Description
A Bodyguard is a type of Security Guard that specializes in the protection of a person or group of people from all kinds of dangers (e.g. theft, assault, kidnapping, assassination, and harassment). The usual clients and employers of a Bodyguard are wealthy people, high-ranking government officials, and celebrities. Bodyguards generally work in groups to provide round-the-clock protection to their employers.
The amount of Bodyguards protecting a single person can vary depending on the person. Heads of states and other important government officials usually have an entire team of Bodyguards protecting them. This is known as a Security Detail and is something mainly reserved for VIPs.
The position of a Bodyguard has been romanticized by mainstream media with many people believing their role is basically fighting crowds and acting like action movie heroes. In reality, however, the tasks of a Bodyguard are much more ordinary. They rely heavily on preparation, contingency plans, and teamwork to cover all possible variables. Bodyguard teams work with tactical strategies and coordination. They work as a single unit to protect their employers by completing a series of tasks.
Primary Responsibilities
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of common tasks Bodyguards are required to complete.
- Planning daily activities and security measures for the client(s):
- Reviewing the client’s daily agenda;
- assigning tasks to each member of the team; and
- preparing security measures and contingency plans.
- Driving employers to whatever destination they may need to visit:
- Driving an armored or otherwise modified vehicles;
- being able to assess vehicle malfunctions;
- performing evasive maneuvers when necessary;
- looking after the vehicle when the employer gets off; and
- staying alert to pick up the employer when necessary.
- Escorting their client(s):
- Providing close protection to their employer;
- preventing unidentified individuals from approaching their employer;
- staying alert for possible attackers; and
- escorting their client out of a potentially dangerous area.
- Pre-checking areas where their client will be:
- Inspecting vehicles for possible explosives;
- monitoring for possible snipers; and
- detecting possible bugging in electronic devices.
- Running background checks on people that will interact with the client(s):
- Reviewing a list of all people that will interact with the client; and
- analyzing each individual’s background for possible threats.
- Taking defensive armed or unarmed actions:
- Using hand-to-hand combat training to protect the client;
- using non-lethal weapons (e.g. pepper spray, expandable batons, or Tasers) to protect the client; and
- using lethal weaponry (e.g. handguns, machine guns, or counter-sniper rifles) to protect the client.
- Monitoring the environment where the client is located:
- Staying in contact with the entire Bodyguard team;
- reporting any suspicious activity; and
- reporting the movements and whereabouts of the client.
Daily Tasks
- Reviewing the client’s daily agenda.
- Carrying out and reviewing background checks of the people interacting with the client.
- Going over security measures and contingency plans.
- Inspecting vehicles for possible bugging or explosive devices.
- Escorting clients to their vehicle.
- Driving clients to their destinations taking pre-established routes and escape routes when necessary.
- Monitoring all client activities.
- Staying alert for suspicious activities and possible threats.
- Reporting all client activities and incidents.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Outstanding physical condition:
- Having excellent health;
- being in great shape;
- possessing acute senses of vision and hearing; and
- having high levels of stamina.
- Excellent unarmed combat and defence skills:
- Being proficient in hand-to-hand combat; and
- being capable of taking defensive and evasive actions when needed.
- Exceptional weapon skills:
- Being proficient in the use of non-lethal and lethal weapons.
- Highly analytical:
- Possessing strong observational skills, being able to assess different situations and to identify possible threats.
- Excellent driving skills:
- Driving different types of vehicles;
- taking evasive actions when needed; and
- having an understanding of basic mechanics.
- Strong communication skills:
- Reporting client’s activities and whereabouts;
- reporting suspicious activities to teammates.
- Excellent decision-making and stress management skills:
- Assessing chaotic and dangerous situations;
- sticking to security measures and contingency plans; and
- staying calm during stressful situations.
sources: neuvoo
