Getting Started in Protection
July 25, 2010
After being in the security industry for over 16yrs and working on close protection assignment for the last 6, I sometimes need to be reminded how lucky I am to be doing what I do. When you are on the inside looking out it is not as glamorous or exciting as one would expect. However, to someone wanting to break into this industry, it is the life they desire. Don’t get me wrong, by no means do I consider myself an expert or even overly experienced. What I do have is a thirst for knowledge and a strong desire to improve my skills and knowledge in my chosen career. Sometimes, I get frustrated with the fact that I am looking at 3 to 6 years to finish a PHD and at least another month before I can get on the range. In the end, I am grateful that I travel the world with some interesting and extremely successful people.
It’s only when I a
m asked for advice on how to get into the industry by a person truly interested in listening that I stop to enjoy the journey so far. Every now and then in between the multitude of “I have a black belt”, “I’m ex army” or “you don’t do much I could do your job” you do get a legitimate question and not a display of ego. The most common question I get is if I am ex Military or Police. When I reply yes, most people nod their head and acceptingly smile, halting the questions. This leaves me bewildered. If I was a clerk in the army or a control room operator with the police force, how does that qualify me as professional protection operative? One can draw from many previous careers to support and expand your skill sets, making you a more well-rounded professional and not just ex military or police. For more reasons than just soaking in the knowledge and gaining skills, I recommend a reputable executive protection course either in the USA, UK or South Africa (Ronin). Through the instructors and other participants on the course, you can build a network of both supporters and future employers spanning multiple countries. These people will have firsthand knowledge of your abilities and professional attitude towards your career and colleagues. This in itself can sometimes be worth more than the cost of the course, making the rest an added bonus.
I personally was lucky enough many years ago to work with one of the most professional and dedicated protection experts I have met anywhere in the world. He took the time to sit down with me on more than one occasion and point me in the right direction. I now offer that same advice to anyone taking the time to listen. Read as much as you can on your profession written by industry leaders like Gavin DeBecker, Tom Taylor, Lt Col D Grossman, Tony Scotti, Oatman and a whole host of others out there. Don’t only read books on protection and security but expand your literature to psychology, business management, networking and different cultures. Keep an interest in world events. Make sure you are knowledgeable on not only what’s happening around you, but also your perspective clientele and the rest of the world. Take courses in advance first aid, driving, languages, deportment and continue to improve on your social skills. Dress for the client and the event, wearing a black three piece suit with sunglasses and an ear piece on Bondi beach will only draw attention, so be sure you are prepared and have suitable attire for the event, to blend in. Maintain a level of fitness that will help you do your job and help you endure extended periods of travel and interrupted sleep and eating patterns. If you cannot run across the road without having to stop to catch your breath, ask yourself honestly why anyone would hire you to protect them.
There is so much more to this industry then being ex army / police, a great shot and looking intimidating in a suit and black sunglasses. For me, the constant battle to increase my knowledge, skills and build on my social attributes and physical abilities is where the greatest enjoyment is derived. Being able to travel and spend some times monumental moments in the lives of interesting and successful individuals drives me to be the best I can.
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3 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Scott Smith | August 3, 2010 at 9:25 am
Damon, great article and as a professional I am always looking to improve both myself personally and professionally and are of the mindset that you can never have too much knowledge and to always keep an open mind because there is always something to learn… I am only new to the “Bodyguard” industry although I have been actively working in the security indusrty for over 15 years… but one thing has been a constant, as your article points – out I am always educating myself, learning from professionals doing courses and training, contributing to blogs and most importantly listenning to those around me who have been active in the industry for so many years.
I must say though it is difficult to break into the industry and you do have to prove yourself a few times doing sometimes not so glamorous work to get a start, it was lucky (and I use that term loosly) that you had someone take you under thier wing and advise you and show you the right way to things, that doesn’t always happen in this industry as most people think that you may want to either steal their clients or their work and lets face it there is a limited amount of actual bodyguard work around dependant on your location?
Getting back to point, my advise to someone wanting to enter into the business is; Understand the industry – it is not as glamourous as it looks from the outside, lots of travel, sometimes no sleep, most often its 90% boredom and 10% kaos… get good training ( reputable providers, with demonstrated experience) get a broad range of skills in many areas..Personally, I am a qualified Chef, have Scuba Diving / Skydiving experience, specialist Driving skills, Maritime training, Equine experience, Boat handling skills, Advanced medicine, Business degrees and so on.
Although my Military background has certainly assisted me to get certain jobs, my university and edcuation experience certainly hasn’t hurt my career at all…its about balance and dont ever stop learning, not everyone can be SAS, SBS, Commando or Navy Seal but they also had to start somewhere?
Well dressed, educated professionals who exude an air of confidance not only act as a deterrent to attack but can enhance the status of their employer, which in the end is why we are here in the first place – to protect from threats wherever they may come from?
I hope this post helps anyone wanting to get a start in the industry…
2.
Andre | August 23, 2010 at 7:54 pm
hey man I like it. I’m about to write more articles and try out your ideas. After all, we always have something new to learn and being humble, I came here to learn. Bookmarked.
- Andre
3.
Poker Spielen | September 12, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I usually do not leave a comment, but you really impress me, also I have a few questions like to ask, what’s your contact details?
-Johnson
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