As many as 30 percent of all jobs contribute nothing of use to society. That was the finding of a few studies conducted over the years, and to nobody’s surprise. We knew it all along and saw it everywhere around us. Those vague jobs that turn out to be worthless. Luckily, the executive protection industry doesn’t belong in this category. And one of the reasons is that EP agents receive tactical mobility training ― a different name for resourcefulness, fun, and creativity.
Making a meaningful contribution to the world is the job description of any EP agent. That’s precisely what they are doing, keeping the lives of their principals safe. What better way to establish that somebody’s job is useful and worthy of acknowledgment than that?
One of the most critical layers of close protection includes vehicles, advanced driving, and protective mobile skills. It’s an overlooked and ignored segment of CP. Executive protection agents usually don’t have sufficient experience, training, and integrity to fulfill their duties in this field.
So what is tactical mobility? It’s the ability to move under fire. And the most reliable way to move away from active shooters is by car. If possible, by at least two vehicles.
Why then aren’t basic driving skills a mandatory segment of the core competencies of EP specialists?
Let’s find out and learn more in this article on tactical mobility training and its accompanying fields.
Advanced Drivers, the Silent Heroes
When you hire an executive protection agent, you expect a lot from them. To be physically able and mentally resilient, to be responsible and responsive. However, how much attention do you place on training and advanced driving skills? If you are like most principals, then you tend to disregard that portion.
Lucky for you, we prepared an in-depth list of what you should be looking for when hiring the perfect close protection agent.
But firstly, we must determine what kind of vehicles the EP agent will be driving. And you―as the principal―must ensure that you leave vehicle selection to them. Just because you prefer BMW, Rolls Royce, or Bentley, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the most secure choice. So you have to decide, do you want to be safe or to look sleek? Sometimes these two don’t go hand in hand.
Choosing a Great Vehicle
Interestingly, a few vehicles are at the top list of close protection specialists. Or at the very least, they have been driving them frequently. EP agents are predominantly using the Mercedes S-Class sedan since 2013. Audi A8, BM7 Series, Lexus LS460, and Cadillac XTS follow suit.
This list doesn’t include armored vehicles, which are also the number one option of many EP industry members. More on that in a different EP Wired article.
Apart from the standard requirements for executive protection agents, here are the primary reasons to employ a VIP protection advanced driver:
- Protects the VIP vehicle and the items inside,
- Ensures that the principal will have the peace of mind that the driver is among the best in the industry,
- Provides a smooth and progressive drive,
- Utilizes advanced driving techniques, route appreciation, and protective mobile skills.
These reasons should be enough for you and your staff to get the best VIP protection advanced driver. Still, one professional driver won’t suffice in many cases.
EP industry specialists emphasize having a back-up vehicle, an essential part of any valuable tactical mobility training. This vehicle travels behind the VIP carrier and has several roles to play. And you can’t fulfill those without a second professional driver.
We present to you the best reasons to have a back-up vehicle while on the move:
- Provides anti-ambush mobile fire support,
- Equips you with a second vehicle in the event the VIP vehicle breaks down,
- Provides Electronic Counter-Measures (ECM),
- Serves as an over-watch for detecting surveillance,
- Works as a route advance protection,
- Offers mobile security for the VIP vehicle by blocking, maneuvering, and dominating the road.
What to Look for in Tactical Mobility Training
There is a bunch of training courses out there, each claiming to be the best. Well, we got news for you―the definition of best is that there can only be one of those. Everything else comes second, third, and so on.
For this reason, we devised for you a list of the vital aspects any tactical mobility training should entail. The perfect course of this kind is composed of:
- Off-road driving, including high angle ascent/descent/traverse, ditches and logs, terrain reading, winching and recovery,
- Convoy, check-point and attack recognition scenarios,
- Mission planning and execution,
- Applying mobility skills in real-world scenarios,
- Advanced Simunition drills, including safety gear, ammunition, and weapons,
- PIT maneuver and roadblock breach.
If you ensure that your executive protection agent is trained in all these fields, you don’t have to worry about anything. Well, almost anything.
There still are other aspects of close protection that you mustn’t neglect. For instance, vetting your CP staff and ensuring they received proper training in hand-to-hand combat and operational mobility.
Sum Up
If you take anything away with you from this EP Wired article, then it should be that there is no way around training. Your tactical mobility and executive protection team have to be on their toes at all times. More so, while driving and being on the move.
Using vehicles makes you more vulnerable to attacks, and having two of your own could prevent the worst from happening.
However, before you even think about going outside or entering your vehicle, is there something you forget? That’s right! We first need a quality travel risk assessment that will prepare you for emergencies. It will reduce threats and increase the likelihood of everything running smoothly.
Finally, to make your tactical mobility plan bulletproof, implement the following advice:
- Hire an advanced driver, not some rookie,
- Have two vehicles, one for the VIP and the second as your back-up,
- Make sure your EP agents are seasoned and adequately trained in all matters CP,
- Knowing hand-to-hand combat is of the essence in case your wheels become useless.
If this is the first time you read about this and already have an EP team, ask your guys if they got everything covered.