How Can I Become A Bodyguard?

With increasing political turmoil and celebrities leading more public lives thanks to growing paparazzi intrusion, the need for personal bodyguard protection is at an all-time high. Public figures from politicians, movie stars, athletes, musicians, their families, entourages, and even their pets are in need of constant personal protection. The market for protection is growing at a rapid pace as agencies employ hundreds, even thousands of trained personal bodyguards. So do you have what it takes to become one of the many protecting Hollywood's elite and Washington's finest?

There is really not one particular type of person that can be a bodyguard, but there is a typical background that tends to gravitate toward the profession. Retired military or former government security agents often choose to work as a bodyguard in the private sector. If you happen to be either of these, or of similar background and are looking for a business to get into, a career as a professional bodyguard might be the right one for you. These individuals usually have a healthy knowledge of the high levels of security and defense tactics necessary. This is not to say that other people cannot be bodyguards, it may however take additional training on their part.

It should go without saying that a high school degree is a requirement for most positions as a bodyguard. In addition to a high school education, it does not hurt to have some college experience, either through a two or four year degree. Education in law enforcement and protection can come in handy as a bodyguard. You may be called upon to perform many of the tasks that a police officer may perform, especially in a situation where you are waiting for the police to arrive. If you don't have a college education, then bodyguard training courses are available to help with some of the fundamentals involved in this line of work.

Bodyguard training facilities and courses are available through many different resources. Finding a well respected and accredited training course that is accepted or at least recognized by protection agencies is important when deciding where to get your training. Most courses to train bodyguards will provide the basic skills necessary to fill the role. This involves basic first aid training as well as self-defense tactics. It may be necessary to carry a weapon on the job and therefore weapons training, primarily in firearms, could be beneficial. Because most agencies are looking for bodyguards with training, you are in charge of your own education. Be sure to utilize training facilities that have been around for a while and have successful graduates.

Physical fitness and agility play an important role in the job of a bodyguard. You may carry the stature that looks like a common bodyguard, but if you are lacking in stamina, the muscles won't get you very far. You may be required to chase someone or lead your charge away from danger quickly. You may not technically be law enforcement, but you are often the first one on the scene if an attack or attempted attack occurs. Fitness and agility are important for pursuing and apprehending suspects and detaining them while you wait for the police to arrive.

A career as a bodyguard is not a common one, so finding information and education on it may be difficult, but it is out there. Training facilities and bodyguard agencies may be able to help you find the right path if this is a job you think you may succeed in. Being a bodyguard can open doors to many opportunities, regardless of what type of people you are protecting. Simply being seen with these celebrities, executives, professional athletes and politicians can boost your reputation and could even launch a career that would find you in need of a few good bodyguards someday.