Fun Fact #543 The Gaurdians of the Protectee

Fun Fact #543

The Guardians of The Protectee

When it comes to executive protection, we’ve covered the advance but what about the people in Black suits who never seem to be too far from the President? These are Secret Service Bodyguards, and they are meant to be just as well trained as the Advance team –albeit for a different role. 

According to Global Risk Solutions which helped conduct Audits of the Secret Service from 2015-2021, a bodyguard’s qualities extend beyond strength and intimidation but rather include a wide array of qualities –some of which may seem odd at first. First of all, while yes a good guard needs to be physically fit, this isn’t to throw people around, its also to give them the stamina to work unexpectedly long shifts and be able to move their protectee safely even if they’re injured. Yet the most interesting part of this is what the secret service selected for until february 2023, as a general rule you need to be taller and wider than the person you are to protect, this is so when they need cover, they can use their bodyguard as a shield.

Secondly a good bodyguard needs to be sharp and tough mentally. This means being able to keep a constant vigilance, and act quickly and effectively on any dangers they see.  This also means developing the tool set for the job –be it multilingual, Adaptability, ability to work alone for long periods of time, weapons handling, to even Defensive driving (at speed) so no matter what get thrown their way, The Secret Service Uniformed Division (bodyguards) are always prepared. 

However despite all we’ve said so far here are a 3 items that the Secret Service identified as qualities of a preferred hire in spring of 2022:

• Emotional Intelligence 

• In a crisis “Keeping your head, means everyone else keeps their’s” which means they can control their emotions in a crisis so as to not panic others and instead offer a sense of calm which may help de-escalate conflict.

• Team Player:  Working with other groups such as local PD to effectively guard the protectee.

• Customer Service Experience

• A good Bodyguard must be kind and courteous to those they interact with no sense of superiority.

• Must be able to communicate confidently and clearly. 

• They must be able to anticipate the needs of a Protectee and adapt to continue protective coverage.

• Silent 

• Lastly a bodyguard, particularly in the 2022 outline, must be loyal and professional.

• If someone doesn't trust a Bodyguard to keep a secret they may stop taking them along to situations where they are required which creates an unnecessary risk.

Stock image of a bodyguard from GRSprotection. com