Professional Bodyguard Training

A bodyguard must have a well-rounded skill set.

Being a professional bodyguard encompasses far more skills than the average person would expect. While the image that comes to mind for most people is a 6-foot 5-inch, 300-lb. behemoth, the reality is that the look of the bodyguard depends much on the person who employs the bodyguard. The employer may want someone who blends into the surroundings so that it is not obvious the person is a bodyguard.

Situational Awareness

A threat can appear from anywhere.

A bodyguard must always be aware of his surroundings. A threat to the person he is guarding, the "principal," could arise at anytime and from anywhere. The bodyguard must be prepared to deal with the threat in an appropriate manner. Often this only involves talking. Other times it might mean stepping in between a possible threat and the principal. Whatever the case, the bodyguard must know what is happening around the principal and be prepared to act.

Different Skills to Meet the Situation

Appearance and skills needed vary according to the client.

The skill set of a bodyguard involves a number of factors. If the person is guarding a diplomat in Iraq, the bodyguard will need a rifle, marksmanship skills, and body armor for himself and the principal, among other things. He will also need a vehicle that is designed to be bullet-proof. That scenario differs greatly from guarding a musician in Nashville, where the guard may be wearing jeans, boots, and a concealed handgun. Threats may appear as fans and the guard must size up anyone approaching the principal. The situation of the principal will dictate what is appropriate behavior for the bodyguard.

Understanding Psychology

Odd behavior can mean a threat is imminent.

Understanding and being aware of unusual behavior is also an asset the bodyguard needs. Someone acting strangely is a message to the bodyguard that the person may be a potential threat and that the guard needs to have a strategy should the person try to threaten or harm the principal in any way. A healthy understanding of behavioral psychology is important for a bodyguard.

First Aid

An in-depth knowledge of first aid is critical.

A bodyguard needs to also be well-versed in first aid. Should something happen to the principal or a medical emergency arise, the bodyguard needs to know how to keep the principal alive and in as good condition as possible while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. Advanced life-saving skills are essential for the professional bodyguard.

Fighting Skills

Weapon skills are a priority.

Fighting skills are needed for a professional bodyguard. Martial art and other hand-to-hand skills are important. So is the knowledge of how to subdue and restrain someone. Weapons skills are also a must. The bodyguard must be knowledgeable of a variety of weapons, including knives, pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The bodyguard needs to be proficient in the use of weapons and also needs to know how to disarm someone who has one. Disarming a threat to the principal will create much less of an incident than shooting someone. Generally, the principal wants as little attention as possible, and it is the job of the bodyguard to make that happen.

References

• Bodyguard Training