New to board

[Merv]

Hi All
I am new to this board and just trying to guage the type of users there are out there.
Just a quick bit on myself i have been in this industry for a while now working Afgan, Iraq, London and Europe primerily in the Close protection/PSD role. I am always looking at expanding my knowledge of the industry as we never stop learning do we? (Looking for any leads into Africa)
I am getting a bit anoyed with some of the standards of the people who are finding their way into our line of work and clearly should not be doing the job, and definatly should not be walking around armed.
So would appreciate some feed back on the following.

1) If we end up working with a muppet is it the muppets fault or the company? I have a full portfolio of proof for my work. This my CV with full proof of all claims on this either by way of certs,contracts or refernces etc. So why are there so many people on false CV,s working? Why do people sitting in the ivory towers never ask to see these and just go for bumbs on seats.

2) If a guys was driving a tank for 10 years (10 years in the millitary) what gives him the right to think he is qualified to work as a CPO?
I was in the millitary for 15 years my self but made sure i trained for this industry before entering into it. Does being in the millitary give you the right just to walk in?

3) Can non ex millitary (Civis) do this work?

4) Why do the companies (or the SIA) never ask for a free from drugs cert from the doctors. I have had supply many medical exam papers for companies from my local doctor.(all for insurence as we know) Why is it i still come come across drug heads and drunks out there? What can be done to sort this?


5) With the advent of the SIA the cow boy teachers were stopped to a degree from teaching and ripping people off. (I taught myself delivering the SIA CP course and worked with the SIA) Some of these boys have now set up teaching HIGH RISK courses why are these not being regulated? I have seen many courses that are suposed to aimed at IRAQ or Afgan and yet when you look at the course content they never cover the local Language or protocols for the locals (if you cant even say please and thank you).They never even have any decent mapping of the areas that you will be sent to for reference will they tell you the tribal make up of an area or the personalities?
It seems most of the relevent information that is required seem to have the same answer 'oh yes you will get that out there' So why are people paying for these courses?


I could go on but lets see what others have to say.

Take care keep safe
Merv

[jmaccauley]

Merv, welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have either gotten hooked up with some crap firms, or have been given a raw deal. Either way, your point is noted. Being former military means little, unless you specialized in your current field. I know of US Navy SEALS, or those who work in support of them. There obviously is a huge difference between speaking the language and walking the walk.

You'll find that employers often do just need warm (mostly) bodies to fill details. Many very well qualified operators will not get a chance to shine until given that initial assignment. Thats where you choose your jobs carefully. I understand that sometimes it's feast or famine and we can't always be picky, but we strive to associate ourselves with those whom we wish to work with.

Many civilians have made the transition to this field and many military and law enforcememt vets cannot make the grade. It's all about individual traits, character, intelligence and discipline; not just certficates and diplomas.

Jerry

[annie]

Welcome to the forum, and interesting questions too. Obviously as a civvie CP i would have to maybe be biased and say that there are many excellent CP's operating both male and female within the industry who have no former military background, as Jerry says it is more to do with attitude, standard of training, the ability to network well, the ability to actually know you aren't out of your depth. Intelligence and common sense are also fairly important as often solving a situation on your feet quickly, and having the forsight to avoid them where possible first and foremost. You don't need to be ex military to be able to think and work in a team.
Saying that however various roles within CP ie: those in HE i would say that a military background is important, not essential as there are the few who have nbeen succesful without.

Being self aware is possibly a trait that is helpful as if you simply haven't the skill set required it is better to know when to walk away, rather than put someone in danger. Personally where the idea of working in the sandy zones does appeal to me, i know i probably couldn't cut the mustard and therefore i'd simply never take on that role, as i'd be a liability to all around me. (That and i'm a shocking shot....so i'm told... personally i think i'm great mind)

I think anyone with the get up and go to train hard and learn on the job from the ground upwards is capable if they really want to, well with a few exceptions, but isn't that the same anywhere?

[seanb]

In response to Mr Maccauley, may I say, you are a very intelligent and articulate young man. I agree totally with every thing you say, and you explain it so well. Its all about a persons aptitude, willing to learn, get up and go and common sense. A cpo's best asset should always be there mind, like the lady said, being able to think on your feet is a must, one has to be adaptable and confident.

[jmaccauley]

Hey everyone! Did you see he called me a young man! Huh? Did ya? lol

Thanks. Actually, I remember my mentors and hope that I can occasionally pass on what I have learned. The best part of joining a forum is the different viewpoints that are presented. You can usually tell the players from the posers quickly and even when disagreeing, it helps to see different opinions. I am old enough to know what I don't know, whether I admit it publicly or not.

Jerry

[annie]

The man is new, not his fault he doesn't realise that you a cantancerous old yank git in a pick up truck is it

[Merv]

Hi All
Many thanks for the welcome first of all. Secondaly there are some very interseting responses.
Seems there are some good guys and Girls out there still.
Forums are a good networking tool with out doubt, but if used properly we can make a difference i think.
merv

[seanb]

In response to Mr Maccauley, may I firstly make the point that at no time did I call you ''a young man'', Infact I adressed you as ''Young man'' and address of respect, which is what i treat everybody with until they prove unworthy of my respect. As for being new to the forum, i have been using it for about a year now. Its just I rarely post, however, when I seen Merv's post I was prompted to respond.

I do believe these forums are very beneficial to all in our industry, and I am aware that there are many very experienced operators using this forum. Tghis in itself offers a great source of knowledge, experience and advice.

Unlike Mr Maccauley, I have come across some members posts that have made me wonder how they managed to get there S.I.A badge (mentioning no names). I addressed Mr Macauley with respect as in my opinion his sensible and articulate post warrants it.

Annie, as for being new. I am 44 years old ;-) But thank's for mothering me .x.x.

[annie]

Can't help myself it's my mothering nature, politeness and manners quite frankly are a rare treat these days in many which is such a shame, as they are a fine quality in anyone, so i applaud you for your impecable politeness and its very nice to see......McCauley is still a yank in a pick up mind but we forgive him for it as he does talk sense

[jmaccauley]

Sure Sean, burst my bubble. I would caution you about revealing your true age to Annie though. She has a way of "reminding" you from time to time. On the other hand, I believe she would be an asset to any detail, what with the quick thinking and all.

Jerry