ESI

[jlstorm]

I looks like Mark might be able to fix you up! That's the beauty of this forum - you can get a boatload of information from a variety of sources all in one place. I'm glad it worked out for you.
FYI, ESI is the only school in the world (to my knowledge)offering a fully comprehensive Exec/Dig training program for civilians. Many folks consider their training to be as good as that provided to Secret Service and State Dept Protective Details.
There are bunches of other schools offering self defense training who are very, very good, but that is an entirely different field from Exec/Dig training. I would recommend that you check ESI out - if this is your chosen profession, it will be like getting a Master's degree from an income standpoint. Good luck!

There is at least one other school that boasts the same credentials as ESI (I forget the their name but they are on the web as well). What I dont like about ESI is that they cost at least twice as much as any place else I personally know of, and I am very weary of any place that does any remote/distance training. I have never actually met anyone who has gone there and 6 grand is a lot to spend (that I dont have at the moment) on web testimonials. Im hoping some up comming FRA work and invesitation projects in 2007 and 2008 will create more cash flow, but 6 grand is still quite a bit. Again, I really dont buy into distance learning, if it was 6k for all onsite learning I might put it on my wish list...

[Gary Brommeland]

HI Folks,

I inadvertently hijacked a guy's thread in the holster section. The conversation went from holsters to Executive/Dignitary Protection training.
So, I am moving that part of things here, where they are more appropriate.
Here's where it all started:

ESI is the only school in the world (to my knowledge)offering a fully comprehensive Exec/Dig training program for civilians. Many folks consider their training to be as good as that provided to Secret Service and State Dept Protective Details.
There are bunches of other schools offering self defense training who are very, very good, but that is an entirely different field from Exec/Dig training. I would recommend that you check ESI out - if this is your chosen profession, it will be like getting a Master's degree from an income standpoint. Good luck!

[Ti Carry]

Is this the ESI we are talking about?

http://www.esi-lifeforce.com/


Ti

[cagueits]

Is this thread talking about just ESI or PPS in general?

[jlstorm]

Is this thread talking about just ESI or PPS in general?

Neither really lol, I was inquiring about a holster for some work and training that I do, and we got into talking about why I should or should not use a taclight. Gary wasn't all for the taclight idea and thats when it got into training and whatnot. I have an unconventional background in that I was an amature fighter and martial arts student who started out working in some night clubs on the east coast for extra cash and went from security to VIP armed security for some of our famous clients and then sort of segued into some protection work and private narcotics work, I also did some protection work with our owners who were at odds with some organizations that people didnt really want to be ad odds with and I received several death threats, I did this when I was 22 - 25 and thoght I was invincible, or else I probably would have passed on the job, however I am glad I did it as I learned a lot.

Ater a while I left that scene when I got a job I really wanted in a completely unrelated field and now I am starting to think about getting back into it, but I have found once your out...you are really out, at least at the level I can work at. My main side gig is investigation which is another area I sort of fell into, but I am now thinkin about taking it to the next level...which brings us to training. I joined a company which does investigation and is talking about opening a protection branch and mentioned sending its people for training and refresher courses at blackwater, which is really the only place I was considering, thats when Gary brough up ESI, which I have some reservations about not to mention cost issues....wow...my fingers are tired!

[Gary Brommeland]

Is this the ESI we are talking about?

http://www.esi-lifeforce.com/


Ti

Yes.

[Gary Brommeland]

Is this thread talking about just ESI or PPS in general?

Dignitary and Executive protection are pretty narrowly defined fields, so I would have to say that discussion of any such training would be appropriate. Thanks!

[Ti Carry]

This has the potential of becoming a very good thread if there are a few hear willing to provide their experiance('s) in the field. I am just interested in learning more about it and not actually doing it or going into the field, but it is interesting none the less.


Ti

[jlstorm]

I am not sure what type of info you are looking for...as stated before my experience is with low to moderate risk details. I never did (and never want to) do anything overseas. I personally think working with well known clients is the most difficult as its a constant judgement call of who may approach and who may not, especially since more people are interested in making physical contact then with an unkown business person. I did some work with some adult film stars making appearances at several clubs in order to help draw business. At first it started with autographs and then proceeded into more promotion of sorts. This was in a club of around 2000 people at least half of which were men, it was a nightmare situation and just got worse as the night went on and they all started to get out of hand.

[Gary Brommeland]

Actually, what jlstorm is describing is classic "bodyguard" work. It is an entirely different field from Exec/Dignitary protection. There is of course some overlap, but they are distinctly different field's of expertise.
A "bodyguard" is generally employed to protect someone in the public eye who needs to be able to manage crowd control and protect their client from overly enthusiastic fans, nut jobs and crowds who just get unmanageable.
Dignitary/Executive protection deals more with planning (often in great detail) means of avoiding kidnapping and assassination.
"Bodyguard" work is more "hands-on", whereas Dig/Exec Protection is more about planning and avoidance.

[jlstorm]

Very true..however the word "bodyguard" was always looked down upon in the field believe it or not. The term was always protective services or protection specialist, as if bodyguard was a bad word lol, it may have to do with the amount the company was able to charge though...similar to a janitor being a sanitation engineer.

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Not exactly Bodyguarding/Executive Protection, but sorta/kinda related is this course offered by Storm Mountain.

http://www.stormmountain.com/

High Risk Personnel I

Description: This course was been designed by the U.S. Marine Corps to train government personnel who are traveling overseas to high threat posts. The course is a compressive shooting program developed to give the student the skills necessary to defend against a terrorist or criminal attack. This unique training is now being offered to civilians as well as government personnel. This course covers combat mind set, counter vehicle ambush techniques, basic through advanced firearms techniques with strong emphasis on the handgun, basic
through advanced low light and flashlight training, counter assault techniques, solid introduction to the combat usage of the shotgun and carbine.

Ammunition Requirement: (Minimums) Handgun -2500 rounds; Carbine - 200 (FMJ or soft point); Shotgun - 150 Bird shot; 50 00 buckshot; 15 Rifled slugs. FRANGIBLE AMMUNITION ONLY.
Contact SMTC for ammo prices and ordering information.

Equipment Requirement: Semi-automatic handgun, 3 magazines, holster fitted to belt and magazine pouches, pump action or semi-automatic 12 ga. Shotgun, 5.56 mm NATO (.223) carbine or rifle, 2-20 or 30 round magazines, flashlight with push buttons, eye and ear protection, clothing suitable for adverse weather conditions. Note: This course is both physical and
stressful in nature. You should arrive at SMTC mentally and physically prepared for 5 full days of intense training.

Prerequisite: HG1

Length:5 days

Cost: $1100.00

Date(s): Jul 16, 2007 - Jul 20, 2007

[cagueits]

Well, I was going to get the PPS registration in Virginia back in 2003 (as a back-up plan in case I couldn't go to college), however I got accepted to Puerto Rico's state university on a full scholarship.

Here's the link to some schools that teach PPS in VA:

http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/tra...tlines/32E.cfm (click on the "View Training Schools Offering This Course" link at the bottom of the webpage)

Here's the firearms qualification portion for PPS in VA:

http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/tra...tlines/32E.cfm

[Chorizo]

I did the HRP course back in the early 90's when doing AD. Great course.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to use personal weapons, it would have made it better.