Articles

Becoming a bodyguard? Here is what to expect.

by Executive Protection Institute EPI was founded in 1978

You have probably seen them in action movies. You may have also seen them on the streets and not even know about it. They work around the world with the famous, rich, and wealthy. It is a vast industry that can offer you exciting work.

It is the life of a bodyguard! Bodyguards are trained professionals who offer protection to their clients from kidnapping, physical injury, assault, assassination, stalking, harassment, or embarrassment.

The main clientele is politicians, prominent government officials, celebrities, and wealthy individuals – people who are more likely to be targets of harassment or violence.

Nevertheless, if you wish to become one, you first need to find out how to be a bodyguard. Hollywood portrays the career of a bodyguard to be action-packed and glorious. However, it is more mundane.

While some close protection officers may perform evasive driving in armored vehicles, tote machine guns, or use professional martial arts skills to fend off any threats, it is not something that happens often. Instead, all bodyguards need to be keen observers of all security. They need to have excellent vision and hearing. A bodyguard also needs to be physically fit.

As a bodyguard, you need to have a sixth sense when it comes to security issues. You need to keep a close eye on overeager paparazzi, control the crowd at a political rally, and sort out any uninvited guests at a wedding.

How to become a bodyguard?

A bodyguard needs to assess all potential threats and deal with them as you may seem fit. In the real world, this does not include choreographed fight scenes and car chases. It involves route planning, surveillance, searching cars, or being a close and intimidating physical presence.

A bodyguard may have to do several things, such as working as a personal assistant or driver. It's their job to do what the clients want them to do, be it discretion, confidentiality, while offering protection. This may also mean waiting in the car for hours, carrying their shopping bags, or simply standing by their side.

Many bodyguards come from law enforcement or military background. However, if you do not have any previous experience in such fields, you can always choose to go to a personal protection school to acquire all the required skills for the job.

These training courses will teach you about:

  • close protection
  • first aid weapons disarming
  • anti-terrorism techniques
  • armed and unarmed combat
  • dispute resolution
  • counter-surveillance
  • conflict avoidance
  • driving techniques

Some bodyguards carry a weapon, while others are professionally trained in martial arts. The more experience and training you have, the better.

The job of a bodyguard may take place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most protection officers work in terms and prefer a six or 8-hour shift, but others may require longer irregular hours. As a close protection officer, it is your job to accommodate your client at all times.

You must be prepared to go wherever the job takes you and be ready for anything. If you wish to go for a protection job, you need to learn how to always be on your toes.


Sponsor Ads


About Executive Protection Institute Innovator   EPI was founded in 1978

2 connections, 0 recommendations, 99 honor points.
Joined APSense since, February 26th, 2019, From New York, United States.

Created on May 6th 2021 01:04. Viewed 188 times.

Comments

No comment, be the first to comment.
Please sign in before you comment.