A career as a professional bodyguard is far from an easy career but it is a highly rewarding career that can see you travel the world, all expenses paid, all year round. If you have made the choice of becoming a bodyguard, or you are thinking about it, the first thing you will need to do is some bodyguard training and then you’ll have to research bodyguard courses. Of course, all the bodyguard courses include bodyguard training, but having training in a combative or contact sport is highly beneficial.

In terms of bodyguard courses, one search on Google will yield over a quarter of a million results. That’s a lot of courses. So you have to narrow it down, look for the ‘about us’ section and check what operational experience these guys have, see who your instructors will be, check that they have adequate insurance and check for testimonials from people already trained. If you can’t find any of these four things, forget it; move on to the next one. If this is going to be your career you can’t take any risks, starting now.

There are many different kinds of courses for bodyguards because modern bodyguard are not just a big lump of muscle. We have to be proficient in surveillance – including filming and editing, we should have multiple driving licenses, particularly handy is a Tank license (but a motorcycle license will do). Some bodyguards choose to specialise in Private Investigation and close protection – an interesting multi-disciplined application of our profession. The ‘standard’ Bodyguard Course is Close Protection Training and no matter what course you do or what discipline you choose to specialise in, you will need first aid training. This game is all about certificates – the more training you do, the better the jobs you get, the better jobs you get, the better your bank balance. In this world, how far you go is up to you.

Security jobs overseas are highly sought after because they are often in exotic locations, are exciting, and they pay very well. These jobs are normally contract positions where you are sent over for a certain period of time and can pay anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000. Commonly, the companies hiring are either corporations that have overseas locations or agencies who focus on providing overseas security to U.S. companies or organizations.

Some overseas security jobs can be quite dangerous, depending on the location. For instance, there are many overseas security jobs available in the Middle East due to private company contracts with the military. It is necessary to have counter-terrorism training and the knowledge necessary to be able to assess potential threats. For this reason, many people make the mistake of believing that the only people who get these types of overseas security jobs are ex-military.

In actuality, anyone who has security experience and the right education is perfectly qualified for these positions. You may be wondering how you receive this training if you do not have a military background. If you are, you might be surprised to know that there are college degrees that you can earn that provide this type of training. For instance, you can get a certificate or even a bachelor’s in terrorism studies or protection. These programs are perfect for people who want to pursue overseas security jobs.

As you research different college programs, however, you want to make sure that they delve into certain topics. These include:

- Threat assessment
- Weapons, including nuclear, chemical and biological
- Bomb threat management
- Kidnapping strategies

Having a solid foundation and education will allow you to impress your potential employers, thus setting you aside from the competition as you apply and interview for overseas security jobs.

Bodyguard Jobs

Another niche area in the security industry is executive protection, or bodyguard jobs. Many people are attracted to the idea of being a bodyguard because it is an exciting, lucrative career that provides the opportunity to get close to celebrities, politicians, or dignitaries. In this way, it is looked on to be a somewhat glamorous job. Although that may be true, bodyguard jobs can be dangerous and they come with a great deal of responsibility. That is why in order to be hired as a bodyguard, you must prove that you have the training and experience to do the job right.

One way of getting that training is by getting a degree in executive protection. Although it is not a commonly found degree program, there are some colleges that offer certificates, bachelor’s, and even master’s for protection professionals.

To make sure you are receiving the right training for bodyguard jobs, look at the college’s course offerings. The degree program should include a curriculum focused on: – Types of defensive and self-defense practices – Knowing how to assess potential threats – Logistics and the importance of advance work

With the right education, you could be well-qualified for a variety of bodyguard jobs, including those protecting high-profile celebrities.

If you’re not sure about why you might want to become a bodyguard, here are a few reasons why it makes for an excellent career.

1) Something Out of the Ordinary

A bodyguard is unlike any other kind of job. It’s not easy, as you will discover on any of the bodyguard courses that you have to complete in order to get a job in the first place. But it’s also an exciting and thrilling job where no two days will ever be the same. If you prefer the standard nine-to-five then a job as a bodyguard is not for you, but if you’re after something a little bit different then it could be ideal.

2) An Important Job

If you’re ever worried that what you are doing is not important enough, you won’t have that problem when you get a job as a bodyguard. As a bodyguard you will be responsible for looking after and protecting the lives of other people, so when you get home at the end of the day you know that your job has real value.

3) Meet Important People

As a bodyguard you could end up working for many rich, famous and important people. Some days you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with royalty, whereas on others you could end up protecting famous celebrities. It’s always good to have a bit of glamour in your life, and by taking one of the bodyguard courses to train as a bodyguard you will certainly have that.

4) Travel the World

There are not many jobs where you get paid to travel to exotic locations all over the world. However, once you’ve got a job as a bodyguard after taking part in one of the official bodyguard courses there’s a good change you’ll get the opportunity to do just that.

Conclusion

Is a Bodyguard the Perfect Job for You?

Working as a bodyguard really can be the perfect job. Fun, glamorous and endlessly interesting, it might be the perfect career option for you. If you think that it might suit you then make sure you look into the different bodyguard courses available and give it a go.

A bodyguard company is contacted for bodyguard protection by celebrities like sportsperson, movie stars etc. whereas important public personalities like politicians, head of the states etc are protected by the governmental bodyguard agencies.

For public figures with higher risk, several bodyguards are employed for protection whereas in the case of those with lower risks, often bodyguards serve the dual role of a driver and bodyguard. Bodyguards are not just hired for protection rather they also fend off stalkers of violent fans from attacking and harming the celebrity. The bodyguard company decides how the bodyguard should be armed for protection of the client based on the laws in the concerned jurisdiction. The various types of arms are pistols, pepper sprays or body armors. The government bodyguard agencies are allowed more freedom in this regard and often are allowed to use automatic pistols or mini-submachine guns for the protection of important personalities.

The job of a bodyguard is not easy and most bodyguard company prefer explaining the hardships of the job beforehand to the applicants to ensure best practices for clients asking for bodyguard protection. The work requires them to be ever vigilant to ensure the client’s safety always. Actions implemented to achieve such goals including examining premises where the client is about to arrive, check the entrances, identify loopholes in security and avoid them and know the staff in and out. The bodyguards who double as drivers should be capable of practicing driving techniques to evade suspicious looking vehicles. Unless the bodyguard company hires vigilant people as bodyguards who can react quickly and calmly to threatening situations, the risk involved would still be as high as without any bodyguard protection.

For group of bodyguards working together, the bodyguard agency designates different set of activities to different bodyguards. For example, some specialize in screening and controlling the crowd, some specialize in searching for bombs or explosives or weapons whereas others might just be acting as protective escorts. But the standard training in combats both armed and unarmed, first aid and driving is a must for everyone in the group. Some bodyguard companies also participate in assessing risk and analyzing weaknesses in security provided by other agencies to clients to ensure that their security is always assured and the client gets a second opinion as well. Sometimes different bodyguard companies need to work in conjunction to ensure seamless protection.

There are bodyguards who are there with high-profile people to ensure their safety and protection. The number of bodyguards varies in different cases, some have only one, and others may have two or three. But the duty of all these men is to provide security to their client.

In recent few years we have seen a considerable rise in political unrest and other envious factors due to which security of these high-profile people is always a question mark. To ensure their security these people hire personal protection specialist or bodyguard.

There is no national standard for these protection specialists, but still there are few training institutes and organizations that prepare you as a bodyguard. But having a graduate degree is prerequisite for many of these training institutes to enroll you as a trainee. Following are given some important things that you have to consider becoming a bodyguard.

Bodyguard schools provide an extensive training that helps one to polish his skills to expert level. The training usually involves anti terrorism preparation, self-defense skills, security procedures, threat assessment, anti-ambush procedures, and martial arts, close combat and disarming advanced weapons.

It is important to take any necessary training such as how to deal with weapons. Your skills should be of expert level.

You need to have a strong, athletic body and strong legs and arms which help you to give quick responses in critical situations. Remember, moving quickly, running, standing for long periods of time is a part of this job. So, make yourself prepared for all this if you really want to become a bodyguard.

When you think you are ready with everything, now is the time to look for a job. You can reply with reputable bodyguard companies.

A lot of people are put off working in the security industry because they perceive it as a difficult industry to break into. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are various training courses, from close protection training to bodyguard courses. The majority of the public have the perception that you have to have already had a career in the forces or the police, but this is simply not true. A lot of people with a technical background are finding work in security.There are careers in developing equipment as well as operating it.

Unless you have a particular proficiency in technology the best place to start your career would be with the British Bodyguard Association. The British Bodyguard Association runs the training courses that you will need in order to get on the ladder.

Bodyguard courses are held in very high esteem within the industry and there is a great deal of scope for private employment for those who successfully complete the bodyguard training.

To supplement your bodyguard courses you could also do a close protection course. The close protection training will make you even more employable and it will increase your confidence and competence.

Obviously the more courses and training you do, the more employable you become. This does not mean that you will spend the rest of your career in training. Most people would do one or two courses (paid for by themselves) in order to get a job. Once the job has been sorted out the majority of employers offer ‘career progression courses’. This means that your employer will pay for your on-going training and that your salary will increase with each course that you complete.

If you want to hiring a bodyguard here are tips to help you find a good one.

Start your search by looking for bodyguard agencies. Agency’s usually list their candidate’s training, and will more often have actual professionals. It is an agency’s business to hire and train the best types of bodyguards, so they will provide you with good service.

You can also check with government agencies to see if they know of any veteran officers who would like to bodyguard. Government organizations can provide good bodyguard services. Most of these types of bodyguards are ones that have seen service in the field and are now retired from the government.

When you have narrowed down the agencies you would like to use, contact them. You can do this by contacting them over the phone, online through email or questionnaires, or in person. By visiting the agency you will be able to see how the agency is run and see how efficient it is.

See what their customers are saying about their service first, before hiring them. If you know of others who have used bodyguards ask them if they enjoy the agency they went with, or what things you should look for. Some agency’s will give you a reference list that you can contact.

When finding out information about your bodyguard ask what training they received. Ask them a lot of questions to be sure they provide the best options. Ask how they select their bodyguards, and what other special requirements they ask of their employees.

If your family needs more protection consider hiring a bodyguard. Remember to start your search broad and narrow your choices down when you interview them. You should be able to find an affordable body guard agency near you.

Bodyguards can be used for personal protection, or as security guards for your home security. Here is top of famous bodyguards, both real and fictitious.

1. John Creasy – This fictitious bodyguard character is played by Denzel Washington in the movie “Man on Fire”. This hit movie follows the actions of Creasy, a burnt-out-ex-CIA officer in the film who reluctantly decides to bodyguard for a girl whose parents are worried she will be targeted for kidnapping. When she is abducted, Creasy has a long and hard journey trying to track down the culprits to get her back safe, sound, and in one piece.

2. Michael Clarke Duncan – This actor has been nominated for an Oscar and has appeared in many Hollywood movies. He once worked as a bouncer for different Chicago nightclubs before he became popular, however. This large man definitely has the build of somebody you would want by your side for protection.

3. Avi Korein – He owns the Screen International Security Services in Los Angeles. He started his job in the bodyguard career as a bouncer, and went on to establish one of Hollywood’s main security providers. His bodyguard employees protect the likes of Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, and Tom Cruise.

4. Mr. T – “I pity the fool”. This man once worked as a bodyguard Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, and Diana Ross. He is perhaps one of the most recognized bodyguard turned celebrity.

5. “Big Coco” – Big Coco’s real name is Cory Smith. He has been the bodyguard for various popular stars. Some of these include “Prince”, Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole.

6. Elijiah Shaw – He is the CEO of Icon Services Corporation. He directs the security measures of various popular Hollywood stars and recording artists. Icon Services Corporation initiated the ISC Safety Net Program which provides free bodyguard services to domestic abuse victims.

7. The Imperial Royal Guard – A nerd at heart, I just couldn’t leave out the members of the elite guard charged with the protection of Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars Universe. The dark villain was almost never seen without being accompanied by these red-hooded body guards. While they have no speaking roles in the movies, their presence definitely made an effect for many Star Wars fans and continuing works of fiction.

A certain class of scientists, technicians, and engineers are also working towards the development of material to counteract the danger to these weapons. With the development of high effect firearms comes the parallel improvement on body armor.

The first incarnation of armor in human history was the kind made of leather and animal skin. Then came chain mail armor and plate armor, which were both made of metal. Through the years, scientists have utilized newly invented materials and recent technology to come up with lightweight yet durable and strong-as-steel body armor. Examples of this type of modern armor include ballistic armor, soft body armor, hard body armor, the bulletproof vest, and the flak jacket or flak vest. Although this technology was developed primarily for soldiers in the battlefield, bodyguards have been making good use of it too.

Important modern material that has made the career of close personal protection much easier is the two-way radio. Communication is a big factor when it comes to securing an area for clients. Working in tandem with a partner, or existing security personnel, such as the police or other private and government agents, requires that you maintain some form of communication. Tactical headsets are also used for this target.

Footwear, though overlooked, has undergone its own evolution. Today’s duty boots are marvels of technology. They provide comfort, flexibility, and the confidence that you can outrun an assailant if the need arises.

Other modern inventions that are essential to a bodyguard on duty include such unobtrusive things like emergency flashlights, first aid kits, and defense sprays. Guns and weapons are not always part of a bodyguard’s arsenal. Though this fact may come as a surprise, bodyguards are trained to take the defensive stance and rarely do they take the offensive in a given situation. Some locales even go so far as to ban the carrying of firearms, even for bodyguards on duty. This is why, in conjunction with modern tools and gear, a bodyguard must be trained in the ancient technique of hand to hand fight. Close combat or weaponless fight are other names for it.

Another useful skill to have as a bodyguard is the ability to diffuse tense situations, and much more importantly, the ability to recognize potential dangers before they even occur. To be calm in stressful times, to act quickly when needed but knowing when not to act, these are paradoxical yet logical traits for a bodyguard to have. A client would be lucky to employ such a person with these skills.

The modern and the ancient go hand in hand in this unusual yet important occupation. It is an old profession that has existed since the time of the Japanese samurai. Nonetheless, it has raised no qualms about using the most modern up-to-date material possible in the undertaking of its duties. The modern bodyguard is a balanced paradox.

Personal Protective Equipment is an important step in protecting against these hazards (and in most situations, is an OSHA requirement). The type of work being performed will dictate the safety gear that needs to be worn. However, there are five categories of equipment that should be considered when doing all hot work.
Respirators: Respirators provide protection from the inhalation of harmful gases, fumes, and vapors. Respiratory protection needs to be considered when hot work is performed in confined or enclosed spaces. Air-purifying respirators should be worn when doing hot work on surfaces containing lead, cadmium, or mercury. Supplied air respirators (air-line respirators) should be used when hot work is performed on beryllium. Respirators may also be necessary when working on surfaces covered with toxic substances, such as solvents or paints, since the high temperatures involved may vaporize these materials.
Eye protection: Using appropriate eye protection is important to protect your eyes from both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Welding, cutting, and burning goggles which are shaded are used to protect from UV and IR radiation. To protect your face from flying materials such as slag, a face shield should be used in conjunction with goggles. Welding helmets with shaded glass viewing ports are used during carbon arc welding to protect the face, neck, and eyes from UV and IR radiation. When selecting eye protection for hot work, it is very important to ensure that the proper lens shading is used for the work performed. (And remember that anyone working or standing near the work area should also wear appropriate protective eyewear.)
Protective clothing: Hot work (obviously) produces heat, creating a burn risk. Protective clothing helps to reduce the chance of burns from sparks and slag. For high temperatures, the best protective clothing is leather or fire retardant garments. When wearing leather or fire retardant garments, it’s important to remember that the protection they offer will be compromised if they are soiled with oil, grease, solvents, or other flammable or combustible substances or if they are in poor condition (holes, fraying, etc.). Pants should not have cuffs. Also, if garments have open pockets, the pockets need to be Velcroed or taped shut to prevent sparks or slag from entering.
Foot protection: Heavy objects (metal plates, for example) and falling sparks and slag can cause foot injuries. High-top leather boots or low-top leather boots in conjunction with leather spats provide protection from sparks and slag. In order to protect toes from heavy objects that are dropped, the boots should be safety (steel-toe) boots.
Hand and wrist protection: Hand and wrist protection are also important PPE because high temperature tasks expose your hands to cuts and burns (both from heat and UV or IR radiation). Leather welding gloves generally provide the necessary protection during hot work. Leather gloves also provide a degree of cut resistance-an important factor when handling sheets of metal or other sharp materials. For carbon arc welding, long-cuffed leather gloves are most appropriate, and for welding, cutting, or burning, short-cuffed welding gloves. Like protective clothing, in order to provide adequate protection, leather welding gloves need to be in good repair and free from flammable and combustible materials such as oils, grease, and solvents.