Training Day Countdown

Tomorrow begins the next ICON Celebrity & VIP Protection Course and we’re all very proud to say we once   again have a sold out class.   Looking forward to the dynamic mix of seasoned professionals polishing their skills and newcomers just getting started in the industry.

Also very excited to have Dave Marris on board as a Guest Instructor this course.   In the close protection arena his background is one who’s “been there, done that”,  so we’re especially glad to have an active Operator take the time to help out.

Pretty certain the only sleep I get for the next 5 days will occur around the same time the paperboy is making deliveries, and end before he’s done.

Learn The Bodyguard Business

Icon Services Corporation is proud to introduce our exciting 1 day seminar on Executive Protection held October 2, 2010 in Phoenix AZ.  Hosted by the North American Bodyguard Association (NABA) this class is a must for those seeking to enter the field as well as existing Operators looking to make a bigger mark in the challenging world of Executive Protection.  A fully immersive interactive class, attendees will get a whirlwind overview on the vital steps needed to successfully be a bodyguard in more than just name.

The Agenda:

• The Business of Protection
• Client Interactions
• Protective Formations
• The Advance
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Critical Analysis
• And more…

The Instructor:

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 megastar50 Cent.  What sets this course apart is the instructor’s proven method of teaching not from a textbook, but speaking as a current operator with his finger on the pulse of the market.

The Benefits:

• Free 1 year Membership to the North American Bodyguard Association
• Professional Head shot by Contact Front Photography to market yourself
• Access to members only job board (NABA)
• Automatic discount on future courses held by ICON or the NABA
• Industry useful hand outs and give-aways

The Host:

The North American Bodyguard Association (NABA) goal is to unite and support both trained and aspiring  bodyguards within North America with the larger representation of security professionals around the world via its membership and information programs.  The association is a vibrant networking and resource hub, which provides members with the opportunity to network and actively engage with their peers in the spirit of professional brotherhood.  Learn more by visiting www.AmericanBodyguards.org.

The Cost:

$220.00 investment

Attendance upon pre-approval only.  Limited seating available.  For more information contact (651) 695-8778, email training@industry-icon.com or  click HERE

Bodyguard Training Course

ICON once again presents our  5 day course of practical theory and hands-on training in the world of Celebrity & VIP Protection.  Held September 8-12, 2010 in Minneapolis, MN the course  is an intensive mix of theory, drills and hands-on training.

The last class was sold out and with the new training modules introduced such as force-on-force, the time is perfect to attend as a start to a career in Executive Protection or refresh existing skills.

Click HERE for more details.

“I would like to thank you for the experience throughout the course. I walked away very satisfied. The field training exercise was amazing. Being able to use what I learned in a real life scenario was the best part of the training. The force on force was also great; learning to react to (a hostile) contact was done realistically”.

-Zachary T. Carpenter

A Must Have for Executive Protection

From the archives:

When you think of outfitting yourself for a career as a Bodyguard what’s on your essential must-have list for Executive Protection?

• Semi-Automatic Handgun? (With appropriate license to carry)
• Bulletproof Vest?
• How about one of those cool–talk into your hand–microphones?

It’s true, at some point and time there is probably a place for all of that.  However, one of the biggest assets to someone doing this line of work for any length of time is something so obvious it really gets overlooked:

shoes.

Yep, a good, COMFORTABLE, pair of shoes will make a world of difference for the bodyguard.  Just ask any agent who’s worked a detail where he has to stand for 12 hours plus, or walked 3 miles on an overseas sight-seeing trip with a VIP (on unpaved roads!) Speaking from experience, I’ll tell you; wear the wrong shoes and the unpleasantness factor goes up dramatically.

On this date:  no vest, no 2way radio… however comfortable shoes made a long day a little easier.

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

Today Show Interview with Elijah Shaw

So in the interest of national security (joke),  I got my hands on the the full Today Show interview conducted by host Amy Robach.  The interview is a excerpt from their recent segment with Bodyguard Careers on females in the Executive Protection Industry.

I know after the original piece aired there was a little bit of debate on if female newcomers in the industry should get that amount of exposure.  My thought process is that the Today Show viewership for that week was 4,900,000, so that was 4,900,000 that got to hear something positive about our industry as opposed to “bodyguard writes a tell-all” or “Security Contractor Takes a Bribe in Iraq“.   That type of positive exposure has got to be good for our community, and acts as a counterbalance to all the negative stereotypes.

See related:  FEMALE BODYGUARD FEATURED ON TODAY SHOW

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

American Tourist Shot During World Cup

An American man was robbed and shot while in Johannesburg South Africa for the World Cup.  The 35 year old LA resident was on his way to his hotel in the affluent Sandton area when he was assaulted by four men.  He is currently hospitalized in stable condition.

For the full Associated Press story, click HERE.

During my time there on assignment, I found South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular to be a mass of contradictions.  Modern yet historical.  Friendly citizens with national pride, yet this undertone of fear that was apparent almost everywhere.

*In the article, they quote a police spokesperson as saying that the mans life was not in danger.  (Quick note:  Any time your shot and robbed, your life is in danger.)

See related:  World Cup Security Breakdowns

Security & Safety at the World Cup