For all things Executive Protection.
Female Bodyguards Now In High Demand
Shortage of Female Bodyguards
David Cameron, Tony Blair, Kate Middleton, Chinese billionaire Xiao Jianhua, and the late Libyan revolutionary Muammar Gaddafi all have one thing in common. It’s not their influence on politics and business within their respective countries. Each of these political and financial leaders was protected by female bodyguards.
All too often, a stereotypical image of a bodyguard permeates the media and social conversation. The ideal bodyguard is almost always described or portrayed as a man who’s 6’5”, weighs 300 pounds, and is clad in all-black. The average person’s idea of a bodyguard matches the kind of tough guys you’ll find working as bouncers at your local nightclub. But these days, the most in-demand bodyguards look like Polly Wilton.
Wilton is a 35-year-old mom of one who might look like any other suburban mother in plainclothes. But when she’s on the clock, she’s a powerful operative. She spent years working for the Royal Military Police and the British Army, and she’s been tasked with protecting some of the latter’s most high-ranking officials. She’s proof that female bodyguards are just as capable of doing the job as anyone else. Or, today’s “typical” bodyguard might look like the women in Edemm, a Spain-based group of female bodyguards who protect survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
Female bodyguards have a place in the Executive Protection industry; they’re not on the job for us to ogle or drool over, as one ill-advised Medium article suggested. The demand for female bodyguards is increasing rapidly for several reasons.
Why leaders and celebs are choosing female bodyguards
The most immediate difference between male and female bodyguards is their size. There’s an assumption that the only way to provide adequate protection is with bulk. However, there are plenty of women proving this isn’t the case.
In an interview with The Independent, commercial bodyguard Lisa Baldwin explained why women are more suited for this line of work.
“Nine times out of ten, the people I work for want someone who can blend in,” she told the publication. “They don’t want obvious security, like the kind used by Madonna or Britney Spears. Those bodyguards, the big guys, actually draw attention to the clients and put them at more stress and risk.”
Baldwin touches on one of the three main reasons female bodyguards are in high demand.
- Blending in: Female bodyguards can easily assume the role of nanny, family member, tutor, or any role which would require someone to travel with a family or celebrity. Though they’re no less qualified, they’re unassuming. In the event of a threat, they can spring into action and catch an assailant off guard.
- Comfort: Many situations require bodyguards to have physical contact with women, for procedures like searches or pat-downs. Female bodyguards ensure this process is comfortable and respectful for all parties involved.
- Conflict resolution: Women are more skilled at handling conflict. They can read body language more accurately, quickly diffuse an intense situation, and focus on the needs of the person posing a threat. In a dangerous situation, a level head is mandatory for the best outcome.
For those who think female bodyguards don’t work as hard or might not be expected to do as much in the field, think again. The standards are even higher. Women in Executive Protection are expected to master 1-2 foreign languages, in addition to their native tongue, and they must secure certifications in skilled activities like scuba diving and skiing. They must be prepared for every scenario. Wilton works out every day of the week to stay in shape, alternating between yoga, running, weight lifting, and cycling.
Executive Protection Not just a boys’ club
Female bodyguards are dispelling the myth that Executive Protection is exclusively a boys’ club. The best protection is about brains over brawn. Sheer size isn’t enough to stop a dangerous situation from becoming worse. True protection requires agile thinking, effective decision making, and many other soft skills.
So, how can women break into the industry? A series of programs and institutions have pulled together curricula that focuses specifically on the needs of women in Executive Protection. For example, the Athena Academy offers a slew of courses covering everything from child protection and urban awareness to crisis management and tactical firearms. At one point, it was tough for women to break into the business. But now, there are plenty of resources tailored to women’s needs.
In recent years, the Executive Protection industry has shifted and changed at record speed. In her interview with The Independent, Baldwin suggested women were now the highest paid operatives. The business is ripe with opportunities for female bodyguards. It just takes the proper training and dedication to get started. This is a lucrative career that promises opportunities both at home and abroad. Women are more than welcome in this security industry—they’re necessary for its success.
There are many and varied opportunities in the protection industry, it would be my pleasure to assist you in finding the best possible fit as you make your way into the world of executive protection.
Warmest Regards
Founder of Bodyguard Careers
Harlan (Hucky) Austin
How to Become a Bodyguard
How to become a bodyguard
By Doc Rogers
How to become a bodyguard, considering a career change from your present line of work. Maybe the bodyguard industry is the right fit for you? This article gives 10 powerful thoughts to help you become a bodyguard.
Do you have the ability to help others:
As a bodyguard, you keep your clients out of harm’s way and give them the confidence they need to achieve their business and personal goals securely.
Continuously learning:
As a professional bodyguard you will be constantly obtaining special knowledge (expertise) from your formal training, on-the-job training and independent study (often at your own cost). You should never stop learning the trade.
Appreciation for different cultures:
As a bodyguard you will gain an understanding of the world we live and work in, this will help you to better protect your clients. As a bodyguard you will learn about the cultures and the traditions of the countries you will be operating in as well as the respect for it’s people.
Great salary:
Bodyguarding is a labor intensive profession, charge your clients accordingly. You will want to avoid having your fees to low or to high. Provide the best quality service at the best price, at a happy medium. As a bodyguard you won’t starve, but you won’t become a millionaire either.
Bodyguarding is a rewarding profession:
Bodyguards have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their clients. Bodyguards are not only rewarded with money, but also the feeling of fulfillment in keeping their clients safe.
Career security:
Even with a weak economy bodyguards are still needed worldwide. Bodyguards rarely take pay-cuts; our salaries stay stable even in these tough economic times.
Job mobility:
Bodyguards can move to any part of the world and conduct business. Bodyguarding is an excellent mobile occupation that allows you to live anywhere in the world and there’s a big world out there with lots of opportunities.
Prestige and respectability:
The respect accorded to trained bodyguards rivals that of law enforcement and the military. Bodyguarding is considered a noblest profession, according to folklore it’s the fifth oldest profession in the world.
Client versatility:
You have a choice of working with high powered business executives, politicians, superstar athletes, famous entertainers and celebrities, as well as everyday individuals who are under threat.
Life long friendships:
Bodyguards develop life long friendships with other professionals throughout the world. Some of these friends will become your second family while on the road. This is one of the greatest aspects of the job. So now you know what to do to become a bodyguard.
Doc Rogers is the author of Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd. Doc has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University and he is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security. To learn how to make a full time living as a corporate bodyguard visit the websites below for more information.
Bodyguard Training Tools
Interested in Bodyguard Training in Minnesota?
Then this is the post for you.
Course Information:
3-Day Intermediate Executive Protection Course
Dates: November 7-9. 2014 Fri/Sat/Sun
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Price: $750.00
Course Description:
Taught by industry veterans Elliott Gilchrist and Michael Harris, this is an informative three-day program designed for the novice to the seasoned veteran. This course is intended to give the executive protection specialist a solid foundation of executive protection principles and concepts. Presentations will review philosophy, doctrine, methodology, mechanics, guidelines, movements, dimensions, and checklists for the protection of executives, officials, celebrities, politicians, religious and world leaders.
Please note: this course is physically and mentally demanding and, will require long days and maximum student participation. A certificate of attendance is awarded to attendees upon completion
Course Outline:
- Welcome to the real Executive Protection
- Introduction to Training Staff
- History of Executive Protection
- Executive Protection – Principles & Concepts
- Executive Protection Assignments / Roles
- Layers of Security
- Client Types
- Advance Concepts – Domestic & Foreign Procedures & Guidelines
- Duties of the Advance Agent
- Formations / Motorcades
- Formations (practical exercise)
- Protective Detail – Construction
- Site Advance (practical exercise)
- State Licensing Requirements for Executive Protection Services
- Communications
- Attack on Principle
- Surveillance Detection
- Emergency/Contingency- Planning and Response Procedures
- How to get Executive Protection Jobs
- How to Successfully Market E.P. Services
Limited seating available, for more information contact Harlan @ [email protected]
Need Financing? We Can Help, Click on Link Below:
http://bit.ly/1hJjL76
Registration will be first come first serve and will be closed at 15 participants. Thanks in advance for the consideration and I look forward to training with you.
Investment in your career!
Wanted Seasoned EP Specialists
Bodyguard Jobs
Since 2006, Bodyguard Careers has been the number one resource for Executive Protection specialists seeking to gain the tools and resources for success in this competitive and dynamic field.
As a result of our standing in the protective industry, many individuals and organizations consult with us to help staff their domestic and international EP details. These clients are looking for seasoned, vetted EP specialists who will fit in well to the client’s environment. Until now we have been referring a select group of EP specialists to these clients but the demand for our staffing services has since exploded and we are in search of more seasoned EP specialist to fill our ranks in the following cities
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Houston
• London
• Los Angeles
• Las Vegas
• Miami
• New York
• Paris
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Washington D.C
If you are interested in undergoing our thorough vetting process for bodyguard jobs, have the experience pre-requisites listed below, and have last minute, worldwide deployability, please send email to [email protected] to begin the screening and assessment process.
• Minimum of five years working experience in EP operations, with Federal, state or local law enforcement, U.S. Military or Fortune 100 corporations.
• Must be in excellent physical condition and must be able to work comfortably in a team environment as well as collaborate and communicate peer to peer and at the executive level of the company.
• Must have certification for EP training.
• Must have certification in First Aid/CPR, defibrillator usage and first responder medicine.
• Must have a clean driver’s license record.
• Must be Drug-free.
• Must have clean background.
• Will need head shot photo.
• Will need current CV/Resume.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you aboard Bodyguard Careers.
Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services
You’ve spent hundreds of dollars on firearms.
You’ve spent thousands of hours at the gym.
You’ve devoted time & energy sending out what seems
like a million resumes…
…so why aren’t you getting the job?
BODYGUARD CAREERS is pleased to offer these new services to our visitors. We’re offering an affordable alternative to those “general” Resume and Cover Letter services. We hope you will consider utilizing the resume writing skills of our staff writer in combination with the guidance and experience of working professionals in the field of Executive Protection. Need professional help on your interviewing skills? Consider ordering a Mock Interview & Assessment Report. Want some hot tips on finding the work, or to ask specific career-related questions of a professional in the field? Consider the One-on-One Career Consultation with Harlan (Hucky) Austin. Below is a breakdown of Services and Prices:
- Resume Review/Critique (No Editing) $45.00
–Expert Review by Professional in the field
—Written Response via Email with suggestions & pointers to improve the resume
- Entry Level Resume (Starting From Scratch) $99.00
–Consultation via telephone (30 minutes)
–Review by Professional in the field
–Fully written, formatted and polished resume for newcomers with the
goal of obtaining an entry-level job in the field
–All revisions (if needed) can be completed within 72-hour period
**You must state this at the time you order services!**
- Professional Resume (Editing Your Current Resume) $150.00
–First consultation via telephone (20-30 minutes)
–Review by Professional in the field
–Fully written, formatted resume for Professionals currently working
in the field with the goal of obtaining bigger and better assignments!
–All revisions (if needed) can be completed within 72-hour period
**You must state this at the time you order services!**
- Cover Letter $45.00
–Consultation via telephone (15 minutes)
–Review of resume which is to accompany cover letter
–Review by Professional in the field
–Fully written cover letter
–All revisions (if needed) can be completed within 72-hour period
**You must state this at the time you order services!**
($30 if in combination with Resume–must be ordered at the same time as the Resume work)
- Mock Interview & Assessment Report $75.00
–30-minute “Mock Interview” via telephone or Skype
–Written Report on strengths & weaknesses in the interview
–Report (if needed) can be completed within 72-hour period
**You must state this at the time you order services!**
- One-on-One Career Consultation $75.00
–Speak directly to a professional with 20+ years in the business (30 minutes)
–Honest & Helpful advice on what you need to do to succeed, Setting Realistic Goals &
developing a strategy to succeed
**All Resume/Cover Letters/Reports to be delivered via electronic files (email) $5 additional flat fee for U.S. snail-mail hard copy** PAYMENTS ACCEPTED ONLINE AT WWW.PAYPAL.COM:
For more information contact me at: [email protected]
IT’S TIME TO INVEST IN YOU!