| As an EPS (executive protection specialist), you've | | | | assignments. Despite what you see in Hollywood |
| already received training on safety, drawing, loading, | | | | movies, if EPSs fire a handgun while on assignment, |
| malfunctions as well as some advanced skills (i.e., | | | | they may find themselves looking for new jobs or |
| distance firing, injury drills, ground fighting, shooting | | | | may wind up in some Third World prison. |
| and moving). This should include supervised live fire | | | | If a shootout occurs, the responding host nation |
| CQB (close quarters combat) evolutions, risk | | | | authorities will investigate and explore the possibility |
| management strategies, weapons safety issues, | | | | of criminal behavior by the EPS. They have no code |
| minimum marksmanship proficiency and target | | | | of professional courtesy, whatsoever. The country's |
| placement zones. | | | | district attorney's office may also investigate |
| When selecting your weapon, look for 3 major | | | | shooting resulting in injury, death or property damage. |
| factors: availability, simplicity and efficiency. Ensure | | | | I'm not saying that if you feel there's a self-defense |
| the weapon you carry is high quality, accurate and | | | | threat, you should not respond with the necessary |
| absolutely dependable with smooth edges to prevent | | | | level of force. Just know the consequences of your |
| snagging your suit. Glock, Kimber, H&K and | | | | actions. |
| Smith and Wesson pistols are carried by many of | | | | The CXP best practices in this article places special |
| today's elite-level EPUs on international CXP | | | | emphasis on standard operation procedures (SOPs) |
| (corporate executive protection) assignments. | | | | and dry runs as well as a thorough analysis of the |
| As much as possible, the EPU (executive protection | | | | venues, logistical matters, preparation, reconnaissance |
| unit) should try to standardize calibers of their | | | | and executive protection rehearsals. No corners |
| weapons for ease of ammunition re-supply, favoring | | | | should be cut. By the time of the actual assignment, |
| one with easily available ammunition. Carry a weapon | | | | the EPU knows exactly what to do and how to react |
| only when and where it is authorized and appropriate | | | | to unforeseen events in the objective areas. These |
| to do so. Always check with local laws and | | | | actions will pay off on assignments by reducing the |
| ordinances before shipping a firearm overseas. We've | | | | risk to the principal and contributing to the decreased |
| found in many cases, the only way to legally carry a | | | | threat of a potentially violent situation. |
| firearm on international CXP assignments is through a | | | | CODE OF BEHAVIOR: |
| personal relationship with key leaders within foreign | | | | The accepted code of behavior is to never display |
| police departments. | | | | your firearm unless you intend to use it. period. On |
| EP (executive protection) handgun skills and the | | | | international corporate EP assignments, you should |
| application of tactics in potential confrontations are | | | | not even talk about weapons. The appropriate time |
| beyond the purview of this CXP article. This article is | | | | to discuss the topic of firearms should be before the |
| from a perspective that you should have all of that | | | | assignment begins, preferably on the range. A good |
| down by now. However, lots of good training in the | | | | analogy: Have you ever overheard neurosurgeons |
| basics of safety, manipulation skills, moving targets | | | | discussing which scalpel they used in operations? No, |
| and multiple targets should be practiced over and | | | | brain surgeons consider scalpels tools. EPS should |
| over to gain proficiency and update or upgrade your | | | | consider their firearms tools as well. Keep your |
| already acquired skills. | | | | weapon superbly maintained and hidden, and don't |
| No matter how good your marksmanship skills are, | | | | talk about it. Keep safe out there and always act like |
| you cannot afford to have a shootout while on | | | | a Pro! |
| international corporate executive protection | | | | |