The Executive Protection Magazine

While Blogs & Newsgroups might be the wave of the future in terms of delivering up to the minute news reporting, there is still a place for the printed page.  In the world of Executive Protection, The Circuit Magazine fills that niche offering news, tips, interviews, equipment reviews and more with all things related to the Bodyguard & Close Protection Industry.

Now on issue #10, the fine folks at the North American Bodyguard Guard Association (NABA) also with the long-standing British Bodyguard Association (BBA) produce a full-color magazine that covers the A-Z of security industry.

A subscription to the magazine comes free with membership to either of the above organizations, or you can order individually HERE.

If past issues are what you are looking for, I’d also suggest checking out BodyguardMagazines.com, where you can order, and also find a preview of the articles.

Executive Protection Training Calendar

Celebrity & VIP Protection Course :  (5 Days) January 5 – 9, 2011

a five-day course of practical theory and hands-on training in the world of Celebrity & VIP Protection.Taught by industry veteran Elijah Shaw, who in addition to his corporate clients, has traveled the world as the personal bodyguard of international public figures such as musical giant Usher, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and rap megastar 50 Cent.

Advanced Pistol Course:  (2-3 Days) February 11 – 13, 2011

Taught by our highly qualified instructors, this two day course is open to the public and will prove a dynamic experience into the world of offensive/defensive shooting using a combination of classroom, drills and extended live fire exercises.  In addition, an optional 3rd day is offered to members of the Executive Protection Community with specific training geared for the Close Protection industry.

Advanced Executive Protection Course:  (10 Days) March 4 – 13, 2011

This intensive 10-day class is an excellent tool for Operators sharpening their skills with a focus on conducting close protection assignments with a potential high threat level. Work with experienced professionals who are not teaching “theory” put practical applications developed from many years of doing the job.  Lead by Instructor Dave Marris who has spent over 15 years in private security working in a number of high-risk environments including Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, Southeast Asia, South and Central America.

Surveillance Detection Course:  (5 Days) April 6 – 10, 2011

Icon Services Corporation together with Israeli-Based Multi Tier Solutions Ltd. are proud to present a unique course focusing on detecting stalkers, potential kidnappers & pre-attack surveillance. This course greatly benefits those in the corporate and low enforcement sectors with special emphasis placed on detecting terrorist activities.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the above courses, click on the links or send and email to Training@Industry-Icon.com.  We can also put you in contact with previous Alumni to talk about their past experiences.

The Alumni

Just wanted to take a moment and recognize all the men and women who have attend the ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Course.  The courses have been a lot of work, but have also been universally well received.  We’ve had everyone from former members of the United States Secret Service to laid off repairmen take the course, and all have left feeling that their time and funds were well respected.

Just giving a tip of the hat.

Click on the Photos to Enlarge.

SUCCESS

Just completed the September 5-day ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Course!  Thank you to the 24 students that crossed the finish-line and gave their time, attention and hard earned dollars to attend.  It was great to have the attendees from various backgrounds, ages, colors & genders, meet in an environment that leveled the playing field.   One of the major phrases I returned to time and again during the course is that “it’s a thinking person’s game“.   You did not have to be the biggest or strongest or best shooter to gain the skills to make your mark on the Executive Protection Industry.

Next course, January 5 – 9th, 2011

Bodyguard Training Calendar

Minneapolis, MN September 8-12th 2010 – Icon Services Corporation present a five-day course of practical theory and hands-on training in the world of Celebrity & VIP Protection. If you are new to the bodyguard industry or a current operator looking to refresh and polish your skills, this course will offer excellent instruction into the professional side of Close Protection work. Taught by industry veteran Elijah Shaw, who in addition to his corporate clients, has traveled the world as the personal bodyguard of international public figures such as musical giant Usher, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and rap megastar 50 Cent, the course will offer real world problems, scenarios, and solutions from instructors that are currently active in the industry.

“Your training is an invaluable tool to your industry. I was very impressed how realistic the training was that you provide. Having been taught by the best, I can honestly state that I learned quite a bit in your class. There is always room for improving ones skill set, and your training definitely added to mine”.

Special Agent Robert E. Jones / US Secret Service

For more information click HERE

Anatomy of an Engagment

Here are some of the photos during the recent ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Training Course.  In this actual Force on Force exercise, attendees escort their VIP from a building to a nearby vehicle, however armed assailants conduct an ambush.  The students are evaluated on their reactions and decisions made.  The level of realism is intensified by the use of Airsoft weapons that deliver a realistic  (and at times painful) simulation of taking fire and having to return fire against a live person. (click on the photo to enlarge)

Fig 1.  After identifying an imminent threat, the front security escort moves forward and prepares to engage.

Fig 2.  the primary bodyguard, assisted by the 2nd security escort covers and evacuates the VIP to the nearby vehicle –finding it disabled.

Fig 3.  The primary bodyguard elects to move the VIP to the far side of the vehicle, using it for cover.  At this point, the 2nd security escort has drawn his firearm and engaged the attackers from the rear of the vehicle.

The next course is September 8-12, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  To learn about additional Close Protection training from ICON Services Corporation, click HERE.

See Related:  Executive Protection Training Video

Executive Protection Training Video

A very small sampling of the drills that go into honing skills in the Executive & VIP Protection Industry.  These are the building blocks that create the total package that clients, Detail Leaders and decision makers are looking for.

The guys that attended the recent training course were from all backgrounds and walks of life, but I think what was so impressive is that regardless of their pedigree’sthey put their egos on the shelf (well mostly) and engaged in the physical and mental exertions that form muscle memory.  Continue on that path and at when the moment of truth comes, your actions (or reactions) are on autopilot.

For more information on ICON Executive Protection Training, click HERE.

VIP Protection Course Day 1

Looks to be a great group of guys this class.  Everyone showed up on time and ready to work.  By the end of the day you could see the exhaustion, but I feel if your going to invest your time and hard earned cash, the payout should be worth it.  Correct?

To learn more about future ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Courses, click HERE

Female Bodyguards Featured on Today Show

Amy Robach of the the Today show does a segment on the rise of females in the Executive Protection industry.  The show spotlights Executive Protection Agent Joanna Torrens and an all female class undergoing training in the profession.   While obviously greatly condensed and edited for their morning demographic, I thought the piece was a good representation of the training, challenges and mindset women would need to undergo to succeed in the male dominated bodyguard industry.

Click HERE to view the segment.

To learn more about some of the training Joanna went through follow THIS link.

ICON Featured on the Today Show

Just got off a (LONG) 22 hr flight from South Africa.  Touched down and  received word that the Today Show piece we did in conjunction with Harlan Austin at Bodyguard Careers aired.  I’ll get a proper post up later, but in the meantime, catch the segment.

And if your interested in learning more about the training (for males or females) click HERE.

Video of the program behind the jump.