01/17/2026
Yesâbeing fit and fully âtacticaled outâ has value.
Whether you sport your 5.11s, Oakley glasses, facial hair and tattoos (or not), here are 5 important elements no one talks about in private executive protection selectionâeven at an entry level.
1. Get off the coffee bandwagon.
In fact, any addiction is a problem. But coffee drinkers seem to have functional issuesâthey jones, get moody, and always need to use the bathroom. Enjoy a coffee at home if you chooseâbut on multi-day deployments, your team and client should not need to plan around your caffeine habits.
2. Smoke Ci******es? And drink coffee?
You smell, you jones, and you need constant breaks. That does not make you an assetâit makes you a burden. You wonât make a quality team. End of story. Even if your client smokes and is fine with it, this habit negatively impacts performance, mood, fitness, and endurance. If youâre serious about your career quit.
3. Donât swear.
Even if the client/principal has a foul mouth, rise to the occasion and stay mindful of your language. It is common human behaviour to swear around others who swear. But as professionals, whether within your team, communications, radio or chatsâavoid swearing altogether. Keep it classy. Even if âitâ hits the fan đ.
4. Ease off the cologne.
Even if itâs a fancy brand. Sure, this presumes that you are well groomed, have showered and laundered your clothes (yes, basic, but not always the case). But no need to empty that bottle of cologne on top of the cheap deodorant, blending with your shampoo and hair gel. Fragrance should be minimal to nonexistent. Imagine if there are a few of you on the same detail âa sensory nightmare. Discretion applies to all fronts, including scent. No one wants the âSephora team.â
5. Drop the attitude.
No one cares who your VIP is, how tough you are, how much you bench press. Which law enforcement agency or military unit you come from, or which eastern block country you got your training in. You donât own the streets and sidewalksâ neither does your client. Stay humble. Be respectful. Do not intimidate. Flex only if needed. Otherwise, please smile and be gentleâlike a true professional.
What else would you add to this list?