Whilst on our 20 hour plus plane, train and automobile ride to a village in the mountains on the border with China I got to know my group better. Now this blog isn’t about the specifics of this trip or even the breath taking scenery and local culture I was witness to. This article is focused on one member of the group in particular –a Hawaiian / Vietnamese individual named Duke. Duke was assisting on this job (as well as for the rest of the event in country) which gave me the opportunity to observe, and get to know him both professionally and socially. What I saw was a man who came into the country with bags packed full of clothes, books, toys, an inflatable surfboard and left with the clothes on his back and a backpack. After the contract had finished, Duke spent the next couple of weeks helping at orphanages, donating goods, time and money to help as many children as he could. Where does the surfboard come in I hear you ask? No, it was not for him or the entertainment of his colleagues but for the enjoyment of teaching the children he helped learn to surf.

I have had the pleasure to work for the same organisation which also has a strong link to charity the following two years and watch Duke do the very same thing again and again. His kindness is infectious with every year seeing more of his peers hang around, after contracts finish, to join him on his quest to bring a smile and some feelings of self worth to orphan children in developing countries.

Spread the Aloha to Kids is now an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned and underprivileged children in Vietnam and other developing countries. Their goal is to improve the lives of these children and prepare them to be contributing members of society.

I have been fortunate in my professional career to meet and work for great individuals and companies as well as see some amazing sights pursuing a career I love. However all of this is overshadowed by the kindness and generosity I witness first hand in one individual.  It is comforting to know this type of human kindness has survived the challenges of our current world and there are those out there trying their hardest to make a difference, no matter how small. You can read more about what Duke and those like him are trying to achieve at: http://www.spreadthealohatokids.org/

Blog by Damon

Not wanting to misunderstand what I had heard, I spoke the next morning with her manager, who had introduced her to the phrase, as well as to his rules associated with it. These I have been sworn to secrecy to protect as well. How does this relate to working a protective detail, I hear you ask? If you have read my previous article you will be well aware that a number of my clients are female and high-profile models. Whilst dealing with photographers—amateur and professional alike—I am consistently looking at angles of potential shots to ensure no “cookie” shots turn up online or in the midst of tomorrow’s mass media. Part of protecting a client is ensuring that you are looking out for their reputation and image as well as for their physical safety; I have become adept at protecting the cookie not only from misguided suitors but also photographers on the prowl for their next big payday.

A quick Google search reveals unlimited websites devoted to making money out of shots of celebrities emerging from vehicles, camera lights flashing just long enough to capture a favorable—or very unfavorable—such moment.  With the current technology available with DSLRs and mobile phones, it only takes a slight lapse in concentration; the next thing you know, TMZ has photos of your clients’ now not-so-private areas posted for the entire world to see. Although physics was never my strongest subject, I do have a good understanding of angles, reflections, and a lot of the tricks used by amateur and professional photographers to obtain those up-close personal shots. Entering, exiting from vehicles, stairs, reflective surfaces, bathrooms, elevated positions, and even mere sitting all present their own set of challenges and require forethought on the operatives’ part.

The challenge is to consider all of this before any opportunity to take those candid shots is presented. As I previously stated, you are also responsible for your clients’ reputation; having a personal protection operative physically removing memory cards and film can be just as damaging to that reputation as the shots themselves. So the next time you are looking after a female client who decides to wear anything other than jeans or a long dress, keep in mind the added responsibility of protecting that cookie.

Blog by Damon

Each time I make the journey through the lobby of the Ritz Carlton with my clients I am greeted by a small convoy of black high end vehicles pre-arranged for an expedient departure. All the vehicles are immaculate, in perfect running order with the interiors cooled for comfort. The drivers are well presented and polite, they also do not impede the clients or my own movements opening doors. This is done as we step out of the lobby, then standing back from the vehicle the driver greats his passengers and waits for them to be seated before entering his vehicle. The interior of the vehicle is what you would expect from a professional service clean, tidy with tissues, bottled water and a very mild scented aroma.

Having been briefed the night before there is no question of our intended destination or preferred route. All vehicles move of in a smooth fluid like motion staying close enough not to allow other vehicles to pass between but far enough to travel safely and not negatively affect the passengers ride. As we weave through heavy Indonesian traffic the only evidence of our movement is through the view out the darkly tinted windows. Breaking is soft and the use of steering smooth and fluid thus not disturbing the client’s conversation or drawing their attention to what is transgressing around them. Our police escort is comprised of four motorcycle police one lead car and four more officers in a covert chase car behind the principal. The motorcycles race ahead blocking intersections and politely but firmly clearing a path through the heavy traffic to ensure our continued movement.

Unlike some countries I have worked in using police escorts, the residents in Jakarta have thus far politely obeyed the hand signals and directions of the police letting our convoy pass through. On previous jobs in other countries I have witnessed police knocked of motorcycles, traffic accidents, convoys rammed and local residents beaten for failing to comply. Although this may be an everyday occurrence in these countries, it has caused some distress for previous clients up to the point of having me request that all police escorts were canceled. This in itself can cause major security concerns and endless political dramas when the escort is provided by the government in power and not a paid service sourced by the client.

It is now raining as we are in the middle of the wet season and anyone who’s has travelled to Jakarta can attest traffic comes to a standstill. However this has been taken into account, extra time planned into the schedule for the journey and an alternate route selected. If only it was like this on every contract.

Blog by Damon

Now before you roll your eyes, laugh, and point this out to the guys sitting beside you, keep reading. I have the opportunity to travel to parts of the world where most people hesitate or just blatantly refuse to go to due to safety concerns. I get to work in slums, favelas, jungles, and a host of other much-envied locations for the die-hard contractor. The only difference is that on these contracts I’m there with my client to facilitate their ability to bring international awareness to issues such as poverty, HIV, and female fetal genocide. I don’t patrol in or ride in the back of a transport but I do use convoy drills and am conscious of route selection and potential choke points. At this moment, I’m not held up in a Forward Operating Base (FOB) but am sitting here writing this in a hotel in Indonesia. A hotel that has been the target of two major bombings by an Islamic militant group due to its high number of western clientele.

Needless to say, a job’s a job—and a good job in this industry is one where you get paid to use your skills in order to provide protective security measures on a global stage. Providing protection to female Models and celebrities certainly has its own inherent risks. There is good reason why most of the operatives on this circuit are older.  In my mid-thirties, I am able to see past the glamour and concentrate on the task at hand, not distracted by the trappings of fame but concentrating on safety and protection. Furthermore, it’s an education I would have had difficulty discovering otherwise; having the opportunity to work behind the scenes gives you an appreciation of the hours and sacrifice it takes to create the illusion of effortless beauty.  Some of my clients are as young as eighteen, and they work eighteen to twenty hour days, seven days straight, in 45 degree weather. For some of them, this is their first experience away from their family and loved ones and they are in countries where they don’t speak the language nor understand the culture. However, for the right person this  can be the experience of a lifetime and the start to a prosperous career, whether in their home country or abroad.

I consider myself lucky to have been able to meet some very influential, powerful and inspiring people while getting paid to travel the world providing protection. So even though I’m not working a PSD team in Iraq or looking after a head-of-state, my approach to the importance of my clients’ safety is no less. With so many good operatives trying to break into the circuit and the industry flooded with new operatives emerging fresh and ready from training companies, I am thankful for the opportunity to be paid to do what I do.

- Damon -

Photos by Matt Mantyla (http://mattmantyla.wordpress.com/)

Our first driver incident on this particular assignment, started with calling our driver two times to confirm he knew where our location was in addition to the loading dock where the client would be dropped off. Both times he was adamant that he knew where he was going. Well, 15 minutes after the expected arrival time we received a phone call from the driver and once determining where he was, we found out he had driven 20 minutes past our location. By this time our 500 strong crowd that had already been waiting for an hour was starting to get agitated.

Around 20 minutes later when they arrived into the car park of the shopping centre, I received another call saying he could not find the loading dock.  At the same time, I could hear the clients in the background screaming at the driver. 10 minutes after explaining this to him, he found our destination. The driver was immediately replaced.

On the next day in a new city, we were looking forward to a trouble free day. My first job for the day was to contact our driver to confirm he knew my exact location. However, to my surprise, our driver’s flat-mate answered the phone saying he had left it at home.  So our driver did not have a phone on him today. This news gave me an instant headache! On top of this issue, we had to deal with the venue Security manager trying to change our staging location of our vehicle with no experience to do so.  After calling the clients PA, we managed to direct the driver to the correct location without to much trouble.

Two hours later, just before our client’s departure, I went to check on our vehicle.  I found out that our driver has just learned the hard way the reason why you do not run your radio nonstop on ACC, when the vehicle did not start.

The client was then lucky enough to get a lift back to the hotel via my little hire car.

For the little extra cost, you really can not beat having trained professional security drivers to work with your Protection team.

Blog by Mark

Your chartered jet is able to depart from locations that have hangers available for private jets. In other locations, your aircraft will depart at the main terminals, but you will still have the possibility of tarmac pick ups where applicable.

Generally, you should not assume there will always be the luxury of a tarmac pick up. This will depend on the airport and country you arrive in. In most circumstances, your charter service will assist you in arranging this service. Most charter hangers or offices will have catering services and refreshments available with bathrooms and even showers available in most locations.

Upon arrival and departure, you will have a member of customs waiting at the aircraft to check off all passengers. In some circumstances, your luggage maybe sent to the main terminal for security screening. In this instance, it is important to have a member of your team designated  to stay with the luggage. Your group’s passports may also need to go to the main terminal for stamping. Once again it is very important that you have someone accompany the passports. There have been reports in some countries of airport staff taking photo copies of client passports for their personal use. In Australia, drivers will be required to have identification on them provided by the charter service within tarmac gates.

In most cases, your charter company will be flexible in the way your aircraft is positioned on the tarmac. This is of great help when you have photographers located outside tarmac gates. You can have your departure doors facing away from the photographers and your clients vehicles situated next to the aircraft. Umbrellas are also a great device to block photos.

The main advantage for clients with private charter services is the flexibility with departure times. That said, it is imperative to relay any delays with your charter due to any flight window issues they may have.  Another advantage is the exclusivity and personalized services they can provide. This can range from a number of things. For instance, our charter service on one occasion was familiar with a restaurant our client was extremely happy with and organized a takeaway service from this restaurant to be available on our flight.

Over all, after using a private Jet charter it is very difficult to resume using commercial flights because of the challenges they hold to well recognized clients and their protection detail.

Blog by: Mark Williams

Below are contact details of our preferred Charter service.

ExecuJet Aviation Group

Roxanne Simpson

Charter Sales Manager

Asia Pacific

+61 2 96930824

www.execujet.net

I have had the pleasure of spending the last six years getting to know Hans as both a friend and mentor. I can attribute my extensive library of industry literature on his recommendations as well as my desire to learn more. I also enormously enjoyed the numerous conversations we have engaged in regarding the philosophy and methodology of Protective work. He has also assisted me with pin pointing a thesis topic on executive protection for a doctorate. Hans has a wealth of knowledge and experience within his chosen profession and is an industry leader within this field. It is for this reason I felt honored to have interviewed Hans. Enjoy!

When did you first decide that you wanted to be a BG?

Well, I think the desire started back in November 1963. I would have been about 11 years old at the time and just reaching that age when your are starting to get cognizant of the world around you. President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas that month which was definitely one of the most iconic moments of the 20^th Century.

Like everyone else back then, I was horrified seeing the news footage and photo’s of the assassination, yet I was also transfixed by the image, constantly replayed, of a Secret Service Agent sprinting to the President’s moving, open top limousine, then leaping on to the rear and pushing Mrs. Kennedy back into the back seat and covering her and the President with his body as the limousine accelerated off.

I don’t think I’d had any heroes as a boy up till then but that definitely did it for me. To see such heroism and bravery combined with athleticism, all whilst wearing a snappy suit and Ray Ban sunglasses! I knew on some level that I wanted to be like that man.

Nearly 48 years later, I still do. That Agent, Clint Hill still inspires me. I’ve spent too much time around famous people to be a believer in Hero Worship but Clint Hill is a man that has definitely been one of the most important role models in my life.

Apart from his bravery, he is a very humble man and also very dignified .He rarely talks about himself and has never to this day, compromised the confidentiality of his profession by talking about the Kennedy’s.

A few years later in 1965, I was taken to see President Lyndon Johnson’s Presidential motorcade as it traveled down St. Kilda Road in Melbourne. Seeing his trusted lead Agent Rufus Youngblood, standing on the running board of the Limousine, covered in paint from a Vietnam War protestors paint ‘bomb’ seemed impossibly dashing and heroic to me and reinforced in my mind that I wanted to be just like the USSS agents..

Apart from Clint Hill and Rufus Youngblood are there any others who have inspired you in Protection work?

Sure, Larry Buendorf who grabbed Squeaky Fromme’s pistol as she drew down on President Ford and Jerry Parr and Tim McCarthy who saved President Reagan’s life during the 1980 assassination attempt.

The U.S Secret Service is arguably the finest protective organization in the world and its methodologies have been something that I have always tried to emulate albeit on a very micro scale.

In regards to the Private Sector, Gavin De Becker with his enormous intellectual and analytical abilities in regards to Protective Intelligence and likewise Tom Taylor who also combines these qualities with the actual physical operational abilities.

Do think there is a particular personality type that is drawn to the Protection Profession?

Yes, there are certain psychographic variables that are unique to people who can successfully do this profession from an operational standpoint.

The need to be honorable, loyal and chivalrous. Getting satisfaction from serving others. Courage. The need to be a warrior. Maybe a functional dose of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder! They don’t call it a security Detail for nothing, its all about attention to detail. You need to be a very self- controlled, self -regulated and self-contained person.

Personally ,ever since I was young I’ve always felt a kind of affinity with violence. I’ve had a life long association and desire to engage in armed and un-armed combat disciplines and a complete reverence for all forms of weaponry. However I’ve always been a highly compassionate person, I was the kid at school that protected bullied kids and was always bringing home stray animals. I still do. I think I was fortunate to find a profession where my propensity for violence could be used in the cause of compassion for the vulnerable. I managed to reach a place where avocation and vocation met.

Training can make any-body better but all the training in the world won’t make you good at Protection work unless you also possess these inherent traits.

What qualities do you feel that you possess that has given you an edge and what are some that you feel you lack?

That’s a good question. I feel that I’ve always had good interpersonal relationship skills with Clients. You don’t just have to be capable to do the job you have to be compatible with he client otherwise they won’t want you around.

I’ve always been a highly sentient person and I believe that gives me an edge on establishing a good professional relationship with Principals.

I also attempt to be exceedingly polite and courteous at all times. Good manners and showing respect will always be appreciated by everyone you have to interact with.

Try to be a very ‘classy’ person. ‘Class’ is an old fashioned term but having ‘class’ is essential.These attribute will not make you a more effective operator but they help in giving you an edge in obtaining and maintaining contracts.

The other thing I always do, that I think is imperative, is to debrief at the end of the day.

Whether it’s a team or my more usual one-man detail, I always self critique at the end of the day.

Criticism is always good. Self praise is the danger. I always reflect back on the days work and think what could have been done better. This could be in regards to anything, large or small. I assess whether I was just lucky that the day went well or had I covered all of the potential risks/problems/inconveniences that could have potentially occurred to the client. Maybe it was even something as slight as a not so well thought out interaction/response to one of the clients other support staff.

Even if the day went well I just don’t believe that you cannot think of something that could not have been improved upon.

When Usain Bolt ran 9.58 for the 100 meters I’m sure he felt that he was capable of an even better time if only he’d prepared better or reacted faster at the start, or he’d rested better the day before etc, It’s always about striving to be better .If you cannot name it you cannot change it and that’s what self critiquing is all about.

I’d rather not expose the many weaknesses I posses in regards to Protection work. Trust me though when I say, I am aware of them and I work at improving on them each and every day.

One of the weaknesses I am publicly willing to discuss is a lack of business acumen.To be able to do this job in the long run, also requires you to operate a successful business whether it’s a solo operation or a large company.  I have seen many competent operators who were/are appalling business men and I’ve also seen many who were highly successful business wise even though they were terrible operators.

The lesson from this is, don’t just invest in your training for your hard and soft E.P. skills but also spend some time developing your entrepreneurial business skills.

As you are approaching the age of 60 when do you think you will retire from Protection work?

Well, I’m aiming for about 70. As long as I can remain physiologically and cognitively effective I’d like to stay operational for another 12 years. This is a profession that you can stay in for a very long time. Protection work is first and foremost a cerebral activity. Experience also greatly assists you in making effective judgments.

I remember reading an article in ‘Time’ magazine about Michael Jordan 10 years ago.

It stated that he had a four man Security Detail, all ex Chicago PD. They ranged in age from 58 up to his primary guy who was 72! This guy the article stated was really a pseudo father figure to Jordan. He ran all decisions, even non security related, past this guy for his consideration.

This says a lot not only about the potential longevity of our professional life but also the degree of reliance that clients can come to depend on us.

( Damon )

Where this became a problem is on an assignment where it is impossible to replicate usual training routines and healthy lifestyles. After extended periods of 20hr work days, buffet food, no training and constantly maintaining the level of alertness required, I was beginning to suffer.  I gradually noticed my moods becoming less positive, reaction time slowing and thought process becoming less crisp. This meant I was not giving the client my 100% for the full length on the contracts on extended assignments. I began to look for alternative training methods when I realised the positive effects of being able to maintain a high level of fitness had on not only my moods, but also reaction time and mental alertness.

When travelling, I will always take the stairs if not with clients, and as soon as possible check out the hotel gym / pool and grounds so as to formulate a plan of attack.  I try to limit my sessions to no more the 45mins.  I am nearly always on call, so I make sure my workouts are high intensity from start to finish.  I have a selection of workout of the day (WOD) crossfit routines that require little or no equipment for locations with no facilities. I also have an arsenal of bodyweight and Isometric exercises I can perform in my room using the bed, chairs, water bottles and even my suitcase if need be.  There is a multitude of sites and programs dedicated to this with guys like Ross Enamait, having a wealth of material available.

The next biggest challenge is diet.  With limited choice and time to eat, I will always look for the healthiest options.  If none are available, I choose to limit the portions I do eat.  Nearly every hotel I have stayed in has grilled fish, chicken or salad of some kind, it just comes down to will power not to load up at the buffet or though room service.  Unfortunately sleep patterns are harder to control and are usually dictated by schedules, recourses or the principal’s movements. However by training and eating correctly the sleep you do get will be of lot better quality.  Having a good level of personal fitness for this industry is more than just for appearance value and physical incidents. Maintaining your fitness will assist in endurance, fine motor skills, reaction times, alertness, moods and overall appearance.

Damon

Just as important as local knowledge are the following:

1: Communications.  You need to be able to have the driver, not only understand directions and expectations, but then follow them precisely. I have had Vietnamese and Thai drivers that could not speak a word of English but could read my directions and follow schedules to the second. I also had a translator on speed dial for emergency changes although if the situation arrived they were able to understand what was needed by my reactions and gestures. Just a note I have had professional English speaking drivers who were paid 5 times the amount, were trained and educated and not half the drivers they were.

2: Driving Style. It is very important to check your driver’s driving style. Breaking too late, accelerating too harshly and heavy movements on the steering can leave the client sitting up ,back feeling uncomfortable, give them whiplash or even make them physically ill.

3. Safety.  Safety should always be first and foremost. Even if you are running late for an event, putting the client in danger by excessive speeding or weaving in and out of traffic is not acceptable. We know all too well how Princess Diana’s run from the paparazzi ended.

4. Professionalism.  A driver that continually joins in the client’s conversations or constantly trying to initiate them can annoy the client just as much as a bad driver. This also applies to talking on cell phones, radios, or hands free when driving and initiating non essential conversation with any of the CPO’s. I make it a personal habit not to speak unless spoken to and then only provide enough information to answer the clients query. Knowing when to speak up or shut up is an under rated skill that most operatives and drivers need to work on.

5. Personal hygiene.  Using strong perfume or after shave can be just as bad as not wearing any at all. I was recently working overseas in a country where the body odor of one of the drivers was so bad that the client became physically ill and had to cancel a public appearance. In the same visit, in a different vehicle, the smell of cheap cologne brought a second client to the point of actually vomiting and requesting the windows be let down to allow the 40deg plus wind through the vehicle. An unscented anti-perspirant, tooth paste and regular showering can make all the difference.

A competent, professional driver can make all the difference to how smoothly an assignments runs and the safety of your principal.  These atributes are of major concern as the last thing you need when transporting a principal is to be concentrating on your drivers actions, doing their job and not your own.  There is plenty of literature, courses and industry leaders in this field such as Tony Scotti who I would suggest you seek out and learn from to be the best you can.

Damon.

It’s only when I am 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.