personal training

[flash]

I was wondering what every one does for training in their own time. It doesnt sound like many firms have mandatory training to keep their agents on their game. So how do you stay sharp? I imagine that going to the range regularly, drilling your draws, weak side shooting, one handed shooting, reloads, standard type stuff.
I read an article in some gun magazine once about a guy who would take his wife to crowded places and as they were walking to or from the car, he would have her on his arm, and then would jump into "gaps" in the crowd, while keeping an eye on people around his wife.
A pretty good idea that I'm sure helped keep him cognizent of his surroundings.
Martial arts training if you do any will probably keep you on your toes, especially if you are in a dojo with a loose ciriculum. My old school did a lot of free form type stuff, so I could ask my training partner for different scenarios. Finding a good place to train is hard, but LA has some great schools.
Any thoughts on this?

[usabodyguard]

IMHO firearms training is great and all, but in the close to 20 years of security and EP work I have done, Ive never had to break leather so to speak. Instead of traing in an aera most agents will nevr have to rely on, use that training toward oher things you k ow you will use - for example - advance work. Get to know your city like the back of your hand, know where the trendy spots are at, know which venues the paparazi frequent, etc. A client will see a well versed and prepared agent far more than one who can shoot at targets! My point is this, prioritize your training to the asignments you typically work. Firearms/martial arts training is fine, just include all facets of the job.

[Local Talent]

Ideally, you'd get a job because you already meet a standard (protective training, combat skills, etc.) So the main thing is to stay in shape once you're a working agent because the hours can be very long. I've seen a lot of guys let themselves go completely once posted at estates, which is what a lot of companies use to start and screen new hires.
Clients don't like sloppy-looking agents...

In a perfect world, you'd be drink- and smoke-free (more and more required by prospective employers). Then, if you eat right and manage to keep a regular cardio and workout routine, you should be OK.
And if you can find the time to hit the dojo or stay real active/outdoorsy (your profile lists rock-climbing, and that's probably a great way to unwind and develop focus), more power to ya. I know I never seem to find the time for anything else when working...:o

As far as keeping your skills sharp, I agree with usabodyguard. It's a typical rookie mistake to over-focus on combat. Combat experience and training is what gets you through the door. After that, and except for some high-risk (overseas) jobs, people skills and polish are far more useful.
Your clients will know you're tough from your resume. They don't wanna feel it unless something goes down.

We're guys and God knows we enjoy talking "toys" and exciting stuff, but frankly, some of the more useful skills are knowing how to be on time and keep one's mouth shut! Good manners and knowing when to smile (an alert, but relaxed, security is a reassuring sight for a client) also go a long way.
I've noticed that a lot of guys have a hard time staying put and remaining alert, a vital necessity that can also be something to develop (like defensive driving).

This being said, you'll probably want to keep investing in tactical/EP training courses (some sponsor this site ;)) throughout your career. That way you'll stay sharp and on top of the newer techniques, while building the resume of someone serious about his craft.
A note on liability, also: some security folks get one-time training or licensing (think "baton" in CA) and call it good. They met the minimum standard established by the state or to get a job. Then a few years down the line, they injure someone while doing their job and end up slapped with a lawsuit. If they were justified in their actions, criminal charges won't stick, but a track record of refresher courses can go a long way toward warding off any further claim of negligence from the "injured" party (that's how they get you...).
Another incentive to stay on top of your training.

Finally, martial arts and regular EP classes definitely help you project that calm and confidence. But time on the job is probably the best school of all (newbies hate to hear that, of course :)).

[Local Talent]

I'll give you one way NOT to try and stay in shape:

As I was once training my relief on the graveyard shift of an estate protection gig, the agent (an off-duty LEO) remarked on how luxurious the client's private sports amenities (gym, pool, sauna, etc. - the works) were.

The very next day, the maid asked me with some alarm how come the gym's shower was all wet - did anyone take a shower there?! :eek:
I'm not proud to admit that I told the poor woman that it must have been one of the ghosts (She was the very superstitious and gullible kind often encountered among domestic staffs).

The guy had obviously taken the time and liberty to work out then shower, while on duty and on his very first night. AND, he didn't take care of the evidence... He didn't last long on that detail or the company's payroll after two more goofs within a single week. Beats sleeping on the job for irresponsible, doesn't it?

[flash]

That's hilarious. He must have been one hell of a cop too! Jeez, it's hard to believe that there are people like that.
There is a guy out here, and wow.
I came in at 2300 for my shift brief, and he wasn't there. He showed up 30 minutes later, it was HIS shift, HE was the one being relieved, and he wasn't there. He had sleep lines in the back of his head and arms. I called him out on it, and he denied it. I had to tell NCO (Supervisor) about it, she got more truth out of him. Turns out he had left the office to take a nap! No radio, no phone, no one knew where he was. Some people are just pathetic like that. No pride in their work.

[Mata-Leão]

I'll give you one way NOT to try and stay in shape:

As I was once training my relief on the graveyard shift of an estate protection gig, the agent (an off-duty LEO) remarked on how luxurious the client's private sports amenities (gym, pool, sauna, etc. - the works) were.

The very next day, the maid asked me with some alarm how come the gym's shower was all wet - did anyone take a shower there?! :eek:
I'm not proud to admit that I told the poor woman that it must have been one of the ghosts (She was the very superstitious and gullible kind often encountered among domestic staffs).

The guy had obviously taken the time and liberty to work out then shower, while on duty and on his very first night. AND, he didn't take care of the evidence... He didn't last long on that detail or the company's payroll after two more goofs within a single week. Beats sleeping on the job for irresponsible, doesn't it?

Holy Santa Claus $H!T - That is extremely alarming! ON HIS FIRST NIGHT! That's the same kind of agent that gets caught trying on the clients wifes lingerie too.

[Local Talent]

That's the same kind of agent that gets caught trying on the clients wifes lingerie too.
Now that happened with the client's domestic staff. Client's wife got suspicious and eventually caught the woman with a hidden cam... :copstick:

But I'd better stop with those anecdotes - it's like airing dirty laundry, and it gave me an idea for yet another thread... :D