- On the Circuit
- Posts
- Mastering the Art of Observation
Mastering the Art of Observation
A Must-Have Skill for EP Professionals
Circuit Magazine
January 14, 2023
Executive protection agents need more than just physical strength and stamina to do their job effectively. They must also possess sharp observation skills that will help them detect potential danger and protect their clients. This skill set requires them to be observant both in terms of visual and cognitive processes, so they can act promptly if they sense any risk.
Excellent observation also increases problem-solving, critical thinking, interpersonal intelligence, and the ability to identify cultural and customary standards.
Additionally, they must stay mindful of their body language, behavior, and the consequences of their actions. All of these skills will allow them to ensure their clients remain safe and secure.
In the new issue of the Circuit Magazine, we've got some great pieces about this subject - so let's dive in!
NEW ISSUE - OUT NOW!
Inside the Latest Issue
We're reminded of the importance of having keen observational skills when it comes to protecting someone. We analyze what happened during a vehicle ambush in Northern Ireland and the lessons learned about fighting in and around vehicles. In his cybersecurity column, James Bore speaks about threats in virtual worlds and the steps we can take to tackle them. Mark James guides us on corporate culture, while Elijah Shaw warns us about the “illusion” of getting carried away by the false sense of superiority that may come with inherited VIP status. Get informed on all these topics and more by reading the newest edition.
THE NEED TO KNOW
Russia has claimed that the attack, which resulted in the death of 89 Russian soldiers, was enabled by the soldiers' use of mobile phones.
Iran’s recent drills appear to showcase once again that Iran’s armed forces are more of a force on paper than a real combined joint force that can project its power.
South Korea and the United States are discussing possible joint planning and exercises using U.S. nuclear assets in the face of North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats
Islamabad has been able to successfully persuade policymakers in Washington that it needs funds and weapons to tackle Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
North Korea has fired three short-range ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan.
The war in Ukraine exposes critical gaps in the Canadian Army's defences, leading to an unanticipated rush to buy new military equipment.
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
Head On A Swivel - More Than An Industry Catchphrase
The phrase "head on a swivel" is often used in the industry to describe the act of constantly scanning one's surroundings for suspicious activity. However, the true foundation of this phrase is situational awareness, which involves the perception, comprehension, and projection of environmental elements and events.
Perception involves the basic recognition of situational elements
comprehension involves the interpretation and evaluation of information
projection involves the ability to predict future actions
Mark Roche explains that by mastering these three areas of situational awareness, individuals can turn catchphrases into valuable skills that can be applied in real-world situations. Developing strong situational awareness can help protectors respond to changing situations and make informed decisions.
If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry, then subscribe to the Circuit Magazine >
LATEST ISSUE
Circuit Magazine - Issue 63 - Get Your Copy
WHAT OUR READERS SAY
"This is a fantastic publication. This magazine is included in our (BBA) Corporate membership package. It’s a great read, informative and keeps the team at Pinnacle Risk up to speed and ahead of the industry."
GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS - RANE
The Most Geopolitically Significant Events of 2022
(FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Choosing the top five most geopolitically significant events of 2022 is no easy feat. That is why, in compiling the below list, we focused on the events over the past year that had the furthest-reaching impacts (both geographically and temporally) and/or represented key shifts in greater global patterns.
5) The Artemis I Mission (Nov. 16-Dec 11, 2022)
NASA successfully launched the Artemis I rocket on Nov. 16, sending an uncrewed Orion space capsule to the moon that returned to Earth on Dec. 11. The mission was the first major launch, which aims to send astronauts back to the moon by 2025. The Artemis program represents a revival of the global space race, as well as the United States’ attempt to shape the future norms and governance of lunar and extra-terrestrial exploration and exploitation.
4) Russia and Ukraine Sign Turkish-Brokered Grain Deal (July 22, 2022)
Turkey’s brokering of the grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine over the summer eased a major constraint on global food security instigated by the war in Ukraine. But it also highlighted Turkey’s expanding role as an activist middle power.
3) Eurozone Inflation Reaches 10.7% (October 2022)
European inflation rates continued to climb in 2022, driven by post-COVID-19 supply chain disruptions amid uneven economic openings, and exacerbated by additional disruptions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and constraints on Russian energy imports.
2) Chinese Military Exercises Around Taiwan (Aug. 4-9, 2022)
In response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China held two consecutive sets of military exercises around the island. The exercises marked a significant escalation from Beijing’s typical responses to what it portrays as political provocations by Taipei and Washington, and in doing so set a new baseline for future coercive responses.
1) Russia Announces 'Special Military Operation' and Invades Western Ukraine (Feb. 24, 2022)
The Russian invasion of Ukraine was the most geopolitically significant event of the year, raising the specter of nuclear war, driving NATO expansion, testing the continuity of global norms and European unity, and impacting energy prices and food security well beyond 2022. Russia’s poor performance revealed an underlying weakness that leaves the country vulnerable to its neighbors, particularly Turkey and China.
FROM THE COMMUNITY
How Do You Deal With Hate and Negativity?
Circuit Editor Elijah Shaw, being interviewed for the Sentinel Mindset podcast, was asked how he's dealt with hate and negativity during his time in the industry. We're throwing the same question back out into the community
"Counter the negative energy with my own overwhelming positivity. I strongly believe in offering people the opportunity to see a different way of doing things. That being said, if a hater goes to the next level and escalates into violence, then that’s a different approach 😂 until then, it’s 100% positive vibes." - B Alozie
Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:
On the Circuit Merch
Those Who Know, Know.
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
Executive Security and CP Technology Forum London - 26 Jan 2023
In association with the BBA, CTGI presents the Eighth Annual Executive Security and CP Technology Forum in London. One of the few ‘must-attend’ events on the protector’s calendar.
FINAL THOUGHTS WITH KRISZTIAN ZERKOWITZ
(author extracting a driver from the driver seat to the back seat to exit on the right)
Vehicle Evacuation Methods
In training and development of procedures, we see plenty of people training and doing extractions from vehicles, cross-decking and evacuations of principals from a downed vehicle to an escape vehicle. This usually happens through the door with able-bodied principals.
Have you tried, tested, or developed methods to extract unconscious people? Dragging the unconscious from the front to the back to exit there? Why? Because if your armored vehicle is disabled, the driver, CPO or passengers in that car might just as well be “disabled”.
Don’t just train for the best possible scenario, train the basics under the worst possible conditions because: “You can’t always change how it started, but you can change from here on, to alter the outcome!
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 -- Each week you'll receive an email giving you the low-down on what's happening across the industry. 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
Join the conversation