Posted: 6/24/2001 4:19:08 PM EDT
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For someone that has a good working knowledge of firearms, what would be recommended for such a career? I've heard that unless your prior military it's very difficult to get into. Also, I don't think this is something that someone would want to go to a school for, then go out and just start their on business. So, if someone did go to a school, how hard is it to get hired by a company? Got a friend that's has expressed an interest in it and wants to make a career change at 32 yr/o age. |
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Most of these guys were at LEAST Ranger-schooled infantry soldiers, if not Spec-Ops. It would be very difficult without military training, but you might be okay with extensive civilian training, including one-on-one with top instructors. That's gonna cost ya, though. -Troy |
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The only one's I've ever heard of have all been from elite military units. There are so many former SAS, 2. REP Foreign Legion, Rangers, etc floating around the world, that I think getting any kind of a serious job without elite military experience would be tough. On the other hand, there is such an increased need for corporate security (especially in places like south america) that it may be possible to get jobs with smaller operations. I knew one guy personally who was not from an elite unit, but since he was a bodyguard for Prime Minister Rabin (who of course was assasinated), that may not be really good advertising for the non-elite military bodyguard. Although in all fairness, he wasn't on duty that day. |
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It takes more than just a single school. A military or law enforcement spec ops background is almost mandatory. Emergency medical training at least at the basic EMT level is a plus. Language skills are a bonus. Martial arts, investigative experience, overseas travel or residency are all valued. Maturity the most important asset. Gun skills are one of the least important at entry because they can be taught/developed. Basically, if you have to use your gun you've screwed up. However if you need your gun, you really need your gun, BAD! Best civilian schools are ESI, Ltd in CO and T.E.E.S in Memphis. Both have good WEB sites. I attended my first school in 1985 in Gainesville, GA the now defunct (Essex) Institute of Public Service. It was a 15 day basic school. At the time I had been in LE for 5 years, on a SWAT team for 3 and was assigned to Protective Services and had other supporting experience. I have also attended the 2 above schools and several others, including special 3 and 5 day schools hosted by the Secret Service. Most jobs are in large population centers, especially when starting out. And it ain't as glamorous as the movies make it look, by far. [X] [X] |
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Quoted: And it ain't as glamorous as the movies make it look, by far. [X] [X] Even though I know nothing about it, I told him it'd probably be about as exciting as being a private investigator, know a few of them and they all say it's boring. I found the ESI website. I think after I give him the $ amount, plus all the other requirements he'll drop the idea. |
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Here is who I use [:D][:D][:D] : [img]http://www.spe.sony.com/tv/shows/vip/photo_gallery/images/973287538_329848.jpg[/img] [url]http://www.spe.sony.com/tv/shows/vip/[/url] ColtShorty GOA KABA COA JPFO SAF NRA "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them." |
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Quoted: Quoted: And it ain't as glamorous as the movies make it look, by far. [X] [X] Even though I know nothing about it, I told him it'd probably be about as exciting as being a private investigator, know a few of them and they all say it's boring. I found the ESI website. I think after I give him the $ amount, plus all the other requirements he'll drop the idea. Starting out, a newbie can expect to draw all the worst details i.e.- taking the protectee's wife/girlfriend shopping; driving the kids to school; having to pull most of the down time shifts and still be available for important events or functions. This is on a normal, preventive detail with no active threat. When the threat level goes up, the new guys are pushed even further away from the principal and end up on roof tops, door details, running food and drink resupplies or at empty residences,etc. However, if he stays with it for several years, get experience and training and can hook up with a large company it can be rewarding. [X] [X] |
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I was an EP specialist for one of the nation's largest banking corporations, and lucked into the job. My military experience was minimal, and I was doing armed security for 5 years before one night being called out to the Chairman's residence due to a threat from a psychiatric patient. None of the EP guys were available on such short notice, and I went out with my patrol car and spent the night in his driveway. The police picked up the psycho, but the Chairman remembered who I was when his driver retired. I would recommend that if you have any experience at all to go the corporate route, because most corporations are in-house, and don't like to pay the going rate for the hi-speed, low-drag types. Unfortunately, with Merger Mania, a lot of the corporations are eating each other, and putting us out of work. I am now making more as an office administrator, but I don't get the company car, neat comms and weapons, or get to take a nap during my down-time. I recommend BSR, Inc.'s Executive Security Driving Course very highly. I met my friend at NSA through that course, and he's still in the business. You won't get any shooting in, unless you are a Fed, but you receive the same driving instruction as the Feds. This includes ramming, PIT, defensive and offensive line, and going 120 in the dark... It was the best thing since sliced bread and canned beer, as far as I'm concerned. Good luck, and... Semper Fi! Ken Little |