While the term bodyguard is mentioned in a variety of different scenarios, it actually describes a very specific role. He or she is a person who specializes in the protection of an individual, or in some cases, a group of people. They often work in teams to cover 24/7 protection or, in the case of certain VIPs who require multiple guards at one time, within a team known as a Security Detail.
Their services are most commonly retained by figures of high public interest or those who’re at increased risk of harm. These include celebrities, royalty, heads of state, CEOs, and those of considerable wealth. The bodyguard is there to protect their client from any form of danger.
Contrary to the Hollywood depiction of a bodyguard, the reality is less about reacting to attacks and more about putting strategies in place that prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Qualifications
Bodyguards play a vital role in the lives of their clients. They tend to be paid well, with an average salary (2019) of around $69,000 per annum. Many are ex-military, as they’ve already gained many of the qualifications, attributes, and skills necessary to succeed in the industry. These include:
- A high degree of analytical skills
- Strategic and confident decision-making
- Good communication skills
- Be in exceptional physical shape
- Have excellent unarmed combat and defense skills
- Be skilled and qualified in evasive driving techniquesÂ
- Be qualified and proficient in the use of lethal and non-lethal weapons.
Job Description And Primary Responsibilities
As previously mentioned, the most crucial aspect of successful bodyguarding is to pre-empt potential dangers and prevent the likelihood of them happening. This is done by strategic analysis and planning. This accounts for a major part of the job.
A bodyguard’s regular duties include:
- Day to day planning and provision of security measures to ensure the safety of their client.
- Reviewing those who will interact with their client and carrying out necessary background checks to determine any threat.
- Driving duties.
- Escort duties and the provision of a close protection service to the client.
- Checking of areas, buildings, and vehicles for possible threats.
- Reporting suspicious activity and taking any necessary action.
And should the worst happen, the bodyguard will be expected to take the required measures to protect their client. Such as:
- Escorting them away from potentially dangerous situations.
- Taking defensive actions, either unarmed or armed, as necessary. This could include the use of hand to hand combat, non-lethal weapons (baton or pepper spray), or lethal weapons such as handguns or rifles.
- Using evasive driving tactics.
Bodyguards carry out a highly responsible role that impacts directly on the safety and well-being of their clients. The best are highly qualified, highly skilled individuals who are assigned to their clients through a leading security company. Fast Guard Service is at the forefront of the industry, with a global team of predominantly active or ex-military bodyguards, Fast Guard Service is able to ensure the highest caliber of bodyguards and security services to VIPs throughout the world, trusted not only for their impeccable level of protection but their discretion as well.