BGC: How did you start working in the Executive Protection field?
BA: My background is in the military. I was stationed in Germany. There was a lot of terrorist activity being carried out by the Red Army Faction against U.S. military and executives overseas. I was selected to begin specialized training to protect these high-risk individuals, and worked my way up to Protective Security Detail Leader. I was the supervising Close Protection for two General officers at both their residences and offices at military Head Quarters.
BGC: How has Executive Protection evolved over the past 25 years?
BA: In my opinion, the biggest changes are due to two specific events:
The 9-11 attacks and the entry of the U.S. into the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let me explain. Before 9/11, there was always an understanding that top U.S. executives in the private sector and government officials were at some risk. Kidnapping was the primary threat, and it was most risky for these individuals outside of the U.S. – particularly in Latin American countries. After 9/11, with the attacks on U.S. soil, we all realized, tragically, that Americans are vulnerable at home as well as outside the country’s borders. The need for protection against terrorists educated the general public as to the notion of executive protection.
The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan created a transition from more “traditional” executive protection, to more “tactical” executive protection. So in the past 8 years or so, there has been an expectation that an EPS will have a strong military background and experience with weapons. However, that is changing. Blackwater, the largest provider of personal security details to U.S. diplomats in the Middle-East and high-conflict areas, is transitioning out of that business, as the need seems to have diminished significantly.
While tactical skills are important, the trend is now swinging back, and more traditional skills are needed-particularly to meet the needs of corporate executives, celebrities and professional athletes. By the way, I’d really like to give kudos to Harlan and Bodyguard Careers for educating the general public, and bringing attention to the subject of the dire need to protect these pro athletes, who I think have always been extremely vulnerable.
Once the U.S. pulls out of Iraq the “tactical” EP opportunities will be diminished and I think we can expect a proliferation of individuals trying to transition into more of the mainstream protective services. The pool of talent will be much larger, and I think there will be a greater acceptance and understanding of those “tactically-skilled” EPS. That being said, it is really important for those with military training and experience to understand that OTHER skills that are needed to land the contracts should not be overlooked. Clients and employers are going to be able to be extremely selective, and will be looking for the top resumes. I think we’re going to see a drop in earnings, too. It won’t be like it was in the period after 9/11 when the pay was incredibly high for this type of work.
