Executive Protection Articles Archives

Shortage of Female Bodyguards

Executive Protection Articles, Hucky Austin

Female Bodyguards

In recent years, a shortage of female bodyguards among female celebrities has surged, highlighting a significant shift within the executive protection industry. Despite this increasing demand, the field remains predominantly male, accentuating the scarcity of female bodyguards available. This shortage can be attributed to enduring stereotypes and the historical perception that physical stature is paramount in protective services.

Contrary to the outdated belief that effectiveness in the role of a bodyguard is measured by physical strength alone, the essence of executive protection lies in preemptive strategy and the ability to avert confrontations. The required skill set extends beyond physical capabilities, including threat assessment, conflict resolution, and tactical planning. Given these requirements, there is no justifiable basis to doubt women’s competence in fulfilling these roles effectively.

The industry’s slow integration of women can also be traced back to its traditional recruitment pools, which have been heavily skewed towards sectors like law enforcement, military, and martial arts—historically male-dominated areas. However, as these fields begin to see greater gender diversity, the potential for women to excel in executive protection roles becomes increasingly apparent.

Female bodyguards offer a unique blend of skills that are highly valued in the realm of executive protection. Beyond the competencies shared with their male counterparts in self-defense, weapons handling, and tactical operations, women are often recognized for their exceptional listening skills, intuitive judgment, and adeptness in negotiation and conflict de-escalation.

Celebrities with female bodyguards

Many female celebrities prefer the less conspicuous presence of a female bodyguard, seeking an individual who blends seamlessly into their environment, thus minimizing the intrusion into their personal lives. This preference underscores the importance of an effective and discreet protective detail.

Despite the shortage of female bodyguards, a recognition of their value and the expanding opportunities within the sector, female bodyguards remain relatively rare. This scarcity, however, positions those in the field to command lucrative engagements, reflecting the specialized skills and unique advantages they bring to executive protection services.

As the executive protection industry evolves, it is imperative to continue challenging and dismantling the stereotypes that have historically hindered the inclusion of women. Encouraging a more diverse pool of candidates enriches the field with a broader range of skills and perspectives and better serves the varied needs of those requiring protection. The future of executive protection lies in recognizing and harnessing the unique strengths of all its professionals, irrespective of gender.

If you’re looking for a resource for more information, check out my podcast, The

Bodyguard Insider. It’s available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Through The Bodyguard Insider, you’ll gain access to insights, stories, and advice from industry experts, experienced bodyguards, and those who’ve navigated the path you’re on.

It’s a valuable tool for anyone serious about advancing their career in executive protection and becoming a proficient private bodyguard. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the security world, offering you the knowledge and inspiration you need to succeed.

Getting Started in Executive Protection

Career Advice, Executive Protection Articles, Featured Articles

Athletically built executive protection agent standing in a dark room wearing black T-shirt and 501 tactical pants — Executive Protection Agent

Breaking Into Executive Protection

As a former bodyguard for the artist Prince, I often encounter individuals eager to embark on a career in executive protection.

They typically seek advice on breaking into this exclusive field, especially when their backgrounds don’t include the often-preferred law enforcement or military experience. Drawing from my own experiences and the insights I’ve gathered over the years, here’s how to navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of executive protection.

The journey begins after you complete your training and are on the cusp of entering the field. Imagine receiving that first call for an assignment, and you’re asked to detail your background.

Mentioning a history in law enforcement or the military undoubtedly places you ahead, given the high regard for such experience in our industry. However, the real challenge arises for those who lack these “golden” credentials.

The question then becomes: How do you compete? And more importantly, how do you gain relevant experience when seemingly overlooked due to a lack of it?

Not everyone will stumble upon a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity that bypasses these hurdles. For the majority, it’s about strategically building the necessary credentials to become a top candidate for close protection roles.

Many owners of protection companies concur that while formal training is beneficial, what truly counts is the ability to apply learned skills in real-world situations.

To navigate this, consider roles within companies that, while not directly offering executive protection positions, can serve as stepping stones toward your ultimate goal.

Positions in uniform divisions, for instance, can offer an entry point into the private security industry. Working in loss prevention for retail stores is another valuable experience that provides insights into the broader aspects of security and surveillance.

If you aim to join a specific corporation’s executive protection team but are advised to gain more experience, explore opportunities such as serving as an executive assistant. Such roles can provide a unique perspective on high-level executives’ inner workings and security needs.

Remember, in this industry, your reputation is your most valuable asset. It can either propel you forward or halt your progress entirely. Maintaining integrity, professionalism, and a willingness to go above and beyond in any role you undertake—be it as a uniformed security officer, a loss prevention specialist, or in more specialized positions.

Demonstrating that you’re a reliable, capable, and adaptable professional will set you apart and pave the way for a successful career in executive protection. In essence, strive to be an asset in every capacity, enhancing your value and opening doors to opportunities in the executive protection realm.

For those looking to enhance their career in executive protection, the following resources may be invaluable:

The Bodyguard Insider Podcast

Executive Protection Marketing Services

Bodyguard Training

Executive Protection Agent Assignment Planning

Executive Protection Articles

Executive Protection Agent By Doc Rogers

Executive Protection Agent

Every day, executive protection agent teams around the world carry out assignments in the protection of their principals’.They perform their jobs with skill and passion to significantly reduce risks. The risks keep changing and we must keep one step ahead of these emerging threats by EP planning and action.

Advance work may be limited to a couple of days to conduct field assessments of principle venues, hotels, airports, responsible hospitals, safe havens and routes. When conducting your advance work duties to and from each destination on the principles’ schedule, run the routes at the same time, not on different days.

Executive Protection Agent Motorcade

The motorcade is the most vulnerable part ofan EP assignment, so take a careful look at the routes. Analysis and setupprimary and alternate routes with the help of your local security driver,observe during your motorcade runs how well the local security follow-upvehicle is providing road security for the principle limo (screening andblocking traffic) to avoid delays, accidents and unnecessary stops,establishing safe routes for the limo.

Don’t take these motorcade rehearsalscasually, ensure that the local security drivers know the importance of therehearsal, how it gives the EP team an edge in providing smooth and safemovement for the principle from each destination. Do rehearsals on actions tobe taken in case of limo breakdown or accident, as well as reaction to be takenagainst motorcade threats or ambush.

Use motorcade rehearsals as an asymmetric advantage against asymmetrical threats. Don’t forget the smaller details; as well such as full fuel tanks, preventive maintenance checks, and services for the limo and the follow-up security vehicle. Study the situation and the routes, gear up, and move out. Keep safe and God speed.

Check out Doc Rogers the author of this article at: Lean how to be a bodyguard

Bodyguard Education — Executive Protection Institute

Executive Protection 101: In the Real World

Doc Rogers, Executive Protection Articles

By Doc Rogers

You’ve got your first bodyguard assignment, congratulations. Now its time to use calm judgment and plan out the assignment with a focused mind so you can prepare properly. The more you plan ahead, the better possibility for success. The overall objective of executive protection (EP) in the real world is to create a secure environment conducive to the business activities being carried out by the client within a particular area.

Main Objectives

Your main objectives should include: preventing and addressing security threats that affect the client’s well-being, prioritizing core EP needs, identifying, assessing and controlling risks. This is accomplished by categorizing threats for risk management planning and execution of the EP operations. If threat groups are operating in the area:

• Identify your enemy.

• Their method of operation – likely techniques and tactics that may be used.

• Their overall professionalism – are they sophisticated or armature’s.

• Their recent Attacks – and possible pre-incident indicators.

• Minimize these threats by advance work to develop a plan to avoid them.

• Employ basic EP measures to deter and mitigate the threats.

• Establish the appropriate EP plan, security controls and need to know procedures.

Professional Bodyguard

Doc Rogers, Executive Protection Articles

Professional Bodyguard

By Doc Rogers

Every year new bodyguards enter the industry wanting to make a difference. They have special plans that will allegedly aid the professional bodyguard industry as a whole and protect clients better. Although their approach do have their merits, there are three important factors that are often over looked: learn, lead, and pass-on.

If you ever questioned what can be achieved with professional bodyguard training, professional experience and hard work, just ask Harlan “Hucky” Austin, Bruce Alexander, Jerry Heying, Elijah Shaw, Mark “Six” James, Joe LaSorsa and Rick Colliver, as well as the other esteemed members of the Professional Bodyguard Industry.

The Assassination Of

Executive Protection Articles, Featured Articles

I came across a very interesting article over the weekend. It’s entitled “Can an Executive Protector Really Prevent an Assassination”? It was posted by John D. Byrnes, here’s a snippet from the article.

In famed author, Gavin de Becker’s well researched book “Just 2 Seconds,” he chronicles the seconds between an assassin’s “Moment of Commitment” and the Executive Protector’s “Moment of Recognition” and the resulting ability of that Protector to save their client from assassination.

His research is explicit; if the protector is 15 feet away from the assassin he has only an 18% chance of protecting his client. If he is 7 feet away from the assassin he has only a 45% chance of protecting his client. Only when he is within-an-arms-length from this assailant and he is completely “in the now”, can he offer a 98% chance of protection. If his mind is at all distracted, his percentages drop like a rock!

To read the full article click on this link: Blog.AggressionManagement.com

Shortage of Female Bodyguards