So you think being a bodyguard is glamorous? We hear it all the time! But, let’s take a deep look into the life of a bodyguard(Close Proximity Security Specialist)and get a real understanding of what we do…..
First off, the Bodyguard is the first one to wake and the last one to sleep. Our day is spent worrying about every last detail of the itinerary, without letting anyone else know! We spend our evenings evaluating the next day’s events, understanding the floor plans, travel routes, re-confirming every last detail you could possibly imagine. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s our job to be “Cool Hand Luke” !
A true professional in this field does not garner the spotlight, we don’t try to be in the photos, we’re not hanging out enjoying the conversations, chatting up the ladies or looking for the hospitality table. We are laser focused on observing everything within our surroundings, being close to our “Target”/Special Person, but not being so close that it’s awkward. We learn to communicate with our team and our Target silently, swiftly, and with the least amount of words possible. Our job is to make sure that no one really knows we’re there, doesn’t really know why we’re there, and that our Special Person gets to the next event without incident. Our clients depend upon us to ensure that at all times they are safe. Our clients depend upon us to recognize the non-verbal cues that tell us they’re uncomfortable or need us to save them from an awkward conversation. Above all else, our Target needs us to be selfless in our commitment to the job, to be willing and able to put ourselves in between them and danger.
In order to be a GREAT Bodyguard you need five key traits:
5- The ability to work long hours with limited sleep.
4- The ability to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor in every circumstance
3- Excellent communication skills, verbal and non-verbal
2- A tactical mindset and intense understanding of logistics
1- Selflessness, there may come the day when your commitment to the job requires you to put the value of others’ lives ahead of your own.