Stateside tips

[RagNar2/75]

I realize that the sandbox way of thinking and behaving can be frowned upon when applying for stateside PSD details. How should a fella go about constructing his resume to help his odds of getting picked up? Are there any particular courses he should attend, or a certain way to present his experience?

My wife and I are interested in returning to the Seattle area, and I enjoy this line of work, and would like to find a semi-steady job working psd stateside.

Anyway, thanks for the help gents. It's nice to not be too busy here and there. hehe

[PanaVet]

Check out Steele Foundation, they are located in your area.
http://www.steelefoundation.com/
http://www.steelefoundation.com/training/training.php

[Flatfoot75]

Stateside gigs look more for the logistical side of psd teams as opposed to the myriad of weapons/hand to hand combat you may be trained in. I would/have focused on those aspects as opposed to the latter.
Just my .02

[Mini-Poly]

Check out Steele Foundation, they are located in your area.
http://www.steelefoundation.com/
http://www.steelefoundation.com/training/training.php


Anybody know positons like this for the North East??

[The Corporate Guy]

Try Kroll or Controlled Risks Group.

[Nousdefions794]

RagNar2/75,

I have been researching this subject for the last year. I have spoken with course representatives and people who have graduated from each. For ME, I have narrowed it down to four schools for Executive Protection in the US.

I will discuss them in “my” order of preference:

Executive Security International (ESI). I am currently enrolled in their distance learning program and eventually plan on attending the fifteen day resident training in Colorado. Their reading material and courses give me something to do with my down time in Iraq. The main reason that I chose ESI is that I consider them to be the most comprehensive Executive Protection program available to the civilian sector. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner (Bob Duggan) before I enrolled. He is well connected in the civilian Executive Protection field and he even talked to me about a position with a company located in Washington State. They also have an excellent networking association. I’ve heard guys bitch about it being too expensive, but I can afford it and it’s a tax write off. I do believe you get what you pay for. To save money, you could skip the distance learning and just do their two week course for $3,200.00. I also believe that people with the GI Bill will be able to use it there in the future.

R.L. Oatman & Associates, Inc. This course is only seven days, but almost as expensive as ESI’s two week course. It is $3,150.00. The main reason I chose this place is that they are really networked into the corporate world and American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). Because of this I plan on also attending their course.

Executive Protection Institute (EPI). These guys also offer a seven day course for about the same price $3,190. I heard of EPI and the owner (Dr. Kobetzs) when I went to a driving course at BSR several years ago. They also have a networking association that can help graduates find a job. EPI has been around for a long time and have a great reputation. For those reasons I plan on attending their course too.

Steele Foundation’s International Training Group (ITG). These guys are a risk management company. If you attend their training, there is a chance you could end up working for them. There are two reasons these guys are on my list. One they have a 21 day course and two they are affiliated with a Sonoma College.

I’m not saying there aren’t other good schools out there. I came to the above conclusions based on my background, training and experiences.

The other thing that I believe would help is being a member of ASIS.

Good luck in your endeavors.

ND

[mdwest]

ND794,
The GI Bill thing and ESI goes back many years.. not saying they wont pull it off sooner or later.. but they have been "trying" for a VERY LONG time.. and telling people for a VERY LONG time that its going to happen...

and never has...

that said, ESI's graduate network here in the US is very strong (and large) and it can be a good resource for the job hunt... the 9 lives assn (Kobetz) is probably the overall "best" network however (IMHO), simply because the network is so tight.. Kobetz people take care of Kobetz people.. and a number of large corporations use the EPI program as their benchmark for training...

on the Steele/ITG thing... look for an "announcement" very soon (within the next week to 10 days i would think)... that could possibly change some opinions about what their training program has to offer (positive announcement i think)...

[SOTB]

....the 9 lives assn (Kobetz) is probably the overall "best" network however (IMHO), simply because the network is so tight.. Kobetz people take care of Kobetz people.. and a number of large corporations use the EPI program as their benchmark for training....I very much agree with this statement. Kobetz' org and his trg are NOT worth the money you would pay -- except that he has managed to ensure that the whole networking thing is fruitful. For THAT alone, it might be worth the effort. But not for the trg.on the Steele/ITG thing... look for an "announcement" very soon (within the next week to 10 days i would think)... that could possibly change some opinions about what their training program has to offer (positive announcement i think)...I will look forward to it. I'm still bummed that you had to pull out (even temp) from putting on your courses. You have a really cool rep and I would have liked to have taken advantage of it. Maybe we can in the future....

[Silverbullet]

MD's announcement will be good for the industry.

[mdwest]

I very much agree with this statement. Kobetz' org and his trg are NOT worth the money you would pay -- except that he has managed to ensure that the whole networking thing is fruitful. For THAT alone, it might be worth the effort. But not for the trg.

you and i are in total agreement...

me personally... i wouldnt drop that kind of $$ on one program.. not when there are equal or better programs out there for considerably less money... you could take 2 classess elsewhere.. or one much longer, much more extensive class elsewhere for the same price... my current personal network is plenty extensive to keep me employed.. so that doesnt sell me either..

and based on what ive heard about the course content (im not a Kobetz grad), im not sure i agree with much of the training methodology.. or some of the training focus for that matter...

but if you are not in the same position... and are in need of making contacts to try to break into the domestic side of the business.. the Kobetz crew has the whole networking, and keeping it in the family thing down pat... there was a time (dont know if its still the case or not..) when Sony corp wouldnt talk to you if you werent a 9 lives member... didnt matter if you had 20 years of outstanding service at the USSS.. no EPI certificate.. no Sony job... they take their "network" that seriously...

[SOTB]

and based on what ive heard about the course content (im not a Kobetz grad), im not sure i agree with much of the training methodology.. or some of the training focus for that matter...I first sent two employees through a course. The guys came back and didn't really give me anything to let me know that the trg sucked.

So, then I hired him and his gang to teach a couple of courses.

Simply put, I had the opportunity to watch the trg. I never invited them back....

[Stanley_White]

You have a really cool rep and I would have liked to have taken advantage of it. Maybe we can in the future....

I got to attend MDWest's EP Course that he offered through Legion and it was outstanding. I learned a hell of a lot and had a good time. I hope to see it offered again in the future.

[Stanley_White]

You have a really cool rep and I would have liked to have taken advantage of it. Maybe we can in the future....

I got to attend MDWest's EP Course that he offered through Legion and it was outstanding. I learned a hell of a lot and had a good time. I hope to see it offered again in the future.

[mdwest]

SW,
Liked it so much you had to say it twice??? :D

as always, thanks for the kind words my man... means alot to me coming from someone who has worked for a significant amount of time for one of the "big" training companies... we try hard if nothing else...

check your PM's... info on a previous topic sent...

[hobbsb]

I too have attended MDWest's EP course and it was an outstanding program, I hope you guys look at doing something again in the future.
I'm curious to the groups take on Oatman's course. The ASIS networking connections are obvious but I have only heard of one person who had attended their training. Just curious if anyone could speak to the course content. I know its roughly the same as EPI and ESI in price and course length.

MDWest PM sent...

hobbsb

[1371SGT]

I too have attended MDWest's EP course and it was an outstanding program, I hope you guys look at doing something again in the future.
I'm curious to the groups take on Oatman's course. The ASIS networking connections are obvious but I have only heard of one person who had attended their training. Just curious if anyone could speak to the course content. I know its roughly the same as EPI and ESI in price and course length.

MDWest PM sent...

hobbsb

I have two associates here in LA who have both attended Oatman's course. While neither has been through EPI or ESI (no way to provide a comparison of one to the other) they could likely give their opinions about Oatman. Shoot me a PM for contact info if interested.



M

[Stanley_White]

SW,
Liked it so much you had to say it twice??? :D

as always, thanks for the kind words my man... means alot to me coming from someone who has worked for a significant amount of time for one of the "big" training companies... we try hard if nothing else...

check your PM's... info on a previous topic sent...

I said it twice! It's called deployed internet and it's not so reliable. I know you know what I am talking about Willis. :D

PM received and responded to on the other thing.

[SgtSki]

I'm proud to say that I'm a graduate of Robert Oatman Associates 7 day course. I had worked some EP while on embassy duty in the Marines and love the work. I went to Oatman a few years back while a full time member of our Governor's Executive Protection Unit. (I'm a State Trooper) We were all Secret Service trained (let's face it the USSS wrote the book on protection) however not all teams have the same resources to get the job done like the Secret Service! We were tasked with a lot of one-on-one side details, with gov't dignitaries and visiting VIP's, etc, so we thought it would be a good idea to attend Oatman to see how the corporate world does it .... believe me I was not disappointed! Bob Oatman runs a very professional course and brings in guest speakers who are ligitimate experts in their respective fields. I highly recommend attending RL Oatman's course - it's worth every penny.

[SgtSki]

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Oatman, however, just google them and go right to their website - Bob Oatman is always happy to answer any questions about the program.

[Silverbullet]

MD's announcement will be good for the industry.

Here's the announcement:

Dave's buying at the next linkup:D

THE STEELE FOUNDATION ACQUIRES LEGION PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND TRAINING

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, AND MEMPHIS, TN, March 9, 2006 – The Steele Foundation today announced that it has acquired Legion Protective Services and Training. This acquisition provides The Steele Foundation’s International Training Group (ITG™) with a stronger faculty, additional training locations, and an expanded breadth of coursework in the areas of homeland security, diplomatic security, and critical infrastructure consulting. Financial terms of this transaction were not released.

“The Steele Foundation has embarked on an aggressive growth strategy which includes the acquisition of both talent and innovative solutions,” said Greg Pearson, COO of The Steele Foundation. "Legion represents some of the best in the business. Their approach to providing real-world training in the corporate and government environments is parallel with ITG; this combined with their strong reputation for integrity and quality, and a loyal client base of Fortune clients makes this an ideal fit for both companies.”

Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, Legion was founded by David West, a former special operations officer, SWAT Team Leader and respected authority in dignitary protection, special operations, and high-risk environment training.

The company will change its headquarters to San Francisco and will maintain an office in Memphis.

“This is a great fit for both companies. Considering the strong values and methodology that we share, we expect the integration of Legion into Steele to be rapid and seamless, said West. "Our specialized skills will strengthen ITG's position in the training market, while expanding Steele’s portfolio of protective services and training capabilities available to government, corporate and high net worth clients.”

As a result of this acquisition notable faculty joining ITG are Charlie Sellens and Hugh Coffee. Charlie Sellens, a former US Army Ranger, specializes in defensive driving and was the senior PSD Instructor for the U.S. Army School which taught offensive driving to the US Secret Service, FBI, DEA, US Army CID Protective Agents, and members of all branches of US Military Service Special Operations units. Sellens also helped to design many of the current US Army driving programs to include the Anti-Terrorism Evasive Driving course. Hugh Coffee is one of the nation's premier Tactical Medicine Instructors and is the author of the book, and video, "Ditch Medicine". Coffee has trained both military combat units and police tactical / counter terrorist teams in the U.S., Europe, Central America, and Africa.

[Guy]

Good to hear this!

Stay safe.

[mike792]

Excellent, glad to hear this also.

[mdwest]

were excited about the new partnership... it gives us (Legion) the opportunity to keep doing what we have been doing for the past 6 years.. but affords us even better facilities, and a better mechanisim (ITG) for marketing and delivery of the product...

thanks for all the kind words... we are really looking forward to what this relationship may do for both ourselves and the community in general...

Guy, PM Sent...

[mdwest]

double tap

[Guy]

Back at you...

Stay safe.

[Tennessee]

Reply: R.L. Oatman & Associates, Inc.

I had sent for info. on training via email.
The email returned wasn't even the one I sent. The email was signed Robert Oatman but was a copy of a SWAT cops CV and personal info.....even his SSN! I deleted it after forwarding it back. I'm sure the training is good but ....man...talk about a red flag.....Ended up going with BW

[Silverbullet]

I'm not sure what type of read flag you're referring to other than a serious admin mix up.

I feel everyone should spend their money on whatever they want.

That BW diploma won't carry anywhere close to the same weight, in the civilian/corporate world, than the one from Oatman would have. In some cases due to the notoriety and perception of Iraq hard style protection, warranted or not, it will be a detriment when dealing with those that screen and hire for corporate jobs.

[Tennessee]

The red flag I was referring to was the admin mix up. It was scary to see someone elses life in front of my eyes and personal information due to a "mix-up". As I mentioned the training is probally great, I do not doubt that. It wasn't a direct attack...just the fact that this can happen anywhere. I apologize for any confusion in the prior post.

[Silverbullet]

I want to point our that my comments pertain to attending BW EP crse not just their HRE crse's. The stigma is with the name and it's image as the "Iraq Company".

The training may be great but if it's the foundation of someone's resume while pursuing a job in the corporate world, you'd better know the guy doing the hiring.

BW groupie's please don't PM me. I'm just stating a fact of real life. I'm not attacking BW.

[SOTB]

I'm just stating a fact of real life....And it is FACT -- even if someone doesn't like it....

[Albert]

I'm an Oatman & Associates grad, and worked for his firm for a short period. If someone wants a 2nd opinion on the course, feel free to PM me.

[Balls]

This thread is a bit old.

I've been looking into ESI lately and just submitted a request for a brochure.

I am wondering if anyone who has been through this course since 2006 has any thoughts/comments/suggestions/ or concerns.

Thanks.