A bodyguard; after we had been out walking with the Principal asked me a question, 'While out walking do you ever find that your mind wanders'? After my initial shock, my one word answer, NO!
As I walked away in disbelief I started to wonder how often this guy or any other guys for that matter
are actually observing their surroundings?
It takes disciple and a lot of practice, not to mention being fit enough for long, possibly boring hours, to keep switched on and alert as to what is or is not happening in your arc/area of observation.
On the other hand; on a busy day out in public, it takes discipline, lots of practice, mental toughness and alertness and in these situations; being 'calm' enough to actually observe, see, know what it is you are looking at and respond correctly should the need arise.
Its not just being a suit filler and standing looking tough, your observation discipline is what enhances your situational awareness.
As I walked away in disbelief I started to wonder how often this guy or any other guys for that matter
are actually observing their surroundings?
It takes disciple and a lot of practice, not to mention being fit enough for long, possibly boring hours, to keep switched on and alert as to what is or is not happening in your arc/area of observation.
On the other hand; on a busy day out in public, it takes discipline, lots of practice, mental toughness and alertness and in these situations; being 'calm' enough to actually observe, see, know what it is you are looking at and respond correctly should the need arise.
Its not just being a suit filler and standing looking tough, your observation discipline is what enhances your situational awareness.
The above photo of the Duchess of Cornwall surrounded by female Saudi bodyguards raises a lot of talking points, but as we are discussing observation I think this photo gives a pretty clear picture of where you should not be looking!
We've seen recently how a lack of observation discipline and situational awareness has let two operations down, namely the attacks on Gigi Hadid and Kim Karsashian.
Look at the photo below of the assassination attempt on President Reagan. The attack comes from the right hand side in front of the forward police officer who is observing the President and not his arcs.
We've seen recently how a lack of observation discipline and situational awareness has let two operations down, namely the attacks on Gigi Hadid and Kim Karsashian.
Look at the photo below of the assassination attempt on President Reagan. The attack comes from the right hand side in front of the forward police officer who is observing the President and not his arcs.
Now I've talked about this in the past in under the headings 'Arcs of Observation for the Close Protection Operator' and in 'Ground Appreciation' both dealing with different aspects of observational skills.
These skill are important when working in familiar settings but if you are travelling frequently then becoming familiar with your new surrounding fast; is essential. Not just the look of the place, the street layouts, routes etc. But the feel of the place, the people, the atmosphere.
Your recce reports along with your vulnerable point study, intelligence reports, direct / indirect threats, crime and terrorism in you are of operations will dictate your mode of transport, foot formations and what response plans, your 'Actions On' will be in the event of a 'Contact'. Information from all of these background activities will make observation in your arc of responsibility that much more focused.
These skills are not under the sole ownership of the close protection fraternity, they are essential for military personnel, law enforcement personnel and of course the citizens on the street.
So how are your observation skills? Do you know how to look, and then see what you are looking at? How is your body language knowledge, your criminal and terrorist profiling capabilities and do you know their M.O?
For your own protection, your family's protection and the protection of your Principal I hope your 'MIND IS NOT WANDERING' and your eyes are not 'WIDE SHUT'
If you want to learn more then get in touch at paul@vipatacticaltraining.com
Stay Dangerous
Rock
These skill are important when working in familiar settings but if you are travelling frequently then becoming familiar with your new surrounding fast; is essential. Not just the look of the place, the street layouts, routes etc. But the feel of the place, the people, the atmosphere.
Your recce reports along with your vulnerable point study, intelligence reports, direct / indirect threats, crime and terrorism in you are of operations will dictate your mode of transport, foot formations and what response plans, your 'Actions On' will be in the event of a 'Contact'. Information from all of these background activities will make observation in your arc of responsibility that much more focused.
These skills are not under the sole ownership of the close protection fraternity, they are essential for military personnel, law enforcement personnel and of course the citizens on the street.
So how are your observation skills? Do you know how to look, and then see what you are looking at? How is your body language knowledge, your criminal and terrorist profiling capabilities and do you know their M.O?
For your own protection, your family's protection and the protection of your Principal I hope your 'MIND IS NOT WANDERING' and your eyes are not 'WIDE SHUT'
If you want to learn more then get in touch at paul@vipatacticaltraining.com
Stay Dangerous
Rock
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