Where do I start????

[apamburn]

So I read for about 2 hours on the forum but still have a few questions. Perhaps if I explain where I want to go, where I stand and what I think I need to do, I can ask if I err or am correct.

I intend to move into EP and Federal LE work after college. I dont really have a preference for one Fed LE agency over another.

I am currently trying to get as much experience under my belt that will make me "attractive" to those two ends. Here's my 'roadmap:'

1.Background
-Maintain a clean criminal background: no convictions, no tickets, etc.
2.Academics
-Graduate from college with >3.0 GPA
-Graduate from a respected EP school
3.Credit/Character
-Maintain low debt and clean credit history.
-Maintain clean character, to be shown by reccomendations from
professors, employers, etc.
4.Experience
-Hold a CWP (DONE)
-Learn and maintain as many languages as possible (French and Haitian
Creole DONE)
-Obtain CPR/AED/1st aid cert. (DONE)
-Obtain EMT cert.
-become proficient in firearms safety, useage, etc. (IN PROCESS)
-become proficient in a form of martial arts
-Obtain work experience in fields relavant to EP and Fed LE (Currently
working in Security field).

So that's pretty much it. Here are my questions.

1. Am I missing anything that could augment my roadmap? is there anything that is unnecessary?

2. I acknowledge that LEO's and ex military have a huge advantage over me when breaking into the EP field. Am I wasting my time by going through an EP school? Do I even have a fighting chance?

3. I know there are many schools out there and it seems to me that the most important thing is just to get the ball rolling by going to one- any respected school. Is that impression correct?

4. It seems that the #1 way to find work in EP is through effective networking- being able to find and follow through on your own leads. Is that correct?

Thanks guys, really.

[Local Talent]

So I read for about 2 hours on the forum [...]
That's it? Some of us write novels here! Go back and read s'more! :D
Perhaps if I explain where I want to go, where I stand and what I think I need to do, I can ask if I err or am correct.
YES! Good thinking.
I intend to move into EP and Federal LE work after college. I dont really have a preference for one Fed LE agency over another.
OK, that tells me you're probably very young: you have to choose. If planning to get into any kind of LEA, fed or more local, research its requirements, apply, expect rejection and be ready to re-apply or try with other agencies, then prepare for intense and long academy training followed by several years of a busy life, um, enforcing the law.
Only once your career is a bit settled (with the feds you may bounce around the country a bit), or even once you're retired, can you envision branching out into investigations or EP. Some LEAs might frown on side businesses or jobs, BTW.

So if you are serious about LE, I'd say focus on that for now. It is very possible, especially if you pursue it, that protective training and work will come your way while working for the man. Otherwise, what you'll learn in investigative techniques, surveillance/counter-surveillance, firearms, combatives, etc., all on the taxpayers' dime, will be invaluable later.

Now I'll try to answer your specific questions:

1. Again, the agencies you target will dictate in detail what requirements (physical conditioning, background, education, language skills, etc.) you have to meet. Most will give you the training (firearms, 1st aid/CPR certs, and all the good stuff) for free so don't worry about that.
Although there are exceptions, the bigger the agency, the less they want rookies to know beforehand: they don't want to have to re-train them. They look for specific traits of personality and character, and give them all the tools they need for the job. So no one will be too interested in a gun permit or shooting scores. The large city PDs here ask, OTOH, what community activities candidates have been involved in. Mentoring programs and volunteering score lotsa points.

There are books that help prepare for LE careers, and you'll see that it's all about clean background, sufficient education (completely varies), good shape, and motivation.

2. Now see, you should've read for 2.5 hours! :p IF you don't go the LE or mil route before EP, you'll encounter people from those backgrounds on the jobs or vie for the same positions. They do hold an advantage and are in demand. BUT, as we've said again and again, it's about people, not diplomas, badges, or medals. A good guy is a good guy. It takes a certain type to work EP, and not all wear a uniform.
You're already in private security and you sound thoughtful and organized. I don't think you would "waste your time" at all by getting the training on your own. Plenty have done just that.

3. Yes, that's my take too. Check out the school, talk to former students or ask about it here, look at its curriculum, and assess what you can realistically afford (not everybody can go for a lengthy out-of-state program), then get the ball rolling that way, sure. Don't forget that it will just be a primer. You'll have to keep going to school throughout your career to stay fresh, up-to-speed, and connected.

4. Yes, you got that too. The best jobs aren't advertised. I see great guys wondering how to get in and idiots who keep working (a real shame): it's very much about who you know, just like in showbiz. Prepare to become a schmoozer with other agents and team leaders in the field, during training, at seminars, etc.
I'm sure that my own career would've started sooner and taken me further if I wasn't so independent and bent on burning bridges.

[Lone Wolf]

I concur with LT on this one.. Go back and read some more.... JK you seem to have a good head on your shoulders.. Do what you have to do take your time get your education and move forward with your plans...

[apamburn]

Yeah...there's alot to read on here! It's really tempting to sit and read while Im on my graveyard shift but...that wouldnt be professional, now would it ;)? Hey, maybe my supervisor would commend me for learning and trying to improve myself :P
LT and Lone Wolf, thanks much for your responses. LT I am indeed young (22) and only going into my sophmore year of college, which is why (as you noted) I havent really narrowed down the agency I particularly want to work for....but, there's a good reason I havent done that yet. I expect that in 3 or 4 years I will have changed, as will have my preferences. That's why I want to research and learn as much as I can about different agencies now before I make my decision a little closer to the end of school.


So did you two come from the LE or military world? How long have you been in the EP world?

[Local Talent]

Although some people are fixated on one particular agency, most end up casting a wider net and going wherever they can or deciding when they have more intel, a little like with colleges. It's smart to keep your options open at this point. Sometimes I hear younger folks spout out very specific ideas about what kind of career they want, and think to myself that they're in for surprises.

Otherwise, most members have already given a clue or two about themselves in the "new members" area, but LW and I are both dinosaurs (carbon 14 places him a few geological eras before me :devil2:) and former soldiers. I've been a private security guy for so long that it's more how I consider and define myself, though.

ETA: by "you need to choose" earlier, I meant that you won't be able to both go into EP AND LE, not in the beginning anyway. If I were your age and interested in LE, I'd do that first, while keeping an eye on EP for later.

[apamburn]

Well thanks to both of you for your service to our nation; that goes for anyone else on the forum as well.

But yeah...I understand now what you mean. I can't have my cake and eat it too, at least for now. One or the other. Thanks for that insight LT. After looking into BTI, as you suggested, it seems to give a little more bang for the buck...has anyone on the forum participated in their training courses?


And may I just say WOW!! The grammar on this board is spectacular! Is that because im in the midst of folks from a previous generation who cared about grammar or does it reflect the precision with which the members of the forum operate ;)

[Local Talent]

Quite a few BTI graduates on board, yes; I'm sure they'll chime in as they all seem very happy with the training they received. It does look like usabodyguard's program covers a lot of ground and I haven't seen anything like it in our neck of the woods.

Your remark on the use of proper English made me laugh... I think it's just simple courtesy to do your best to express yourself so that others don't have to struggle on the other end, just like speaking clearly and slowly on a portable radio. But you're right that it may be a generational thing. I know I'm beginning to use shorthand and emoticons a lot, and I'm not a big texter. English and its use are changing fast.

[Lone Wolf]

LW and I are both dinosaurs (carbon 14 places him a few geological eras before me :devil2:) and former soldiers.

I've been a private security guy for so long that it's more how I consider and define myself, though.


Hey I resemble that remark.. LMAO.. To speak of a few things that LT mentioned as well.. Grammar and SPELLING.. Well it seems that when I was in school.. (Yes they had those when I was younger).. The three R's have gone by the way side..

The three R's you ask???

Readin... Ritin... And Rithimatic..

Ok Ok.. Reading Writing and Math.. Have also gone the way of us ole dinosaurs as well...

One of the major things that I teach in my classes is that without being professional in manner you will get little to no respect.. To be professional also means that you have the tools and ability to PROFESSIONALLY write and spell words correctly in reports and so on...

I am truly appauled at the spelling capabilities of kids (no offense to anyone younger than us dinosaurs) by their ability to spell.. My kids are a perfect example.. Im like Im sending you to private schools why??? They can read but cant spell for anything.. If you have to carry a pocket dictionary with you do so... DAYUM guys spelling punctuation and grammar are an important part of being a professional...


Ok I got a little off topic here... so refocus.. and back to you..

That adage of you cant have your cake and eat it to does apply to a point.. What I suggest is that you first LEARN and I mean REALLY LEARN your job.. once you become good at it continue your education more... AND focus outside of your field.. You will eventually be able to tast that cake that you want as well..

[Local Talent]

Well, being warriors also means that we're all a bit rough around the edges... "rough men standing ready to do violence" on our clients' behalf, after all. :)
So few of us have more than a faint layer of polish. But as Wolf says, we have to be "professional in manner" or we'll always be relegated to the back doors and hallways.

[apamburn]

Hmm. Thanks for the advice, Wolf. When you say "learn your job" I assume you are referring to my current employment as a Security Officer?

[Local Talent]

apamburn, now that you told us elsewhere who your current employer is... your supervisors are off-duty or retired LEOs, correct? Do you get a chance to interact with them a lot at your account(s)? Do you get to talk one-on-one to management or do these guys mainly stay in LA (ex-LAPD)?

[apamburn]

My supervisors are indeed off duty or retired LEO's. I interact with them daily and on occasion can speak face to face with management, though they are always more than open to recieve calls, answer questions, and give advice.

[Local Talent]

Great - that's how they are in LA and I'm glad to see that Utah is the same type of operation.

In that case, I would think that your LE cadre would be your best source of intel on local jobs. Of course, most will rather want to mentor you to go into LE, and it can be tricky to advertise that you're looking around for EP gigs within your own company. Then again you already did just that... :D

But seriously, cops managing young security officers are usually friendly and willing to share their stuff. Some can be defensive because of all the haters out there (surprisingly enough, a lot of the hating is done by security folks), but otherwise they love to see sharp guys try and better themselves. Have you looked into that (picking their brains)?

OTOH and AFAIK, the EP guys in your company are almost exclusively LEOs, and so I think there's very little chance of you moving up in-house, permit to carry concealed or not. That might be different with a diploma from an EP school, however, and that's something you'd have to discuss with your management.
So you'd have to ask what side work they've been involved in.

Bottom line: if I were you, and as I said, I'd set my sights on a LEA or two, look at their educational requirements, and get the degree they want. In the meantime, I'd support myself in private security where I could learn the ropes and pay some dues there - a lot of EP guys never did and it shows in the little things. One shouldn't have to teach an EP "pro" how to speak in a portable, report to work early enough, or write clear and accurate reports, for example. All the little things I go over in detail here: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355 should be ingrained in any EP guy and go without saying, but it just ain't and don't, and sometimes it's because people skipped a few "grades"...

And finally, I would look at my current job as a unique opportunity to learn what LEOs are really about. This'll come in handy whether you do go into LE yourself or into EP instead. In the latter case, LEOs will often be your bosses and co-workers (just like right now), and you'll interface with local PDs on some operations. A certain familiarity obviously doesn't hurt. Cops will show you what to do and... not to do, at times, but that's another story! :D

[apamburn]

Your tips for new bodyguards was one of the first things I read on the forum and I laughed/learned/knew-that-I-wanted-to-be-a-member hahaha....

Now, it's funny you should mention me trying to work with the LEO's around me... I recently spoke with management and the gentleman in charge of EP operations told me what you just said: they prefer LEO's or military experience. When I brought up an EP school, he was a bit baffled- he said that it was definitely a possibility, but that no Security Specialist had ever asked before, so he would have to ask around to find out what schools are reputable in the industry. That was last friday, so I'm still waiting to hear back from him.

I've also spoken with my local Manager and today he put in a call with our Utah Qualifying Agent for the Licensing Agency here. I've met our QA before and he seems HSLD and legit- former LEO, qualifies armed and unarmed security, trains local SWAT and police, etc. My supervisor left a message asking about any EP instruction or insight he could provide.

My manager in particular is really helpful- he advocates self improvement in any way possible. He's definitely on my side.

I also have contacts within OPSGEAR, mainly a retailer of tactical gear but involved in some EP. They recently went to Haiti on protective detail for some NGO's...too bad I didnt contact them then- I speak Haitian Creole and French fluently :( You just reminded me to try to work that angle too. Thanks LT!

[Local Talent]

And thank you for the kind words and great attitude, apamburn. Methinks you'll do very well in EP.

This preconception that EP guys are all either from military or police backgrounds is widespread, although most companies are well aware that lots of civvies are in the business too. You'll also hear a lot of assumptions coming from the clientele or the public when you start working plain-clothes details. They'll think they know things about you. It's funny sometimes.

Moving up from the uniformed to the EP division within a given company is definitely one way to get started (a question so often asked here). It can be a bit tricky and you may need to show how serious you are, but this is what I did myself so I know it's feasible.

[Local Talent]

Am I missing anything that could augment my roadmap?
It probably goes without saying, but you left out picking a good physical conditioning program and sticking to it (I'm bored and was re-reading your OP). Whatever means you use to reach that goal, maintaining a great shape is going to be a lifetime pursuit. Not only will it be useful due to some demands of the job (having to jog with this client, or bike ride with those kids, for example), but it will help maintain a professional image and keep you healthy.

Clean living is also a must for EP. A lot of clients are very health-conscious and won't tolerate cigarette smoke, for example.

[apamburn]

Ive definitely noticed that you really do have to show that you are serious about moving up...Ive gotten attitude from people before for saying that I want to move in that direction from private security. Fortunately the people surrounding me where I work are really supportive of me.

How long did it take you to move your way up from the uniformed side LT?

And thanks for the reminder about physical conditioning- I forgot to mention that in the first post. I exercise daily, following the 8 week training regimen I found in the DEA Physical Fitness Exam packet. It's kickin my butt, but in the last month I've cut a minute off of my mile (which isnt saying much...I went from about 8:40 to 7:30, but progress is progress).

I cant quite say Im health conscious- I eat way too many cheezeburgers and way too many french fries to qualify on that one ;) but I dont drink alcohol or smoke...I watched cigarettes kill 3 of my 4 grandparents (all of whom smoked), and anything with a 75% mortality rate I think I'll stay away from.

[Secfor]

Clean living is also a must for EP. A lot of clients are very health-conscious and won't tolerate cigarette smoke, for example.

The flip side of this one is; I would not let my clients smoke in the vehicles in Iraq :)

They were not too happy about it at first but got used to it (I hope)

More risk = More control!

Rick

Secfor International (http://www.secforinternational.com)

[Local Talent]

Well, it took me a while because I wasn't looking. I pursued other life goals for years and only viewed private security as a day job. Never thought it would end up being a "career". I once applied for an entry-level job that I thought I could qualify for and was pretty much told that I was un-marketable, so I forgot all about EP.

Then I joined a company like yours, that did both uniformed and EP work (most do, but usually keep those divisions separate, so that uniforms often never meet suits). I thought nothing of it, but agents and security directors noticed and requested me, and it took about a year for me to become a F/T bodyguard.

I was already in my late thirties then, and other doors were closing fast, so I realized that EP was going to end up being the thing for me. Not exactly a vocation in my case!

I'm very atypical in many ways so the advice I give is based on what I've seen work, not so much what I do or did, BTW.

Now about the need to show others that you're "serious"...

EP is very much like showbiz that way. Lots of people want to get into this line of work (or think they do). But they're often clueless about its reality and blinded by the flash of the profession (guns, red carpets, celebs, limos). In fact, the job can be very boring and demanding most of the time. And a lot of the hardship is caused by other agents who turn out to be phonies, backstabbers or flakes...
And that explains why, especially given how few good jobs ("starring roles") there are, working pros aren't all that excited about newcomers. "Oh, you wanna be a bodyguard? Get in line."
But if somebody looks like they have potential and drive, they get our attention because we all want and need good people to work with us.

So the credentials and training, while useful and even vital at times, are also a way to precisely show people (company bosses and detail leaders) how committed one is. I mentioned elsewhere running into 2 guys who put themselves through the police academy to be POST certified on their own dime, and it makes a different statement than the guy who claims having always wanted to be a bodyguard, but never did anything more about it than watch the movie...
Plus people will invest time and effort themselves in a rookie to get them up to speed. So understandably, they don't want the guy to embarrass them or walk away because he suddenly realized that he doesn't want to stand or work nights. I've seen it happen.

So if you're committed and can show it by how much you invested in your future career, people will be more willing to take you in, even if they have to show you some ropes (we're all willing to share our stuff). Makes sense?

Otherwise, I figured that you were probably following a physical training regimen - all guys with their sights on LE do. I merely mentioned it because it popped in my head and in the interest of being thorough (who knows how many newbies might read your thread, and they may not all be as prepared - they need to know what they're looking at).

Good on you for being tobacco- and alcohol-free. As for the crappy food... oh, well, you can get away with it at your age. :) And after a while on the job, you'll realize that all of us making grand statements about physical shape and healthy living don't always follow our own advice... :D It's pretty hard to work out daily or eat healthy with some of the hectic schedules we work.

Ive gotten attitude from people before for saying that I want to move in that direction from private security.
The sooner you realize that most people aren't your friends (even, and sometimes especially, when they claim to be), the better.
Your goals are yours and yours alone. The more you share them, the more negative energy from others you take in and the more inner momentum you lose. I'm often very guilty of this (too trusting and open), and I learned the hard way: keep your cards close to the vest. Those who actually CAN help you probably won't need you to say a word - they'll know what you're about.
Otherwise those who failed will do their best to discourage you, and the hopeful will just want to ride your coattails if you seem to have a clue. You need intel and open doors, not critics or dead weight.

apamburn, I hope you don't mind my talking to you like someone twice your age, brother, because I am! :D

[Lone Wolf]

Yup especially being new in the field... You seem to have a great head on your shoulders.. Move forward.. I always tell my beginning classes for Security here in Florida that you get out of it what you put into it.. Rules are the same.. If you work hard and smart dont make serious mistakes.. Keep it professional and show initiative and drive you will move forward.. Doesnt matter if its where you currently are or with another agency or on your own even..

Determination drive desire are all important.. Appearance and attitude.. Keep it right and DRIVE ON...

[Local Talent]

The flip side of this one is; I would not let my clients smoke in the vehicles in Iraq :)
LOL! Too funny, Rick. I'm in (reasonably safe) LA so I don't get to tell the clients anything. I often wish I could, but that would require bullets to start flying... The safer the gig, the more the job turns into something else, as we've discussed before.

As for our friend apamburn, who's only thinking about EP, I wouldn't want him to think he could put his foot down with clients who won't allow anyone to look them in the eye! :D

ETA: no idea where the "thumbs down" on this post came from (must've clicked where I shouldn't while watching TV) and I can't remove it from "edit"... :confused:

[Naomi]

Hi! I am agree with you.You have good idea. From my view you will not wasting your time and lets you go your EP school and learn your job.

[RONIN]

LT as always you hit the nail right on the head. apamburn not all EP guys are ex-military or retired/ex leo's.. so don't let that discourage you. stick to your plan, and you will get what you want. now don;t expect it to happen over nite. even ex-military "myself" have a hard time sometimes getting into the EP field..

hence why i'm overseas on contract.. the EP just wasn't for me..