jmaccauley
Longterm Registered User
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.
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.