jmaccauley

Do you all enjoy acronyms as much as I do? Alright, I’m fibbing about that. Although I understand that often, in the interest of brevity, they are necessary, but we need a glossary and that tends to defeat the purpose. Anyway, this article is about the Personal Protection field.
For simplicity, let’s have a laymans definition for these three acronyms.
CP is generic for Close Protection
EP stands for Executive Protection.
PPS is a Personal Protection Specialist
SOF is a Soldier of Fortune

In my opinion, they are not interchangeable, nor should they be confused with each other. The difference can be defined by the training, perception or mission of each. The level of professionalism in any field is usually predicated on core principles of business, but we often see perception leading the discussion of these groups.

Dominating the world of Professional Security Operators (PSO) are training and service providers who, more often than not, are staffed by former or current military and law enforcement professionals. These operators are often seen in the standard uniform of Tactical vest, dark sunglasses, coiled wire for ear comms protruding from the ear, an assault rifle equipped with all of the optics and accessories that the guy can handle, and the ever present scowl. These are very serious operators who have a very serious mission. They are paid top dollar to do extremely dangerous work in very unforgiving locations. That being the case, I tip my hat to them and wish them well in their area of operation (AO).

Unfortunately, this same image is sometimes superimposed on the domestic Executive Protection Agent (EP) or Personal Protective Service provider (PPS). These guys may or may not have had military endoctrination or spent years fighting street crime. They may have attended an elite training facility or moved up from the ranks of night watchman. They also may be employed by a company to provide a wide assortment of services, from driving, running errands for the boss or, accompany the employer on business and social engagements to provide “bodyguard” (BG) services.

Acronyms aside, all of these agents and officers are expected to be able to provide a level of service comparable to their salary. Unfortunately, there are few standards when it comes to setting a pay scale for these folks. It often becomes the job of the agent to sell him/herself by offering the most value they can. Which often means reevaluating their skills and seeking additional training and education.

Whether you are, or wish to become a CPO, a PPS, an EP, a BG, you must remember that perception is often reality in the eyes of the public and especially the employer. You have all heard of the recommendation to dress for the job you want. I submit that you can also create the perception that your title is based on the job you are best equipped to perform. The reality is that we are all SOF’s (soldiers of fortune) when competing for employment in these areas. Our fortunes depend on gaining the trust and respect of those we protect, as well as the field we represent.

Keep your acronyms straight and market your worth realistically.

kenpsd

VGP ( Very Good Post) Jim, VWPP ( Very Well Put Points) TY ( Thank You) TTFN ( Ta Ta For Now)

Rich H

CP, EP, Vip Protection, Celebrity Protection.....

It is all Close Protection.

The terminology of Close Protection caters for all descriptive aspects of the provision of protective services; Executive, Dignitary, Royal & Diplomatic or Personal Protection. Other terms imply specific royal, business or political positions of the Principal in society, whereas Close encompasses the type of security afforded in its entirety.

It depends I suppose what 'school' you are. In my eyes, (As a Brit), the job is the same. Only the tactics/ methods change.


Rich H

DarkHorse

Rich H,

You are correct, its all come under CP umberalla!!

Good post though....

DH....

jmaccauley

Of course, you are all correct. It does all fall under the umbrella of Close Protection. The point I was trying make, and possible missed, was the ridiculously high number of paramiltary acronyms that we use to describe what we do. True, we do have a language of our own and basically the small differences are understood by most of us after a few years.

It was the idea that a particular school would have a slightly differentset of initials to reflect their training or mission philosophy. The best example is the term bodyguard. It is fashionable these days to rename the job to reflect a more professional image. Change the name and the job stays the same. Change the methods and the job stays the same, but the EP, PPS, PSD, SE or whatever gives the appearance of a major overhaul in philosphy and mission.

Most of us are mission oriented. We don't care what we are called, but we adapt to our missions and job descriptions. As it should be.

As I said in my tongue-in-cheek article, the acronyms and initials don't describe the job clearly and often leads to misunderstanding. Maybe we should K.I.S.S.

Block 30 Janitor

A Very good topic JM and one which I'm sure over time will cause some debate from different people all doing pretty much the same job and screaming that it's their way or the high way.

I'm from an old school background (much earlier than 9/11) and it always gives me great pleasure to hear all this terminology by all these people who claim they are SME's (subject matter experts) in this field and that. Lets face it Afghanistan and Iraq have not been going that long so lets say these people have maybe completed an apprenticeship!

The term Psd was only ever taken on by the Brits because the yanks at the check points (no offence to our American cousins) did not recognise the term close protection team and using the phrase PSD allowed us recognition and therefore eased access. What then occurred is that the new breed of Close Protection trained personnel came to these theatres to learn their trade and picked up this phraseology which in turn is now being taught back home as the norm!

The term Executive protection has evolved in much the same way. If we remember Close Protection is the overiding phrase here. Historically only executives and the like could afford or indeed had any need for Close Protection however this current climate has spawned the need for all sorts to require Close Protection. If we take our average Oil Company or Embassy we provide protection for Executives all the way down to cooks, bottle washers, receptionists etc. Basically anyone who requires transport out of the secure compounds. Therefore to distinguish say a company or team who only deals with the top echelons of society the term executive protection was born.

A bit sad really but I'm sure it was a necessaty. I still prefer the term Close Protection.

Block 30 Janitor

In addition to my post above. What is great to see, is that no matter what the background of those protected (executive or bottlewasher) the guys on the ground are giving just as good a professional service in line with what they have been taught.

Well done Gents and Ladies (of course)

B30J

ASE

Very good Block 30 Janitor. Close Protection is really a new term that arrived over recent yrs courtesy of the onslaught of Operators servicing contracts in Iraq and as you said, our colonial cousins making changes to our mother tongue (yet again!). Damn it man, I certified as an EPI (Executive Protection Instructor) back in 1995 - what am I going to do with that now? Can't tipex out the E word - it would look messy on the certificate.

mickblack

why have we stopped using the term "BODYGUARD" what are we scared off

morrigan

erm..... being likened to Kevin Costner basically!!!

morrigan

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