Blog

The 25 Types of Executive Protection Agents – AKA Bodyguards

Fun Edition – A brutally honest field guide to many of the personalities you will find on any given  detail. Let’s start with a disclaimer: This is all in good fun and mostly a light-hearted educational effort (…mostly). If you see yourself in one of these, take it as a chance to laugh, learn, and maybe reflect. Don’t worry, we’ve all been at least one of these at some point. Growth starts with self-awareness… and hopefully,  fewer mirror selfies. 1. The Tacticool Operator – Full MOLLE vest at a low-threat breakfast. Looks like he’s about to breach a compound to…

Boost Your Security Website with a Free SEO Audit

A website isn’t just about flashy graphics, big promises, or a few selling words. It’s so much more than that. And while your site might look fine to you, if it’s not optimized for visibility, credibility, and conversion, you could be losing business every single day. At Mellon360° Marketing for Security, we know this industry inside and out. We also know many colleagues started their companies from scratch, often on a shoestring budget, building their own websites on no-code platforms. And that’s okay, many of us began that way. But at some point, you need to take your online presence…

Free Courses & Tools for Security Professionals — Because Sharing is Caring

Here’s a list of free tools and courses we’ve collected over the years for security professionals, perfect for using your downtime to build skills and stay ahead. Feel free to share, and if you know of other great tools or free training not listed here, drop them in the comments and help someone else grow. 💻 CoursesCouncil of Europe https://help.elearning.ext.coe.int/ FEMA https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx?page=2&lang=en TRIPwire https://tripwire.dhs.gov/training-education/counter-ied-training-0#faq-question Center for Development of Security Excellence- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency https://www.cdse.edu/Training/eLearning/ ESRI academy https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/search/ MSG https://www.managementstudyguide.com/corporate-etiquettes.htm NWC https://usnwc.libguides.com/c.php?g=494120&p=3381401 Disaster Ready Org https://www.disasterready.org/ Basel Institute of Governance https://baselgovernance.org/basel-learn My Languages Org https://mylanguages.org/ UNODC https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/tertiary/counter-terrorism.html UNODC Global E-Learning https://www.unodc.org/elearning/en/courses/course-catalogue.html United States Institute of Peace https://www.usip.org/academy/catalog-global-campus-courses Counter-Terrorism Training Suite https://ct.protectuk.police.uk/ United Nations…

When bodyguards become the risk

This is another great example of when the bodyguards refuse to learn and thus, become the risk. It’s one thing for civilians to overlook digital footprints. But when trained EP agents repeatedly ignore known vulnerabilities, that’s not merely a mistake, it’s a significant security failure. And unfortunately this isn’t new. In 2018, Strava’s Global Heatmap exposed covert military bases and routine patrol routes. That was seven years ago. We’ve known about this. In 2024, investigations revealed dozens of EP agents from U.S., French, and Russian teams publicly sharing workout data, which included 26 U.S. agents (Biden’s EP team), 12 French…

The Missing Link in Executive Protection: Why Protective Intelligence Services Matter More Now Than Ever

Those who have been in the business for some time will tell you that executive protection is 90% about preventing threats and only 10% about responding to them. Preparation is key when it comes to protective details, and while physical security measures, highly trained agents, luxury vehicles, and advanced equipment are all critical components of any operation, one often-overlooked asset can mean the difference between proactive protection and reactive response: protective intelligence services. We can all agree that the world is rapidly changing, and with it, so are the threats, how they materialize, and the individuals behind them. The ways…

CEOs Under Attack – The Growing Risks for Corporate Leaders

This article was first published in Chief Executive Officer The recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities faced by many corporate leaders and is a great example of how C-Suite executive’s safety can affect not only their personal wellbeing, but also can drastically affect a company’s reputation and stock. According to News Nation, UnitedHealth Group shares are down more than 14% since Thompson was shot and the company is counting its losses in billions. While many corporations see security as an unnecessary financial loss and many won’t consider it in their budget, history has…

Bodyguards for Kids are Back!

Founded in 2023 Bodyguards for Kids unites the security industry to raise donations for St. Jude. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others in the field while supporting a meaningful cause. When you donate through our event page on St. Jude’s website, 100% of your contributions go directly to the children of St. Jude, ensuring they and their families receive life-saving care and access to cutting-edge research at no cost. Over the past two events, we’ve raised $35,779 and hosted 30 international subject matter experts, all thanks to the our incredible sponsors, speakers, and attendees! Through this event, our…

Why ‘Experience’ Alone Isn’t Enough

The Need for Comprehensive Skills in Team Lead & Operations Manager Roles in Executive Protection We see a lot of articles and posts that address the issues with executive protection agents or what skills are needed and how one should perform as a member of the team. But we rarely see an article that clearly addresses the issues concerning those in positions such as a team leader, security manager or operational director. While its always easy to blame the boots on the ground, it’s important to see and address the issues concerning those who are managing them. Primarily, we see…

Identifying Suspicious Behavior: Essential Pre-Attack Indicator Training for Executive Protection Agents

An article by Bob Duggan, Founder & President, Executive Security International Senior executive protection professionals will all agree that the number one goal when performing protective details is to prevent a threatening or embarrassing situation before it becomes a reality for your client. Now, we all know that the majority of EP schools are highly invested in the ‘’cool guy skills’’. They spend hundreds of hours training in martial arts, firearms, evasive driving, etc. While those skills are important for anyone involved in the executive protection industry, we should not forget that equally important are the skills that will provide…

Keeping C-Suite Executives Safe

There have been many reported incidents surrounding violence towards C-suite executives, with the most well-known case, the murder of the tech executive Bob Lee, founder of Cash App in San Francisco, last year and the death of Vivek Taneja, who was assaulted in downtown D.C. on February 2nd and succumbed to his injuries a day later. These incidents, along with many others, bring again to light the ongoing issue with crime rates in specific areas and the potential dangers that corporate leaders may face. We can all agree that in today’s world, the safety and security of high-profile individuals, particularly C-Suite…

The Importance of Effective Communication Between Protectee and The Executive Protection Team

The last few days have produced a video of the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Justin Trudeau and has been making the news within the executive protection industry circles as it shows the great communication levels between Putin and his EP agents. This is highlighting once again the importance of communication between the protective team and the principal. Although it is a subject rarely mentioned in EP training schools, communication is vital, especially in an industry where safety is the prime objective and split-second decisions can make all the difference, sometimes even between life and death. Long gone are the…

The Protector’s Resource Hub is here! and, is free!

Welcome to the official resource hub for Executive Protection Agents, offered by LeMareschal Protection & Intelligence Solutions. Understanding the unique challenges and dynamic environments faced by agents daily, our goal is to equip you with an arsenal of essential tools and links. From links with free educational courses, real-time threat intelligence sources to advanced protection methodologies and free templates, this page is designed to enhance your operational efficiency and situational awareness. As leaders in the protective and intelligence industry, we believe in empowering our community with the best resources, ensuring seamless protection for all. Disclaimer: This page serves as a resource…

The Role of Counter-Surveillance in Executive Protection Operations

One of the most underestimated skills of an executive protection agent is counter-surveillance tactics. This specific topic is either being touched on for a brief time during EP courses or not covered at all. Within the functions of protective operations, counter-surveillance plays a pivotal role in mitigating risks and ensuring the effectiveness of protection strategies. When most people think about bodyguards, they think about the people who are around a celebrity or an important public figure. They do not know that executive protection is more than just protective agents surrounding a VIP. It involves a comprehensive approach to security, involving…

Bodyguards For Kids 2024

Bodyguards For Kids is back in action! Thanks to your support last year, we raised $22,180 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our attendees won amazing prizes and gained valuable insights from our 16 international subject matter experts. This year, we have lined up another impressive array of speakers and have set a new fundraising goal of $50,000! Our donation page is now open and ready to accept your generous contributions. Bodyguards For Kids was created to unite the security industry for a noble cause, give back to our colleagues through virtual educational sessions and raffle prizes, and show the…

Event Security for High Profile Individuals

In the last months, we have seen many videos from what one may label a ‘failed’ security operation where public figures were attacked or embarrassed during their public appearance at an event. Protecting high-profile individuals during an event or public speech requires very careful and detailed planning. Despite the big challenges for the security team, public events are essential for high-profile individuals, especially for politicians, celebrities, or business leaders who need to engage with their fans, audience, or electorate. Event Security is a uniquely separate topic, and one needs to spend quite some time studying it and implementing all the…

Conflict Management In Protective Operations

One of the most underestimated qualifications for executive protection professionals is their ability to deal with #conflict as it pertains to incidents that occur while on duty, as well as off duty. Every #security professional, regardless of their role, will inevitably encounter disagreements and confrontations. These conflicts can arise from differing opinions, expectations, or agendas. However, the way these conflicts are dealt with can be the difference between a safe resolution and a potentially uncontrolled, threatening situation. The ability to manage conflict effectively is, therefore, a non-negotiable skill set for any security professional. How you deal with a tense situation…

Intelligence On the Go for All-Anytime You Need It

In today’s fast-paced world, intelligence is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. But who said it has to be unattainable or break the bank? At LeMareschal, we believe that every business, regardless of its size, deserves access to top-notch intelligence services. We provide Customized Intelligence Reports: ✔ Tailored for Every Business: Whether you’re a budding startup or an established enterprise, LeMareschal is here to ensure you’re always informed. Our dedicated team of intel analysts is committed to providing bespoke Intelligence Reports tailored just for you. ✔ Global Reach, Local Impact: Leveraging our global network, we offer real-time, relevant…

How prepared and trained are you to deal with a “crisis situation” as an executive protection agent? Erdogan’s case

We have always supported the need for a continuum of training, qualification, and evaluation for people who work throughout the security industry. Our type of profession requires operatives to perform, at the top of their skill set and ability, in any number of situations that may require hard physical activities, training in various disciplines, possession of comprehensive knowledge when it comes to security measures, and, most crucially, a sharp mind and the ability to take actions and react fast in a crisis situation. It is we who are required to act calmly and with steadfast resolve when all others have…

The Rise of Boutique Security

A New Era of Personalized Protective Solutions for Individuals, Families and C-Suite Executives In the glossy pages of lifestyle magazines, we often read about the latest trends in fashion, travel, and luxury. However, there’s a new trend that’s quietly making waves among the elite, and it’s all about security. Not just any #security, but boutique security companies. Companies that provide security for the families of the rich and famous are not something new, however, what is new is the rise we see in Boutique Security Companies. As the world becomes increasingly complex and threat actors evolve, the demand for specialized,…

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