3 minute read
FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES
By Mark Roche EPS
Being Prepared and persevering are two important traits to be successful in EP. To prepare is to, make (something) ready for use or consideration, to persevere, is to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.
Among the many skill sets we master over time, these are two of the less talked attributes of a solid EP practitioner.
There are many reasons why the focus on these skills are over shadowed by wrist locks, cover and evacuation drills, and range time. What’s a significant reason you ask? Well, in my opinion it’s because there is no immediate gratification, or, “look at me” moments.
While there are plenty of instances where the beforementioned skills are useful, they all have to start with being prepared. Secondly, what is your mental fortitude like? You must have a mindset to persevere no matter what, even if you know it won’t be a total success or are unsure of the exact outcome.
A lack of preparedness is the downfall of many EP practitioners, young and old, experienced or amateur, corporate sector, celebrity, or otherwise. To some, being prepared is having a working phone number and a Facebook page with, “bodyguard” in the employment status. To others being prepared is, “I have a suit, sunglasses, $50.00 in cash, and I know what time to be there.” I continue to see on a daily basis the un-preparedness of practitioners (not to be confused with specialist) in the way they go about their day.
How many times have we seen EP hopefuls say, “call me if you got something” then you call them and you hear, ”well I’m waiting for my professional license(s), “I’m waiting to find childcare.” ”I can help out on one of the five days you’re asking me to work.” “My car probably won’t make it the 100 mile round trip.” Make no mistake about it, If you’re not prepared, you are going to be on the sidelines. The most egregious thing you can do to yourself, the agency you may work for, or the client, is to show up not ready for the big game.
Perseverance, while also key to a successful career, can sometimes be the hardest thing to maintain. In the beginning you don’t get the regular call outs that more experienced
specialists do. You may find yourself having to have fulltime employment while waiting for your chance to break in. You may also have certain restrictions on the amount of time you have to dedicate to this profession. You may find yourself low on monetary funds, or perhaps you live in a region as where EP is not an everyday occurrence.
How do you maintain the perseverance to continue to follow your interest in Executive Protection?
In February of 2020 the United States and the world were hit with a global pandemic that shut down almost every industry including a large portion of ours. Many in our craft were taken by surprise and unfortunately were grossly unprepared to persevere. What was fascinating to see was how different specialists react, and the differences in behavior that were on displays.
I found for those that practiced good discipline during the good times, were prepared, and for those who didn’t, it was a
crushing blow. For the former of the two you got creativity, for the latter, you started to hear excuses and anger. So, while the prepared folks say,” this will pass, and I’m glad that I never stopped bettering myself during the slowdown,” the others simply complain.
The unprepared have languished in the, “look at me stage,” and some have cared more about the appearance of being relevant, than the assurance of having stashed away resources for a rainy day.
In the end, an individual’s selfmotivation and dedication to excellence, will lead them to being valued by others with the same goal, which includes keeping our client’s safe.
Mark Roche is a US Based, full-time Executive Protection Specialist who works full time with a HNW Family. He is also a FAA Licensed Drone Pilot, specializing in EP related uses, and a graduate of multiple close protection programs.
