Close Protection

[josh10524]

Hi, I'm looking for online resources dealing with close protection tactics and techniques. I am really interested in this side of operations. I don't have access to professional training or anything like that, and I'm more interested in basic tactics. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have done a search and came up empty-handed.

[RomanS]

what you gotta do is this

when they get close, shoot them and kill them. Dont let them get up, otherwise they will get closer

[josh10524]

You don't say! I was under the impression you gave them candy!

[combat jack]

Go to your local book store. There is a book by the same guy who wrote "Hostage Rescue". I think its called "Bodygaurd". Anyway, it might be what you are lookinf for.

[josh10524]

Will do. Thanks!

[James]

Hi, I'm looking for online resources dealing with close protection tactics and techniques. I am really interested in this side of operations. I don't have access to professional training or anything like that, and I'm more interested in basic tactics.

Why?

[username]

Hi, I'm looking for online resources dealing with close protection tactics and techniques. I am really interested in this side of operations. I don't have access to professional training or anything like that, and I'm more interested in basic tactics.

Why?

why f u c k ing not? I don't think it's fair that you all start probing his motives ant resolve. If he wants to know about something thats his business, id you don't have an answer, fine maybe point him in the right direction but puting him under scrutiny i don't think its right.

[James]

Hi, I'm looking for online resources dealing with close protection tactics and techniques. I am really interested in this side of operations. I don't have access to professional training or anything like that, and I'm more interested in basic tactics.

Why?

why f u c k ing not? I don't think it's fair that you all start probing his motives ant resolve. If he wants to know about something thats his business, id you don't have an answer, fine maybe point him in the right direction but puting him under scrutiny i don't think its right.

Relax. There are a few people on this forum who know a little bit about me. It might actually be my business. If you don't think it's right... oh well.

Take care.

[Flagg]

James wrote:
josh10524 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking for online resources dealing with close protection tactics and techniques. I am really interested in this side of operations. I don't have access to professional training or anything like that, and I'm more interested in basic tactics.


Why?


why f u c k ing not? I don't think it's fair that you all start probing his motives ant resolve. If he wants to know about something thats his business, id you don't have an answer, fine maybe point him in the right direction but puting him under scrutiny i don't think its right.

Cool your jets

James asked a valid question.

Understanding a person's motives can help determine how best to respond.

I suggest you have a look at the forum rules regarding profanity and display a bit more respect for one of the forum members with actual real world experience.....if you'd like the few of them that post here to remain, showing some basic respect would be a good start.

[Red]

Hi, I'm looking for online resources dealing with close protection tactics and techniques. I am really interested in this side of operations. I don't have access to professional training or anything like that, and I'm more interested in basic tactics.

Why?

why f u c k ing not? I don't think it's fair that you all start probing his motives ant resolve. If he wants to know about something thats his business, id you don't have an answer, fine maybe point him in the right direction but puting him under scrutiny i don't think its right.
Just cause you think James aint right dont mean you are right there junior.He asked a valid question.Why do you want to know?

[josh10524]

Although I appreciate your defense, There's no need to attack someone because they asked me a question. There are many valid reasons someone might want to know, and none malicious. As for the question. I'm interested in close protection because it is a very different kind of job, and I would imagine the tactics differ greatly from conventional combat. I know very little about it. I'm 16. In the future, I might be interested in getting into the field of private, high level security. It seems to be a growing field with lots of room to expand and a unique job description. Please be advised, I'm not asking for you to tell me anything that could endanger people on the job. I have a feeling that's why you asked why. I'm sure you can use good judgment in sharing information, and I thank you for what you will share.

[Red]

Although I appreciate your defense, There's no need to attack someone because they asked me a question. There are many valid reasons someone might want to know, and none malicious. As for the question. I'm interested in close protection because it is a very different kind of job, and I would imagine the tactics differ greatly from conventional combat. I know very little about it. I'm 16. In the future, I might be interested in getting into the field of private, high level security. It seems to be a growing field with lots of room to expand and a unique job description. Please be advised, I'm not asking for you to tell me anything that could endanger people on the job. I have a feeling that's why you asked why. I'm sure you can use good judgment in sharing information, and I thank you for what you will share.
Dont get me wrong,i was not attacking you.You have to understand though that this is the internet and it is a very open thing.These guys are in harms way and i don't think they would want to discuss their operational tactics on such an open board.But someone might want to share some info with you.that was only my opinion.No offense intended

[josh10524]

Actually, I was referring to username attacking James for asking a simple question. I do understand your concerns. If it turns out that the whole subject is to sensitive, I understand. I'd rather you put security first.

[James]

OK then.

I am far from an expert in these things. Do you have any specific questions?

Here are some things to think about.

Situational awareness - pay attention to what is happening around you. That helps to prevent a bad incident.

On the job, you exist to protect the asset. If something bad happens while you are working, your job is to protect the asset. Most of the time this means that you must RUN AWAY. Put fire downrange as necessary, but don't get stuck. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a gunfight. Get out of the kill zone and get to a secure area as quickly as possible.

If you are doing a move in vehicles and you get hit, do everything you can to get out of the kill zone. DO NOT stop to engage the enemy. If you have four flat tires and an engine spitting steam but you can still move, Do it! Get to a building or something that is hard and defendible. A vehicle is not.

Plan for contingencies in advance. If you are mobile, what will you do if a vehicle breaks down? Gets a flat tire?
Plan in advance, and things that might be killers will not be.

These are just a few thoughts off the top of my head.

[josh10524]

what are things to look for? unusual behavior by people in crowds, things like that? What if the asset is uncooperative, or freezes? How would you deal with well-coordinated shooters working from long range, like a well-planned assasination attempt? That seems like a worst-case scenario, that and shooters getting between you and your car. are these things you can avoid through proper planning? Thanks, and if I'm asking too many questions, don't hesitate to tell me, I don't want to bother you.

[James]

what are things to look for? unusual behavior by people in crowds, things like that? What if the asset is uncooperative, or freezes? How would you deal with well-coordinated shooters working from long range, like a well-planned assasination attempt? That seems like a worst-case scenario, that and shooters getting between you and your car. are these things you can avoid through proper planning? Thanks, and if I'm asking too many questions, don't hesitate to tell me, I don't want to bother you.

Again, I am no expert...

If people are acting strange, take notice. There is nothing specific short of a baddie running at you with an AK or an RPG, but you must pay attention to what is happening around you. If an asset is uncooperative or freezes, manhandle them. Your job is to protect them, not to be polite. Long range shooters, get back in the building. No one shold ever get between you and your vehicle - a friendly should always be with your vehicle, and you should always have comms.

Just a few more thoughts.

[Flagg]

I can't really comment on Protection Party best practices, although I'm looking forward to learning about it early next year.

But recently my unit has been practicing urban observations posts and mobile surveillance that may have some relevance.

It was both extremely interesting to learn and participate in, as well as quite funny to watch those doing it for the first time.

It's surprising how little it takes to stand out in a bad way if someone watching is "switched on."

For example, we were given quite a bit of latitude in planning how to manage our particular area of coverage in the exercises.

My Detachment Commander suggested I ring my girlfriend to bring herself and our dog to "help out" as we were operating in an urban park with an attached weekend arts festival.

My G/F had NO idea what we were planning, only that we were operating in civvies, she just thought it would be a good idea to get out with the mutt on a nice day while we played wannabe James Bond's......along her entry route into the park by vehicle she had to pass 3 other Dets already setup.....her first questions was, "Did I pass some of your Army mates on the way in here?"

We asked her to describe them in detail, and she busted 2 of the 3 Dets she passed covering a traffic roundabout and the main entrance to the park.....all because of their "odd" behavior.

Some were reading newspapers or books along the roadside and park main entrance...when a beautiful park with a lake and outdoor cafes and pubs were located just 100-200 metres away...they were dressed for the occasion, just not acting for it. ;)

As James mentioned...who's acting strange? what doesn't fit?

We were lucky, we managed our area quite well and didn't get busted in the debriefs by the pretend bad guys in part thanks to my g/f and mutt who helped me "fit" into a park and give me better flexibility to move through it without notice.

That would only have relevance when trying to identify a bad guy.

When having to act once one or more have been identified, I wouldn't have a clue.....but I suspect Immediate Action drills are practiced until they practically become muscle memory instinctive....every second counts.

[Bob the Drunk]

If you are dealing with a coordinated long range attack, then you better have a whole lot of guys with you. This, though, is the kind of thing you would take care of in the planning. a proper threat assesment is crucial to being effective in cp. James is right, having good sa is very important. Remember this though, anyone who is truly motivated and well trained can "get to" a protectee. the job of the protection detail is to make it as hard as possible. Look at POTUS for example. His detail shuts down streets, clear sewers, moves him in and out of his vehicle for the most part under cover. All of this is to make the job harder for the bad guys. Oh yeah and keep in mind, there are a couple of hundred agents and a substantial CAT team with POTUS at all times.

The team and assets that you use will depend entirely on the environment and the situation. If you are working in a hotel that will be different than if you are working on a ranch someplace. The best way to plan for a protection detail is to ask as many questions as possible and have as much info as you can. For example: what is the protectee's blood type? where is the nearest hospital and what is the phone number there. If you run into trouble who are you going to call (local pd, military etc.), how many was are there in and out of the area.....

Lastly and James is spot on here, your job is to get your protectee out of the area if something happens, it is not to shoot it out with the bad guys. If your vehicle can move, then move. if not, then transfer the protectee to another vehicle that can move (you should always have at least 2 vehicles and in an ideal world they would be FAV's).

Anything else that you want to know, please don't hesitate to ask. The people on here who truly know stuff are not going to give away any information that would compromise anyone in the field. Also, try doing a google search, i am sure there is some info out there.

[konflikt]

Allways rember your key objective is protecting the "principle", at all costs. When you are in a hostile or hot zone, allways try to extract your key "principle" ASAP. I work with an "agency" that does freelance, security to advise, prevent and protect the client from harms way in the Middle East. I am currently back in the "states" but i have been, to "Iraq" and "Afghanistan" on security operations.

One thing you have to realize in the Middle East right now, that it is all "urban combat" this causes many "ambush" possibilities were your "principle" can be in harms way.

Terrorists, stalkers and would be kidnappers are armed with laptops, satellite up-links, thermal imaging and wireless transmitters. Their attacks are carefully planned and rehearsed. They are highly trained warriors.

They study their prey and look for weaknesses like the lion on the Serengeti. They know the difference between a trained professional and a "body". Never underestimate "potential" hostile personnel or "targets".

Threat assessments, comprehensive analysis and planing are certain areas you should be trained with when working in this expertise.
Providing "Protective Services" in a high threat environment requires mind mentally squared away at all times. Cultural issues, customs and this sort of material should be know to you before you go on a "SOP" (security operation).

Learning a variety of different foot formations are a basic but absolutely essential. It doesn't matter how many of men you have on the ground, 4, 6, 8 whatever, you must provide 360° coverage at all times when covering the "principle".

If you are in a certain position then "X" is what you are responsible for. This makes for smooth and efficient transitions and once you understand this specific jobs, and the ability to "Fill and Flow" becomes second nature, do not miss a beat and still provide security.

When on a "SOP" route try to get to their in a safe area. Remember that your job is security. You must focus on this and be eyes out, looking for trouble.

Allways be ready for the worst. Just a few thoughts.

[josh10524]

Thanks for the replies! That gives me a good idea of the basics of the job. I would imagine much of it would be quite boring, like other so-called "exciting" jobs. Is this the case?