The Corona Pandemic restrictions and its ” slowdown ” economic impacts create massive dramatic changes Globally, that has brought to all areas of life has also created serious concerns for both Personal Security & Safety and the protection of investments and business developments located in critical areas around the globe.

However, an especially important branch of the civil security sector – the VIP/Close Protection branch – has not been given enough attention and preparation for its improved functioning in the 21st century.

The lack of sufficient secure and safe conditions for these executives prevents or reduce economic developments for the entire world society.

Due to the fact that we are aware to the vitality and contribution of this special security field to public needs, and after discussions and thorough research, with Professional active colleagues and also with many distinguished clients from worldwide.

The need for qualified Elite Protection Operatives capable of providing services related to the protection of assets (sensitive installations) and VIPs such as experts, engineers, journalists, UN employees and even cargo ship’s crews has increased tremendously.

A few hundred years ago in the western world there were those who chose to serve in the protection of their employers, and they were called “Musketeers.” In Asia, they were known as “Samurai” or “Biaushi” in China. No matter what they were called, all knew the definition of their profession and their duties:

To keep their Protégé’s secure and safe wherever they went!

This sector gave society a few norms of behavior that gained high respect and honor from its communities.

In the 21st century, those who deal with the protection of their employers are called Bodyguards, Close Protection Operatives, and VIP/Executive Protection Specialists. More recently, they have been called PSD Operators and Personal Security Details/Detachments because of their deployment in High-risk zones or missions, which have become known as the most dangerous areas for VIPs (not necessary heads of state).

These specially trained and highly skilled personnel are hired to protect individuals or assets of organizations that operate in High-Risk environments like Africa, and South America and ….

Many romantic stories and legends were told about these unique individuals and in most of these stories they were described as the bravest of warriors, heroes, or supermen. This profession created an aura around those who chose to specialize and live by the rules of the field. It is one of the oldest professions in the world.

In order for this trend to continue and to help the Civilian Security Industry to develop, we, the Security Executives in the various Private Sectors, must also improve ourselves and accumulate as much know-how and practical experience as possible.

Session 1 – VIP/Close Protection Classic Single Operation – training
Duration – weeks

Overview:

To qualify the candidates in understanding the principles of the VIP/Close Protection Security Architecture. Everything that goes into selecting & developing tools, tactics, and personnel.

The training objectives:

• To introduce the Israeli Executive/ Close / VIP Protection Concepts, methods, and tactics.
• To enable trainees to test their fitness and ability to work in the Executive/ Close / VIP Protection branch.
• To give the applicants or their employers a prognosis, in order to prevent dissatisfaction and unnecessary expenses from those who may achieve low scores in the VIP Protection Operative’s course.
• To ensure that our trainees will have the basic knowledge, methods and skills that will allow them to both respond to and neutralize a wide variety of threats to the safety and well-being of the VIP they were hired to protect.
• To qualify, upgrade, sophisticate and enhance the operational capabilities of the Protection operative to become a member of the Protection Team in a wide range of environments.

What is so special in this training program?

• Combining practical and theoretical training methods.
• Incorporation of special training methods for development of the participants’ self-confidence and reaction capabilities under high stress situations.
• Coordination of subjects to develop Thinking, Initiative, and Motivation.
• Live practice and simulation.
• Our Training Programs are different, special, and unique – we supply each participant with an unforgettable practical experience.
• We don’t provide Rambo-style, but rather improve your mental and physical preparedness.
• Our training takes place in a disciplined atmosphere.
• Effective instruction, knowledge and practice improve mental and physical abilities. This will enhance self-confidence and enable students to perform exemplary.
• Our trainees originate from diverse backgrounds and participate to create amicable training relationships.

Trainee’s achievements 

• The training will qualify, upgrade, sophisticate and enhance the tactical capabilities and operational fitness of those who wish to act as Proficient Protection Operative.
• A basic understanding of the collection and evaluation of intelligence as it relates to the principal and threat assessment.
• Familiarity with typical attacker profiles and actions, based on and including case studies of actual assassinations and attempts.
• Understand and practice scanning the surroundings for threats, in order to respond to them appropriately.
• Knowledge of the basic history of protective services and the ability to identify key concepts and terms of this unique segment of the security field.
• The information necessary to integrate all elements of an executive protection mission into a working field operation.
• The ability to undertake threat analysis, including evaluations of internal and external threats.
• The ability to successfully clear an area as safe from threats to the VIP. This process will be understood as part of an overall operation that involves movement by the VIP from one place to another.
• Understand and practice correctly for motions related to both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
• Understand and practice proper vehicle, person, and room search techniques.

Outcome Overview:

By the end of this level, the participants are qualified to be detailed as single operatives for VIP’s. They will have learned how to operate as individuals protecting a principle. They would have learnt the key elements of the Israeli Protection Doctrine and will be qualified for not just VIP/Close protection but also a wide range of security operations when they are required to do so.

The key differentiator between the Israeli Close protection instruction and what is prevalent today   is to not create RAMBO-STYLE operatives who draw unnecessary attention to the VIP. The operatives trained by ISA-Israel have the know how to blend into the environment and keep their principle secured at all times. The KRAV MAGA + VIP Protection drills empower the participants with elevated levels of self-confidence and self-reliance to be able to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to be successful at their job.

They will also learn the importance of collecting, collating, interpreting, and utilizing data (intelligence) related to their principle in order to keep them safe and secured. They will present case studies of close protection missions where the principle was taken to safety and those where the principle was lost. There will be simulations of real-life situations that will expose their proficiency of having understood the Israeli Close Protection doctrine they have spent 14 + 21 days, on. They will also be introduced to the basic of VIP driving (only those with valid BALKAN – EUROPE Driving License), area and   people sanitization techniques, identifying adversary by body language, modus operandi, etc.

The amount of REALISM we pack in our training, determines our success during conflict.
Unless mental and physical limitations are eliminated during training, the conflict will not offer victory.

Session 2 – VIP/Close Protection Team operation
Duration – 2 weeks 

• VIP/Close Protection Team operation
• Counter Terrorism awareness
• Maritime Security
• Aviation Security
• Sensitive Installations Security
• Transportation Security
• Valuables transportation Security
• HR Protection Operations  
  

Overview:

To qualify the candidates to work as teams to protect their principle. Working in a close protection team is both efficient and dangerous. While there is leverage of many eyes, minds and hands, a wrong move by one could push the entire team and their principle into dangerous waters. So, this level become as much important to build the ELITE operative as any other.

The training objectives

• To provide our trainees with advanced methods and skills that will allow them to both respond to and neutralize a wide variety of threats to the safety and well- being of the Protectee/VIP or Asset they are designated to protect.
• To provide our trainees with advanced knowledge to better provide protective services in a wide range of environments.

Trainee’s achievements 

• The training will qualify, upgrade, sophisticate and enhance the tactical capability and operational fitness of those who act or intend to act as Executive/ Close / VIP Protection Team member or Leader.
• Familiarity with typical attacker profiles and actions, based on and including case studies of attack strategies encountered during HR mission’s operations.
• Understand and practice scanning the surroundings for threats, in order to respond to them appropriately.
• Knowledge of the basic information necessary to integrate all elements of HR protective missions into a working field operation.
• Understand and practice convoy formations and vehicular movement, tactics, and strategies.
• Understanding the fundamentals of a protection team, in a manner that emphasizes team integration, cooperation and communication elements of a VIP protective mission.
• The ability to plan the safe arrival and departure of a VIP within the context of a VIP Protection Team mission.
• Understanding how to relay accurate information, such as descriptions and directions, to others in a protective service team.
• The ability to build effective professional relationships with the police, security personnel, the public, businesses, and employees within their field of operation.
• The ability to undertake field operations involving vehicle and pedestrian movement, command center operation and static post assignments.
• Awareness of technical capabilities such as surveillance, detection, and alarm equipment.
• Thorough understanding of how these mechanical and electronic assets can be integrated into Protection Team operations.
• Understanding the importance of proper staffing, the assignment of protective services and other security personnel as it relates to the protection of the VIP.
• Understanding of and the ability to execute the necessary maintenance procedures of secured areas over extended periods where the VIP remains static.
• Understanding of the value of such relationships in terms of enhancing service to the client, as well as increased safety for the client and others assigned to the mission.
• Exposure to various culture, its social habits, the religion, the language, and the rituals.

What is so special in this training program?

• The training will expose the participants to Israeli unique expertise, which was accumulated in various HR missions worldwide.
• The training includes simulations and “live” drills in various unfamiliar environments.
• The trainees will be hosted by locals, for a better understanding of the local culture, religion, manners, and language, in order to avoid unwanted and unnecessary conflicts with the local population during these HR missions.
• The stage’s qualification will focus on team building, leadership, and the difficulties in the operation of a Protection team in different environments (land, sea, and air) and in protecting various VIPs/Celebrities in Israel and other interesting environments.
• The “live” drills will be stimulating and full of attractive surprises for improving the trainee’s awareness and professionalism.

Operational Management, Leadership & Familiarization with the most up to date existing Technology for Security and protection tasks.

Session 3 -Protective Information & Intelligence
                      Concepts, methods, tactics & Technologies

Duration – 2 weeks 

 SYLLABUS

Operative intelligence gathering methods.

 Topic – “HUMINT – The Human Side of Intelligence”

This module will focus on the human factor in the collection of intelligence. It will cover both open and clandestine sources of information.

• Open sources of information include newspapers, magazines, commercial news clipping services, court transcripts and filings, libraries, and public records.
• Clandestine sources will analyze the history and current status of undercover agents, their recruitment, training, management, evaluation and control.
• Before the gained information can be put to work for the organization’s relevant departments, verification is necessary to ascertain its accuracy.
• Undercover activity: Building and adapting a cover, protection against undercover operators.
• Operative actions: Covert searches + information gathering from target +obtaining documents.
• Recruitment and “running” of operatives: Finding, recruiting, and “running” the candidate.
• How to prevent mishaps, pre-hiring checks.
• Planting an operative: How it is done?

Topic – Surveillance

In this module the student will get acquainted with the techniques of physical and technical surveillance, for the purpose of obtaining information and/or evidence while conducting an investigation. The student will learn the difference between covert vs. overt surveillance and the means by which they are carried out depending upon the situation.

The module will cover the various methods used in the field as well as the applications of modern technology to expand the field agent’s reach.

• Covert vs. overt surveillance
• Types of surveillance
• Preparation
• Observation – day/night, quiet/crowded area, urban/suburban area
• Surveillance on foot and per vehicle
• Stationary surveillance and observation posts
• Operational disguises and make-up
• Communication – overt/covert, concealed on person or in vehicle, familiarity with equipment and its operation.
• Surveillance technology
• Identification – by picture or description
• Report writing

Topic – Technical surveillance equipment & electronic countermeasures

In this module, different surveillance methods will be reviewed, including mechanical, electronic, visual and optical attacks. Mechanical attacks comprise everything from tape recording to physical capture of the information through oral or written form. Visual and optical attacks perhaps present the most common, least suspected form of intelligence collection.

• Various countermeasures to RF and wave transmitters, including infrared, laser and air techniques for intelligence collection.
• Detection, through systematic methods of conducting a physical search, electronic countermeasures and nullification including a practical understanding of how to conduct electronic sweeps to detect radio transmitters.
• How to conduct a physical search.
• Nullification of all surveillance methods.

Topic – Phone line tapping countermeasures.

1. Basic electricity and measurement, transmitters, overt and clandestine, telephone analyzers, and non-linear junction detectors.
2. Electronic switching systems, central office procedures, telephone testing, line tapping and tracing.
3. Telephone system design, security practices, and devices like scramblers.
4. Effective methods of nullification and all methods of telephonic intercepts.

Topic – Covert video technology and sting operations

This module will teach the student basic theory, application and the technology available for covert video surveillance.

• Equipment, from light source to final monitoring, recording and printing for legal documentation.
• Developments in video technology miniaturization and remote transmission, video motion detectors, VCRs and frame storage devices.
• The practical application of video surveillance in retail stores as well as open-air surveillance.
• “Sting operations”: how they are set up, site selection, security operatives, video camera selection and operation, identification of suspects, evidence preservation and documentation. (While the course is focused on criminal surveillance for the law enforcement community, there are numerous private security applications of sting operations)

 Topic – Electronic tracking technology

• Tracking theory and its application in an urban environment, field-tracking problems, placement of transmitters, and re-acquisition of lost signals.
• New technologies and their potential use in the security field such as satellite communication networks. Such technologies have potential use for tracking everything from stolen property to kidnap victims.

 Topic – Computer intelligence collection and security – Cyber security

Intelligence collection by computer is a rapidly expanding technology and service that is readily available to a growing number of private investigators, security officers and law enforcement investigators.

This module will cover many databases that can be accessed by computer, including personal and business records, asset’s location and local address searches.

• The essentials of computer security, including security software programs, operational security systems, protection of hardware devices, protection of software and data, transmission security, audit trails and standard practice procedures for computer systems.

Topic – Surveillance detection – concepts, methods, and tactics

Topic – Social engineering

Topic – Information gathering methods & means.

Topic – questioning, overt- covert, interrogation

Topic – Information Protection methods & means.

Internal security

 This module will cover issues including personnel, document and physical security.

• Personnel security refers to the policies and procedures intended to determine that an individual is not currently a security risk and are not likely to become one. A personnel security program is intended to prevent criminal activities by employees, espionage attempts by external intelligence forces and unintentional acts by employees that could lead to a compromising situation.
• Document security, classification management, reproduction, disposal and transmission of sensitive or classified documents.
• Physical security includes issues like access control, security patrols, personnel identification and visitor control, as well as methods of detecting unauthorized intrusion or activity, alarm systems and facility clearances.

Topic – Simulative drills and practice of information, Data and knowledge planning (field exercises)

 Very Important Issues

• Intelligence & Information
• Deception & Concealment
• Deterrence
• Secrecy & Confidentiality

Requirements & Duties description by International NGOs
and other international security related employers

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of an international, national or commercial close protection training is desirable.
• ELITE Protection Team Leader Certification is highly desirable.
• Recent (within two years) successful completion of an emergency trauma bag certification or equivalent of a first aid certification is desirable.
• High standard of physical fitness is desirable.
• Training in martial arts and/or specialized security practices is an asset.
• English communication capacity and control

Academic and professional qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate.
A valid driver’s license is required.

Experience

• A minimum of ten years of experience in the military, police or security management is required.
• A minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in close protection, as well as a minimum two years of experience in close protection management at the supervisory level with a national, private or international security organization is required.
• At least one year experience and exposure at the international level and in a conflict or a post conflict environment is required.
• Experience and proficiency in the use of close protection weapons, communications, surveillance equipment, and vehicles is required.

Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in stressful environments.
• Demonstrated ability of excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated planning and organizing skills and the ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies and to identify priority activities and assignments.
• Able to identify the key issues in complex situation of close protection operations.
• Able to gather relevant information before making a decision and consider positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization.
• Excellent knowledge of close protection tactics and techniques combined with a solid background of military, police or security specialization.
• Able to recognize and appropriately react to threats.
• Ability to effectively deal with stress factor when encountered in close protection operations.
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Identifies the key issues in complex situation of close protection operations.
• Demonstrated capability of rapid decision-making in emergencies (with little margin of error), under conditions of extreme stress or when rapid response is required.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In accordance with Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent:

Management of the Close Protection Team:

• Manages the Close Protection (CP) Team in accordance with the close protection guidance.
• Implements mitigation strategies to deter or deny any identified threat to preserve the security, safety and wellbeing of the Protégée.
• Produces and coordinates his/her unit’s operational plans, exercises and reviews courses of action in conjunction with the assessed threat and in accordance with Agency’s close protection policy, guidance and standard operating procedures.
• Conducts all close protection operations as outlined by the Agency’s close protection policies and guidelines; and ensures that close protection operations are conducted in accordance with Agency’s methodology and standards.
• Establishes and deploys close protection teams tactically trained to meet the assessed threat.
• Prepares regular operational reports with analysis and recommendations.
• Establishes clear lines of authority between members of the VIP/CP Team.
• Provides risk briefings to Agency’s managers on close protection concerns for the official travels or daily activities of his Protégée.

Administrative and training requirements:

• Determines equipment, facility and supply needs based on operational requirements.
• Plans, coordinates and conducts close protection training and exercises to ensure that operational readiness and competence is maintained to the Agency’s standards.
• Supervises the performance of individual team members.
• Establishes a rotational schedule for CP Team members, in and out of the unit.
• Identifies gaps in existing capability and makes recommendations for amendment where necessary.
• Supervises monitoring of equipment of teams and ensures minimum equipment requirements are supplied, maintained and deployed in accordance with relevant policy.
• Coordinates with the Protection Coordination Officer or equivalent in drafting the Statements of Requirements and provides technical specifications for the procurement of unit and team equipment.
• Provides inputs related to close protection to the mission’s budget proposal.

Coordination of CP activities:

• Gathers and analyses information relevant to the tactical level of close protection operations, in coordination with relevant parties, to include other appropriate security organizations as required.
• Within delegated authority, liaises with relevant host country civilian police, military, law enforcement officials and others as necessary.
• Coordinates with other mission security, military and/or police components and support services.

Security inspections and surveys:

• Assists the Senior CSO in the preparation of the threat and tactical risk assessments reports recommending close protection specialized mitigating measures based on the threat identified.