What draws you to protective work?

[Local Talent]

I guess we could get as many different answers as we have members, so if the above stereotypes don't apply to you, please pick the poll option "other" and explain. That could be interesting and will hopefully whip up a little more participation than my usual "lectures". :)

Since I'm asking the question, I'll give you my own answer: I stumbled into the job.
As I said in my introductory post, I had been working as a security officer for years before the opportunity presented itself. I took the job seriously but had no interest in a career in private security. And as a small guy with no martial arts training, I figured (and had been told) that EP wasn't for me. But as I came in contact with more and more agents in the field, sometimes working alongside them, I was eventually requested on details and referred to EP companies.
Only after I'd been working for a while did I realize that my personality was a good fit for the profession and that I could do well.
Most of the training that I acquired (after the fact) validated/legitimized my resume, since I already had my foot in the door.

So my pick is: #3. What's yours?

[Dykhofft]

I picked "other" because the main thing that draws me to the job is the people around me. While I was attached to USEUCOM and USAFRICOM Protective Services I liked the poeple around me and the people I met. It didn't hurt that the princple loved his protection guys. I don't know what it is like in the civilian sector but the Military Generals will do anything for their Agents.

[Local Talent]

I don't know what it is like in the civilian sector but the Military Generals will do anything for their Agents.
Wow, I would have figured you to go with #2, and that shows you how varied people's motivations are!

Otherwise, I'm sorry to say this, but expect to be disappointed by the amount of respect and support you'll get from civvie clients. They will be very unlikely to be from the same world as you.

[Dykhofft]

Yeah, I had a feeling that it would be that way. You just need to look at the mindset of a Civilian principle v. Military principle:

Civilian principles = Paying out of their own pocket so they expect you to protect them and shut up.

Military principles = Sees his soldiers doing a job that just a handful get to do in the Military. That General knows he is getting the best of the best the Military has to offer when it comes to his protection team.

[Local Talent]

Ahem... 186 members and only 4 responses? C'm'on guys, you can do better than that!

Given the type of guys I keep running into in L.A., I thought for sure that option #5 would be a HIT! :devil:

[chiggins83187]

Well, no one else is doing this, so I thought I would :)

I voted for the 'rent-a-cop status', although I could have gone with 'other' as well. Ever since I was a junior in high school (which was only 5 years ago) I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I saw a Nat Geo special on the prep work for when the POTUS speaks, and I was intrigued from then on. I know, a TV show can make any job look interesting...

But I also figure this (and it's not at all a "macho man"/"hero" mentality): I'm going to die someday, so, I'd rather that I die to save someone else's life than just die...if that makes sense.

I got into private security once I turned 18 so I know what the rent-a-cop jobs are like, and I want better than that.

I also like :machinegunner: :D

[usabodyguard]

Well I actually stumbled into this profession, even though I choose -

I'm HUGE and can look real MEAN...

because that fits too lol

:coolguy:

[Local Talent]

Well, no one else is doing this, so I thought I would :)

[...] But I also figure this (and it's not at all a "macho man"/"hero" mentality): I'm going to die someday, so, I'd rather that I die to save someone else's life than just die...if that makes sense. [...]
Thanks for participating, sir, and thanks for that point of view too. I find it refreshing. :thumbs:

[Local Talent]

I'm HUGE and can look real MEAN...
True story: I recently ran into a security company manager from usabodyguard's area. When I mentioned this forum, he asked me if I had met David LaManno, which I haven't. The next words out of his mouth were: "he's HUGE!" :D

[usabodyguard]

:secretagent: hmmmm i wonder who youre talking about... :confused:

[Local Talent]

PM sent. :)