Before Guarding A Celebrity

Celebrity bodyguards get the best of their client’s world. Working for the stars allows him or her an almost-equal treatment with bountiful compensation and perks on the side. But if you think that a bodyguard’s job is as glamorous as the celebrities they protect, think again. For one, it is not an 8-hour job nor it is a shifting schedule. Yes, bodyguards have a day-off, but having an A-list client, you go where they go.

And would you be wondering how someone becomes a bodyguard for a celebrity? Before you become one, it will take a lot of effort — from training to understanding that, on given circumstances, you’ll have to lay yourself on the line of duty and take a bullet for them.

Before you become a certified (and insured) bodyguard for the rich and famous personalities neither a celebrity, a corporate executive, or a dignitary, it is required that you undergo a very rigorous training from firearms, unarmed combat, tactical driving or defensive driving to first aid training. And as a protective escort especially on high-profile clientele, the training is extended to crowd screening and control, threat or risk assessment, explosive search, electronic surveillance devices or bugs search, and on frequent occasion, personal bodyguards examines the premises or venue before their clients arrive to determine where the exits (or emergency exits) and entrances are.

And if you happen to be fit to become a celebrity protection specialist, your job requirements entails having a clean criminal or civil record, 24/7 protection, fitness, presentation, great senses and reflex, and communication skills.

CLEAN RECORD

Sad to say, but most private agencies require an aspiring celebrity bodyguard having a clean slate of criminal or civil record, credit checks, extensive background investigations, physical exams, and drug records. If you are shifted to dignitaries or corporate executives as clients, records are of utmost importance. However, depending on the client’s request, there may be exceptions on this rule along the way.

ALMOST 24-HOUR PROTECTION

As I have mentioned earlier, where your client goes, you go. And once you become their bodyguard, it is a longtime engagement. Don’t worry you have a day-off — depending on the client’s or your company’s contract.

PHYSICALLY FIT

Being physically fit is definitely a requirement. Given the scope of your work, being fit requires you to move fast on crucial situations. Paparazzi! If you work for the listed stars, you get more than a dozen of those, plus the fact that fanatics can be tough to handle.

PRESENTATION

If you’re hired to protect dignitaries or executives, a formal and conservative presentation is required. Depending on your client’s profile, they may require you to dress in tux or incognito. And if you’re hired to follow a celebrity client, tattoos and piercing can get away — including a “body builder’s” built.

A MORE THAN EXCELLENT SENSES

When you work for clients, all of your senses should surpass the crowd’s movement and should work simultaneously. Bodyguards need to be able to recognize potentially dangerous situations and remain calm under pressure. You should have the eyesight of a hawk, the hearing of a bat and a dog’s sense of smell, and possess quick reflexes.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

In shows that feature celebrities, bodyguards get the same exposure in the spotlight either controlling the crowd or not speaking. Bodyguards should have good interpersonal communication skills and strong decision-making skills. Behind the scenes, the bodyguards also serve as a friend to celebrities in downtimes aside from the celeb’s personal assistant or make-up artist.

SECRET SERVICE

Since bodyguards accompany their client throughout their day, the bodyguard should be privy to the private life of the client, which means that a bodyguard has to show discretion and maintain confidentiality.