Australian Prime Minister Security Disaster

“Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard clung to her bodyguard as she was dragged to safety through a crowd of angry protesters in Canberra today.

Riot police formed a shield around the prime minister as they helped her force a path through the protesters who surrounded a restaurant where she was attending an awards ceremony to mark Australia Day.

Miss Gillard stumbled after losing a shoe in the scuffle, but was caught by her personal security guard and managed to get into a waiting car. “

After watching the video of the events that transpired ,I was very confused by he lack of security procedures that should have been in place prior to having a VIP on site (The Advance) as well as some of the actions that were taken when the decision was made to quickly remove the Prime Minister THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF A CROWD OF ANGRY PROTESTERS???

Maybe these guys know something I don’t…

Check out the video yourself HERE.

SEALS Rescue US Aid Worker in Somalia

Score another ones for the good guys!

A U.S. special operations team of Navy SEALs  rescued two aid workers in Somalia Tuesday night, including a U.S. woman who had been held hostage for three months by Somalian kidnappers and suffered from a life-threatening medical condition.

Jessica Buchanan, 32, of Bedford, Va.,  and Poul Hagen Thisted, 60, of Denmark, were abducted Oct. 25 by a band of Somalis while on their way to the airport in Galcayo,  located in central Somalia. Both were working for the Danish Refugee Council’s Danish Demining Group, and had just finished a training course for Somalis when they were abducted.

In a statement released by the White House, President Obama said he had authorized a rescue mission Monday.

Full story, click HERE

The New ICON Advanced Executive Protection Course Graduates

Congratulating the new graduates of the ICON Advanced Executive Protection Training Course.  Long hours, challenging assignments a few surprises, and the ever present  mantra “drill, drill, drill”.

Thanks for giving 100%! Your efforts showed!

Next course:  April 30 – May 9th, 2012  Special Financing & Scholarship Opportunities Available.  For more information click HERE.

Top 10 Bodyguard Related Movies

Presenting my very biased list for Top 10 Bodyguard Movies of all time. This is an unscientific study with the only criteria being that they have an element of Executive Protection included (and of course that they get a lot of play in my DVD).

1. Star Wars

 You have to look at #1 on my list with 2 things in mind.  1. Obi-Wan was Luke’s bodyguard!)  And 2. I’m a huge Star Wars fan so anytime I can relate that to Executive Protection i’m going to slid it in!

2.. Man on Fire

The gold standard as far as i’m concerned.

3. Custodio (The Minder)

Foreign film but i’m so glad I tracked it down after I got the recommendation.

4. The Bodyguard 

Yeah it’s Cliché, but it’s a good movie

5. Way of the Gun

People either love or hate this one, but it’s one of my personal favs.  The elevator scene won me over (but why did they think leaving her alone was a good idea???)

6. Shogun Assassin

Classic.

7. Guarding Tess

I had stayed away from this movie for years as I thought it was going to be a comedy that just poked fun at the profession without knowing anything about it.  However I saw it for the first time just a short while ago and I loved it. It actually gave a good snapshot of the frustration and give and take that goes into working long term with a client.  (with a humors slant of course)

8. Heat

Not even sure if there are any BG’s in it, but it still makes list.  The Bank Robbery scene. ’nuff said.

9. Ronin

Too many scenes to mention but the coffee cup ambush and the introduction (not to mention the REAL car chase sequences) get this one regular rotation in my DVD.

10. In the Line of Fire

Clint and John both in their prime.

Honorable Mention:

The Unit

While it won’t make the official list as it’s television, the good episodes reached a high standard and had some pretty dynamic storytelling.

So that’s my list.  Agree? Disagree?  Which ones did I miss?

Stage Crashers & Bodyguards 1

A humorous example of what happens when you don’t have security.  (I think the artist was a great sport)  While the guy on stage was harmless, what if he wasn’t, or decided later not to be? I’m guessing it was a promoter who *finally* came on the stage, (not artist security) and STILL didn’t get the fan off.  (If it was security, he might want to trying some continuing training like the ICON CELEBRITY PROTECTION COURSE)

Executive Protection Tips Videos

Had a great time over the last few months working on the Bodyguard 2 Minute Tip segments with Harlan Austin of Bodyguard Careers.  The aim is to give some “bite sized” nuggets that would be useful for individuals that are interested in getting into the field of Executive Protection.  So far the response has been extremely positive and in 2012 we plan on more installments, as well as other participants.  In the meantime, you can catch up on the tips in one place by clicking below.

Ethics in Executive Protection

Bodyguards & Professional Email

Choosing An Executive Protection School

Choosing the Right Footwear

January 2012 Executive Protection Course Wrap Up

Just completed the first ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Course of 2012.  The ICON Training Academy hosted an intensely motivated group of men and women who decided to invest the time and the resources in continuing education in the field of Executive Protection.  Our goal is to leave students with an experience that delivers the realities (good and bad) of the industry.  So in addition to the “exciting stuff” such as shooting and counteraction drills, there is also the element of stress, fatigue and the looming possibility that because the attackers often get to choose the time and the place – potential failure.

Last night I got to sit down and review the anonymous course evaluation forms, and looks like the overwhelming consensus is that we succeeded in our goal.

Special thanks to my fellow instructors, support staff, and “special guest” and giving a hearty welcome the newest ICON Alumni.

~Elijah Shaw

Next class:  April 25-29, 2012

Special financing & Scholarship opportunities available.  To learn more about future courses click HERE.

Caption This: Holiday Edition

A dare is a dangerous thing.

In anticipation of the 2012 return of  of “Caption This” the feature where we ask readers to supply their own witty comments to our humorous selection of Executive Protection/ Law Enforcement / Military related photos I was dared into submitting a personal photo.  (Thanks Donna)

So in honor of the holidays, I’ll spread a little yuletide cheer and allow you to

“Caption This…”

Happy Holidays from ICON Services Corporation & the Contributors at Bodyguard Blog!

**Check out previous edition of Caption This by clicking HERE

Gadhafi bodyguard disputes Mexican Account of Arrest

A Canadian security contractor who served as a bodyguard for members of Libya’s deposed Gadhafi family says there was a plan to move one of the former dictator’s sons to Mexico, but it was abandoned long before a Canadian woman was arrested by Mexican authorities.

In an exclusive interview with CBC News, Gary Peters, based in Cambridge, Ont., says Cynthia Vanier consulted on a plan to move al-Saadi Gadhafi and members of his family to Mexico, but it was abandoned in June when it was deemed to be illegal.

“The idea — it was put to rest.”

Mexican authorities allege Vanier led a plot to smuggle Gadhafi family members to properties being bought in an exclusive gated community of Punta Mita near Puerto Vallarta.

For the full story click HERE.

See Related:

Partners of US Security Firm Arrested For Alleged Gaddafi Rescue Connection

An EPIC Recap

Had a great time speaking and attending the 30th Annual Conference hosted by Executive Protection Institute (EPI) and the Nine Lives Associates (NLA).  The event, held in Orlando Fl, consisted of a well balanced mix of seasoned industry veterans as well as  newcomers to the profession who were eager to network and learn.  This was also my first meeting with EPI’s esteemed founder Dr. Richard Kobetz who sat front row during my presentation entitled “A Day In the Life – The Anatomy of a VIP Protection Assignment.”  (When he told me that he enjoyed it, it more than made up for the powerpoint delay that happened at the start!)  With additional presentations that included Harlan “Hucky” Austin, Robert “Rick” Colliver, Charles Randolph, Bill Peeler and a keynote by Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman, I knew I was in esteemed company. Additional thanks to EPI Executive Director Jerry Heying and his team for putting on a great event.

Thanks for the invite,

Elijah Shaw, CEO

Icon Services Corporation