So you’ve decided to become a bodyguard.
Now, you may be a little worried about how you’d fit in, or if it’s a career fit for you. After all, most of the images of bodyguards projected on media seem to embody glamor or are Frank Farmer-like (the Frank Farmer character was played by Kevin Costner in the film “The Bodyguard”) depictions – men in suits wearing dark shades and heavily-muscled, tough-looking guys.
Would you survive training? Would you succeed?
You certainly can make a career out of being a bodyguard, so there’s no need to stress over your choice. However, to give you a fair idea of what bodyguard training will be like, we’ve put together some helpful information for you.
Training to become a bodyguard qualifies you to hold a job protecting individuals from specific threats such as kidnapping or theft. This type of work is usually contracted via security agencies or companies. Individual bodyguards who have successfully built up a good amount of experience sometimes work as freelancers. So you may find yourself initially signing up with a security company but you'll have the option to move to freelancing at a later stage.
In order to become a full-fledged bodyguard, you need to acquire special training to develop the necessary skills and expertise to handle situations where the person you are protecting could be exposed to threats. Aside from theft and kidnapping, other common threats include harassment and assassination.
Because of the inherent risks and danger associated with the job, bodyguard training programs are designed to develop certain defensive, coordination, communication, and protective skills. Classes include lectures and training on the following:
• Foot drills
• Vehicle drills
• Security advance party
• Anti-ambush, weapon attack drills
• Counter-ambush drills
• Unarmed defense
• Weapons training
• Tactical driving
• Driving in a convoy
• Route reconnaissance
• Alternate routes
• Escape routes
• Safehouses
• Residence security
• Office security
• Vehicle security
• Travel abroad
• Risk assessment
• Crowd control
• Public appearances and short-duration stays
• Dealing with obstacles: doorways, elevators, and stairwells
• First aid
• Dos and don’ts
• Professional ethics
In the course of your training, you may encounter other classes not limited to the above. Also, keep in mind that different states sometimes have different requirements for bodyguards and general security staff training.
Training to become a bodyguard can take several hours to many weeks – depending on the licensing requirements. Once you complete the training, pass the tests, and get certified, you can quickly apply for jobs. As mentioned earlier, a new bodyguard usually gains work experience by joining a security agency first.
Before you can formally engage in training, you need to fulfill some basic qualifications and undergo preliminary procedures. You will also need to pay for your training. Moreover, you need to be ready to work long, irregular hours once you work as a bodyguard.
Below is a list of the minimum requirements to avail of bodyguard training:
• At least 18 years of age or older
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Physically fit, with good eyesight and hearing
• Well-groomed
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Able to maintain client confidentiality
• Alert and observant
• Excellent communication skills
Bodyguard training is more than just being skilled at defense and weapons. It requires mental acuity, a genuine desire to protect others, strong instincts, and a lot of common sense. Moreover, you need to be healthy and fit in order to deal well with the physical rigors of the job.
If you’re looking to enroll in bodyguard training, get in touch with the Cancom Security Training Academy.
Cancom Security Inc
