Newbie

[Falcon]

Hey all,
I've been quietly browsing this forum for a few months now. Figured I might as well start and contribute the little bit that I can. This place looks like it has huge potential, I just wish it were a little more active lately! I have run out of things to read.

Anyway some quick info on me. I have little to no experience in this field, I am a college student, and I am very interested in getting involved in executive protection etc. I am currently a part time firefighter/medical first responder to support myself while in school, so I do have experience in regards to public/life safety, rescue operations, medical aid etc.

I am simply looking for a place to get some good pointers on getting started in the field. I am also located in CA so I figured this forum was as good as any!

Thanks!

[Geo]

Hi Ryan,
I seen your from the Ca area. There are a few of us on here from Ca. Feel free to pm me for any questions. Also the training company that is involved with the site is a good one, you should check them out. It is a small community of people but most are here are experienced in their own right. Glad to see your taking part...Geo

[Local Talent]

:welcome: Ryan! A good way to whip up some participation is to do what you just did: become a member, introduce yourself, then ask for questions. :)
Some of us may have things to say, but a forum isn't the place for one-sided lectures or essays, it's for discussions. So bring up topics, and believe me, we'll chime in!

Now to address your question about getting started...

In CA, a bodyguard is a security officer in the eyes of the BSIS. So you have to have the minimum license to operate in the state, the Guard Card. When you take the classes, talk to your instructor, he is likely to know the local industry (mine has done EP) and could give you some useful tips.
Then, to make yourself more marketable and to land the better jobs, I strongly suggest also obtaining a gun permit (Exposed Firearms in CA), along with a pepper spray cert and the obligatory First Aid/CPR/AED that you probably already hold.
The above is what we ALL should have, the CCW being the icing on the cake.

The baton & taser certs are really for those planning on a uniformed career (in CA, carrying a concealed baton is a felony for non-LEOs so I only got my permit because I had money to spare when I moved here, but I wouldn't advise you to get one).

Now those are minimum certification requirements. Your particular training is in high demand in our field, BTW. Computer/surveillance equipment/alarm systems knowledge is also highly valued. So don't think that you have to be law enforcement or military, HSLD type, to get jobs. Although certain positions will require such backgrounds.

But one thing often overlooked is actual EP training, relevant to our line of work. Many guys get into EP without a real clue, and it shows. So an EP course would be my main focus after scoring the professional certs.
Taking such a course will also ensure (and prove to prospective employers) that you have a good understanding of the mission and the ways to get it done.

Also, ideally and to be more marketable and credible, you would be involved in martial arts. This would not only show that you can handle physical confrontations, but that you are serious about your career and maintain a good physical shape.

Finally, you shouldn't be afraid to pay your dues. Although you could get lucky, it is hard enough to secure jobs for the working pros, but newcomers should expect a hard time landing EP assignments right off the bat. So join a company that has a uniformed division or takes entry-level applicants. You will not get the big $ right away, and will have to put up with harsh work conditions at times, but this will prepare you. I see way too many prima donnas who expect the royal treatment because of the clientele they protect ("I don't park cars", "Am I getting paid for reporting to work early?", etc.). Well, some time toiling as a security officer will teach you humility and customer service skills that will pay strong dividends when you access the higher levels. Just like one can tell the guys who've never been in the service, spotting the ones who didn't move up through the ranks is easy - they expect a respect that (mostly) isn't there and complain too much.

If you have useful language skills, play those up on your resume because they could make a difference when employers are looking for agents to travel with their clients. You will not be trusted with one-on-one traveling assignments right away, however.

Again, welcome, good luck, and don't hesitate to voice all your questions and comments here. :)

[Dhernandez2319]

Welcome Ryan, I'm in Cali as well, Listen to LT he's right in every way. You'll find that Most of us are willing to help. Your First Responders experience is quite usefull. Most of us have to take courses in First Aid. So That's a plus.

[Dr Satan]

Hi Ryan and welcome.

[Lone Wolf]

:welcome: Everyone has pretty much said everything that there is to say about it. These guys are the best.. Me personally Im in Florida for now will be in Cali Soon..

[Falcon]

Thank you very much for the warm welcome folks. Great advice LT, I took in every bit of it and I appreciate it. In regards to the martial arts comment, I am a currently an active Judoka and I love it. I have been thinking of getting into Jiu Jitsu as well.

Thanks again!

[Vindex Inc,]

Welcome, learn as much as you can..Study krav maga also, You can't go wrong.let us know how you progress. best of luck....-Cullen.