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- Operational Readiness
Are you prepared to leave home for a 7-day detail with a few hours notice? Could you deploy overseas at the drop of a hat?
Because of the nature of our work, readiness and commitment are paramount to the success of our mission as well as our careers. But what does it mean to be “ready”? Is it simply always having a bag packed and ready to go or does it require a mindset shift?
In this edition of On the Circuit, we'll explore that question with the help of some top industry thinkers and we'll share some top tips and advice so you're ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Let’s get into it!
The Circuit Magazine Podcast
This week we have all four podcast hosts on the episode at the same time… an event as rare as a solar eclipse and one requiring more elements to align!
So, don't miss this opportunity to catch up with Phelim, Shaun, Elijah and Jon between operational commitments for a mid-year roundup.
In this week’s show, the team not only reflects on the first half of the new podcast season but also discusses what it means to be an operationally active protector, how we juggle work commitments, and how we blindsided Shaun to become a guest on his own podcast unknowingly!
Join the team for this light-hearted look back over the past 6 months while we share:
• What each host’s top 3 podcast episodes have been at the midway point.
• What we’ve learned by starting a podcast.
• The balance between being a ‘grey man’ for operational purposes and being a figurehead in the industry.
• The importance of reviewing and purging your social media and why we should learn from industry mishaps while avoiding criticism.
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
Marbella shooting: Four people are shot at Opium Beach Club before gunman is stabbed — www.dailymail.co.uk
The shootings took place in the early hours of this morning at Opium Beach Club, a club popular with tourists in the Spanish holiday hotspot.
A top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said Iran has the ability to construct a nuclear bomb but has yet to decide whether to pursue weaponization.
The Russian military is using an infamous mercenary group to fortify its front lines in Ukraine, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense said in its daily update on Monday.
Its success underscores the resurgence of al-Shabab and the challenges that African and American troops will face in containing the group.
Microsoft says a ransomware gang calling itself H0lyGh0st may be sponsored by the North Korean government as a way for the country to offset its struggling economy.
The massacre by Salvador Ramos in Uvalde on 24 May - one of the worst school shootings in US history - was the focus of a damning report released on Sunday, which revealed almost 400 law enforcement personnel were sent to the scene.
During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization’s cybersecurity team was caught off guard by a huge increase in attempts to hack its systems.
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
There's no better feeling than getting 'the call' and being able to say “I’m ready when you are.” You can only do that with good readiness and commitment.
Readiness: willingness to do something, the state of being fully prepared for something.
Many in the Executive Protection and Bodyguard Industry have the mindset of “stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”
This constant way of thinking will help an individual stay prepared and mission ready on the shortest notice. While simple in its phrasing, it’s the details that are most important.
What we're talking about here is self-discipline, which Mark James considers as one of the most important characteristics of a bodyguard.
If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >
Latest Issue of the Circuit Magazine
Issue 62 - Intelligence Gathering
"Love what you guys do over there. Best security-related magazine I have ever come across. Keep up the great work."
- Steven Dorsey
Geopolitical Analysis by RANE
Russian pressure on Israel to reduce support for Ukraine and ease airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria could trigger a diplomatic crisis or accidental military escalation between the two — particularly in Syria, where the Israeli-Russo relationship is becoming tenser.
Russian-Israeli relations remain anchored by a strong mutual desire to avoid conflict, making it unlikely either country actively seeks a confrontation in Syria.
Russia does not have an interest in Iran's regional anti-Israel campaign. Israel, for its part, has also historically not objected to Russia's position in Syria and alliance with the al Assad regime.
Israel's airstrikes against Iran — which is a close ally of the Russian-backed regime in Damascus — now carry a greater risk of destabilizing the Syrian government, as the war in Ukraine continues to strain Moscow's ability to protect al Assad's forces.
Israel may not meet Russian demands to pare down airstrikes, especially if U.S.-Iran nuclear talks collapse and spur a regional military escalation. Russia would then either have to risk its credibility as a protector of the Syrian government or a possible military confrontation with Israel.
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From the Community
What does 'operational readiness' mean to you?
- Does it simply mean keeping a bag packed at all times, ready to go?
- Is it an administrative process or culture and a way of being?
- Do you retain the same level of readiness when not on task or do you allow yourself to relax?
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 gaining a first professional qualification.
Meanwhile...
You don't need to be motivated to succeed. You need the self-discipline to put in the work whether you want to or not.
"Discipline "is the way" so to speak - within the close/executive protection industry it's possibly one of the most fundamental attributes that is often lacking.
Anyone can pretend to be keen and switched on - for a day (coincidentally the length of the average end-of-course exercise on most CP courses), but after a week or so the mask starts to slip, if it was just an act, or genuine enthusiasm wanes when 'the grind' hits home."
- Mick Coup
A good security provision can be seen but not noticed, while having minimal impact on the client and their lifestyle.
This is achieved through thorough planning, training, and understanding of the protected person and their needs and expectations.
The development of trust between all parties is the key to a successful client/provider partnership.
In this article, Dave Cox and Richard Galvin run through the stages of planning that will prepare a protector for success.
Elsewhere on the Circuit
The West is not poised to achieve the kind of resounding defeat of Russia it desires—not even close. What its Ukraine policy has achieved so far is a deadlock on the battlefield and an escalating global food and energy crisis.
While the West should continue to support Ukraine, the time has come to negotiate a ceasefire and launch serious peace talks. This includes, of course, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to decide the fate of Russian-occupied territories.
Such an outcome is not ideal, particularly because it risks producing only a hiatus to the fighting, rather than an enduring peace. But the consequences of remaining on the current path could prove far worse.
Final thoughts with Matt Beer
Running a close protection company, I see first-hand the themes and terminology rotating through our sector.
Two of the more recent labels are...
‘dinosaur’ and ‘millennial.’
Complaining about long hours? - ‘Bloody Millennials.’
Complaining about a drop in standards? - ‘Dinosaur.’
At 39, I feel fortunate that I can normally stomp into either camp if necessary.
I can empathise while one of my ‘old and bold’ TLs admonishes the sense of entitlement of the new starter under 30 I’ve loaded onto their team and then listen closely over a bubble tea while that junior team member explains that they’re just not being properly listened to and feel unheard.
This is useful in order to relate and build bridges between teams and elicit the best from people.
Change is inevitable. We must evolve. Not only is the industry changing, but our clients are also changing too. It’s no good clinging to old ideas and an outdated ethos because that’s my preference; if that means half of my client base then won’t resonate with me.
If someone displays entitled or selfish behaviour or expresses outdated opinions, that’s on them. It’s not simply because they are from a certain age group and incapable of being any better. Educate them.
Take the time to understand the individual, work to inform and bridge gaps where possible, and ultimately if you can do no good, do no harm.
Until next week...
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