- On the Circuit
- Posts
- Don't be a YES man.
We all know that in the security industry, the protector who routinely answers with a 'no' is a protector who is forever looking for the next job. However, the 'yes' man or woman walks a tightrope, knowing a big fall could come their way at any time. So, is it time you started answering with 'yes, but...'?
As protectors we can be very focused, sometimes stubborn, or worse yet, set in our ways. However, the better our foundation of knowledge in the area we're providing advice, the more confidently we can expound upon 'yes, but...'.
The Circuit, through our magazine, newsletter, podcast and events is your go-to resource that will give you the knowledge and confidence to be a trusted advisor.
Lets get into it.
The Circuit Magazine Podcast
As a trusted advisor is it a good idea to routinely answer with a 'no'? - NO.
So then, should your answer always be 'yes'? - NO.
Well, what about 'yes, but...'? - Well, YES, BUT...
...you need to know what comes after the 'but...' you have to be able to give the realities of the situation and you need to talk with a foundation of knowledge
Today's guest Chris Aldous, founder of Design Security Ltd, will help us explore core security by design principles along how a protector can transition into a trusted security advisor addressing questions including:
What tools and tech are adversaries using to counter building security measures?
How can protectors learn security by design skills that they can build into their own operations?
What order of threats are most important to consider when protecting buildings?
If you enjoy listening to the Circuit Podcast and can spare a minute, please rate/review us. Your rating will help us to rank higher making it easier for others to find the podcast.
The Need to Know
Aiden Aslin, 28, and Shaun Pinner, 48, captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine, were convicted of taking action towards violent seizure of power at court.
Nine Axon AI Ethics Board members resigned following Axon's announcement last week that it will build drones equipped with Tasers and real-time surveillance to tackle mass shootings.
Berlin: 'Confession letter' found after car drives into crowd killing one and injuring 30 — news.sky.com
An apparent confession letter has been found in a crashed car which was driven into a crowd of people in a busy Berlin street, killing one and injuring around 30 others.
Germany's Bild newspaper cited an investigator as saying: "(This was) by no means an accident - someone on the rampage, an ice-cold killer."
A looming Supreme Court decision on abortion , an increase of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and the midterm elections are potential triggers for extremist violence over the next six months, the Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.
North Korea could conduct a seventh nuclear test at "any time" and has shown no interest in returning to negotiations, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea said on Tuesday.
US woman pleads guilty to training women for Islamic State terrorist group in Syria — www.usatoday.com
A Kansas woman was the leader of a military battalion known as Khatiba Nusaybah, where she trained women to use AK-47 assault rifles, grenades and suicide belts, according to prosecutors. More than 100 women and children as young as 10 were trained by her.
Witnesses describe how attackers detonated explosives and shot at those who tried to flee
For more timely global updates like this, get the Circuit Daily Briefing delivered to your inbox... daily! Get on the list >
From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine
Behind many of the news teams you see reporting from high risk environments can be found a ‘Safety Advisor’, anonymous, unseen and unacknowledged, just as they prefer it.
These individuals are more than bodyguards: highly trained and experienced, skilled in field medicine, communications and logistics they also have a sound tactical awareness. It is always demanding, often dangerous and there is seldom any backup.
In this fantastic article, Chris Cobb-Smith provides a peek into the life of a media safety advisor and shows how this role is not for the faint hearted. As Chris puts it, "Journalists regularly exposure themselves to real danger, they are shot at, shelled, arrested and taken hostage as they try to get their story, and where the media crew is then so will be their safety advisor."
If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >
Latest Issue - Circuit Magazine
Issue 62 contains a series of informative articles that provide a broader understanding of how we can keep our clients protected beyond physical measures. Additionally, we've got:
FATAL FLAWS OF THE MODERN BODYGUARD • TEAM BEHAVIORAL TRAITS • IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE IN TRAINING • SHOOTING FROM THE HIP • MEDICAL READINESS • + Much More
Geopolitical Analysis by RANE
China’s aggressive maneuvers performed while intercepting Western surveillance aircraft increase the chance of a mid-air collision and subsequent international crisis, with higher probabilities of escalation than in the past.
On June 5, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that a Chinese J-16 fighter jet had intercepted an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft in international airspace over the South China Sea. According to Marles, the J-16 flew dangerously close to the P-8, deployed flares alongside it, and released aluminum chaff designed to distract radar-guided missiles in front of the aircraft. The news of this interception follows similar accusations from Canada of China breaching international air safety norms.
While in the past Western governments and China managed to resolve similar incidents through diplomacy, a modern-day aerial collision risks much greater escalation and a further deepening of the West’s strategic competition with China.
China’s military has modernized greatly since 2001 as part of Beijing’s efforts to boost its regional dominance over the near seas, boosting Beijing’s confidence and the destructive potential of a military escalation.
Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers
From the Community
It is ok to be a fan, it is ok to be security but we can’t be both at the same time. In the community this week we're discussing the challenges of tour security and the threat from within. What happens when members of your team become a liability.
"While working a recent detail the P was scheduled to do a meet and greet after the show. Working with a professional venue security team, I handed out the assignments to the professional venue security team, detailing how we’d move from the dressing room to the meet/greet area. With everyone in place we initiated the move when suddenly one of the security officers left his post. In the P's presence he immediately went from security to fan."
Have you had a similar experience? Share your takeaways >
Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:
On the Circuit Merch
To any industry insider, being 'On the Circuit' means being operationally active in the world of international protection. To anyone else, it's just three words. Those who know, know!
Upcoming Events
The Level 4 programme is designed for front-line operators and team leaders who want to have a better understanding of how to do their job in a well-structured and professional manner as well as gain a first professional qualification.
Elsewhere, on the circuit
Chuck Randolph explains how using the L.E.A.R.N principle is a simple way to consider your position as an organizational leader, ensuring teams are aligned and focused on the current priorities within a growing list of requirements.
Listen. Engage. Action. Refine. Notify.
The Wagner Group, known as "Putin's shadow army," has come to the world's attention because of the Ukraine war. Marat Gabidullin, who left Wagner after fighting in Syria, has written a book about it.
Gabidullin says he left Wagner because he became morally exhausted in Syria, fighting for a corrupt government that was hated by its own citizens. He says he was asked to fight in Ukraine but refused.
He says he wrote his book because he wants the Russian people to know the truth about Syria, their country's wars and the lies of their government.
While curating Security Driver job opportunities, the ISDA (International Security Driver Association) looked at the salaries listed in Security Driver – Executive Chauffeur Job offers in the US and did a quick numbers crunch.
Findings: the average rate offered is:
Hourly -$40.20
Daily – $321.60
Weekly – $1608
Yearly – $83,616.
How does that align with your expectations?
Meanwhile...
Apple just introduced Passkeys, a new biometric system that can’t be phished, stolen or compromised. Is this the end of the password for good?
Final thoughts with David Smallwood
Security specialist, David Smallwood recently returned to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban took control of the country. In a recent post shared on LinkedIn, he spoke of the changes he's witnessed since the Taliban came to power and their impact on this fragile and vulnerable country.
"Although I had previously spent many years in Afghanistan, most of which working with Embassies and then later humanitarian organisations, this time felt so different. All my friends and work colleagues had long ago departed or had been evacuated, Kabul just felt so different.
Walking through Kabul airport and then travelling through the city with the many Taliban flags flying on top of buildings, buildings that not too long ago were inhabited by western staff just felt unsettling.
Although the main buildings still looked the same, the more recognisable change was the very few vehicles on the roads and the clear absence of females. The few females that were on the streets were completely covered apart from their eyes.
I knew that the Kabul that I left had now changed forever!
After spending several days in Afghanistan it is clear that the Taliban’s control over the people has changed so many people's lives but none more so than for women. Arguably the biggest success story over the past twenty years was the 3.5 million females that had enjoyed a full education. Sadly this has now stopped.
On March 23, the first day of the school year in Afghanistan, eager female students arriving for class found closed gates and armed Taliban guards. Despite the de facto authorities' assurances only days earlier that schools would reopen for girls above sixth grade, they had barred girls from further education.
Investing in female’ education transforms communities, female education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
The Taliban’s decision to stop educating females is a sad loss, not only for the women of Afghanistan but to the entire country and world.
The recent closure of female domestic abuse centres is yet another attempt to move Afghanistan back into the dark ages of a male-dominated society.
I wrote this reflection whilst I was standing in Kabul airport waiting for my departing flight. I looked around the 600 or so passengers and realised that there were no women there. This is due to the ban on females travelling unless they have a male chaperone. Truly sad days ahead."
Until next week...
If you found this issue of the On the Circuit newsletter useful, please forward it to a friend or colleague who’d also enjoy it.
Here's a handy message you can use to share with your friends:
Hey! Have you read On the Circuit? It’s a newsletter for Protectors like us -- it gives you the low-down on what's happening across the industry and you’ll sound like the most informed person in the room. Sign up here, it’s free: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/circuit-magazine
On the Circuit has you covered when you're busy covering others.
Listen to: Introduction to Executive Protection Audiobook
Reply