Protection Articles, Hucky Austin

In 2006, Bodyguard Careers did a story on the need for trained female bodyguards. The need for women in the executive protection field has continued to grow. In India, a new training course has been established for women to learn bodyguarding skills, to meet increasing demands. Female clients are more frequently requesting female bodyguards.

In Moscow, intelligent women between 21 and 37 can apply at the one school available for training in the field. The attitude however, is rather sexist as regards female bodyguards. First, Russian clients (mostly men) insist that these women must be “very attractive, intellectual and not ‘unfeminine,’ slender, model-like blondes with drivers license, able to act as a personal secretary, speak several languages, know fighting techniques and handle all types of firearms.” These expectations seem to be based on television and movie ideas about the industry, and not at all on reality–something the school’s founder, Nadezhda Mikhailova recognizes. The school does request trainees be healthy (with perfect eyesight,) and applicants must endure detailed psychological tests and tough physical exercises and assessments. Women bodyguards who have completed the program (6 months) have been placed on assignments, however, they are not paid the same as men for the same job. This inequity is not lost on the school’s owner, who regrets that women with the same (or better) skills are not being valued, simply because they are female. “It is known that women more often resort to ‘peace talks’ than force. Women are seldom treated as a source of menace, and this fact helps female bodyguards act promptly and effectively in case of emergency she says.

[Read more…] about Need For Female Bodyguards on the Rise

Wardrobe Doesn’t Make The Man, But It Just Might Break Him!

Insider Tips

Back “in the day” when I was a young bodyguard and finally was making the Big Bucks I made a Big Mistake. I thought I should look as much the super-star as my client, so I went and bought myself the most gorgeous $2000 designer suit you’d ever want to see. It was tailored to fit my frame perfectly. I knew I looked good in that suit. Imagine my pride as I stepped out of the limo next to the celebrity, sporting my new suit for the first time. Imagine how pleased I was as we strutted to the venue, paparazzi cameras flashing. Later that night, I had to vault over a barrier in the line of duty. Imagine my horror when I heard my new expensive suit rip! It was the sound of twenty $100-dollar bills tearing. Now, there’s not much that will bring a big man down–but I think I might’ve cried a little that night!
–Harlan “Hucky” Austin

It is important to have the right wardrobe for the job interview, and for the job itself. But you can learn from the above story. You don’t need to spend a fortune on suits to look sharp. Be sure to check with your employer as to his/her expectations for on-the-job attire. Some clients prefer that their Executive Protection Staff NOT wear suits, but rather “blend” more in dress slacks and shirts. For the most part, however–you will need to own a few suits for the job, and that can get expensive. [Read more…] about Wardrobe Doesn’t Make The Man, But It Just Might Break Him!

Dear Future Boss

Career Advice

Bet your glad to get the resumay I’ve attached to this letter
I gotta lot of experience doing this kind of stuff and you should call me next week when I got a phone. My last boss was a reel loser: I’m expcting, to make at least $1000/week.

Call me.

Joe Wannabea Bodyguard

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The above is an example of a very poorly-written cover letter. I realize this is a gross exaggeration, but I do want to point out problems with this letter, and some important omissions. Cover letters can help you get your foot in the door–so make sure to put your best foot forward!

[Read more…] about Dear Future Boss

Strike While the Iron is Hot

Career Advice

A bodyguard colleague of mine (and former NFL player) shared a story with me. It is a “success story” and I thought it important to share it with you.

My friend was returning from working a major sporting event out of town, where he’d been hired to work as a bodyguard. He flew home First Class. Being a sociable kind of guy, he decided to chat with the female passenger next to him. They talked throughout the flight and in the course of their conversation, he told her what it was he does for a living. My buddy is easy-going, warm and intelligent. By the end of the flight, he learned that this woman is the manager of a major television star. At the end of the flight, my buddy gives her his business card. It included his telephone and email address. A very short time later, she called him and he was hired to protect her television celebrity, who was stumping for one of the presidential candidates. He snagged a nice contract for a stretch of this year’s exciting campaign trail. He worked that contract, met lots of people, and is already out working another contract.

Now, some of you might be thinking “Wow, Lucky guy.” Remember, “Luck” is when opportunity and preparation meet. Let’s break this down to really understand why it is that my colleague is working so much:

1.  Put yourself in the best position to meet people who can hire you. i.e. fly first class! Go where the managers/agents/celebrities go. Most “power people” don’t fly coach.

2. “Strike while the iron is hot” Nothing attracts an employer so much as someone who is working. I know that sounds odd, but it’s true. Someone who is succeeding at what they do is desirable to an employer. You are also at your most confident when you’re either working, or have just completed an assignment. This is the time to find the next contract. It is more compelling to a potential employer to hear “I just finished working the Oscars” than “I’m not working right now.” (Be honest, though. Being untruthful will catch up with you.)

3. Be eager to talk with, and meet people. Don’t be afraid to tell people what it is you do. It’s an interesting profession–one that most people don’t know much about. If they do know something about your work, they will appreciate that you are warm, friendly and well-spoken! Don’t share personal information about clients or gossip. It’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on you.

4.  Print business cards, and have them with you at all times. Be sure you have your correct information and if you don’t have an email account, get one and check it every day, several times a day.

5. Have the courage to give people your business card–they may not need it, but may give it on to someone who does!

6.  While fulfilling your contract, be the best bodyguard they’ve ever worked with. Be prompt. Be attentive.Do your job better than anyone before you. Meet people. Talk to people. Hand out more cards. When you know it’s a short-term contract, be working to find the next contract. (See the second point “strike while the iron is hot.”)

It’s not just luck that gets you the job. Personality, timing, preparedness, perseverance and doing really good work on every job will get you the next  job!

–Hucky

Why Bodyguard?

Executive Protection Articles, Hucky's Favorites

“Hey, Hucky,” people ask, “why do you still use the term bodyguard?” Some visitors to the website have been giving me a bit of a hard time about the fact that I still use the word bodyguard, but there is a method to my madness! Let me explain.

The majority of the public does not know the up-to-date terminology for what we do. I know, the preferred job title is EPS (Executive Protection Specialist) or CPO (Close Protection Operative). The fact is, most people who are NOT in the business know the term “bodyguard” and that is what they will type in when they want to go online to find out more information. Google search engines recognize the word and this recognition means my website is ranked higher and thereby gets more traffic. More traffic means more job listings, more stories, more information and in general, more connectivity for all of us in this business.

For example, did you know that people in the film industry who work as crew (gaffers, lighting people, best boy, grips, production assistants) are said to work “below-the-line”? That’s an insider’s term for those positions. You can see how someone who isn’t an insider, who is trying to locate a film production assistant, let’s say, would search by “production assistant” rather than “below-the-line talent.”

Shakespeare said “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” and I’d like to state. “An EPS by any other name would still save your life.” It’s just a word. I know it’s archaic and brings to mind knuckle-headed over-sized lunks in black suits and sunglasses, but sadly, the rest of the world just hasn’t caught on to the new terminology. Until they do, I will continue to use it in my stories and articles, interchanging it as often as possible with the preferred nomenclature. With any luck at all, the word “bodyguard” will go the way of the dinosaur.

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