In the third instalment of our Elite Close Protection Training: First-Hand Experience blog series, we hear from a delegate who entered the course from a purely civilian background. This delegate was armed not with military training but with a wealth of experience in safety management, expedition work, and supporting high-profile individuals in remote environments.
This delegate finished the course with sharpened instincts, tested skills, and a deeper appreciation for protection work's subtle, strategic nature. His story shows the unique value of Blue Mountain Group’s immersive approach to training, especially for those entering from outside traditional military or police backgrounds.
1) What inspired you to choose Blue Mountain Group’s Close Protection Course over other options?
I wanted to professionalise my knowledge and gain accredited credentials in close protection. I had a friend who had done the BMG course before, and I didn't really know what the market was like. I respected their training and what they were doing in the industry, so I chose Blue Mountain Group on the strength of the recommendation.
2) How did the course meet or exceed your expectations?
The course met my expectations as it matched my understanding of what a close protection operative needs to move forward. I've also worked with some close protection teams, and I could understand each training section and why it was required. I came away feeling like I'd learned what I needed to learn.
3) What aspect of the training had the biggest impact on you personally or professionally?
The latter stages of the course were important to me because I was using the knowledge and skills I already had, and it confirmed to me that I was doing it right.
Also, during the training course, I was able to put them into practice within the close protection world in a real scenario. The opportunity to take clients out and work with actual people is as close as you can get to the real thing in a training environment. It was the most powerful aspect of the training.
4) Can you recall a moment or activity during the course that made you feel most prepared for your future in close protection?
When the instructor told you that someone would call you who would be a client, you had to go ahead and do the job yourself. From the moment of that first phone call to then completing the task, it felt authentic. Of course, you're still sort of semi-protected in the course, because if you mess up, you're still in a learning process.
5) What specific skills or techniques from the course have had the most immediate impact on your professional development?
It was good because it took the knowledge I already had, reframed it, and then put it into different wording that can be used in the close protection world. It enhanced what I knew so I could be effective as a close protection operative.
6) Which parts of the training were the most challenging, and how did they help you grow or improve as a professional?
The most challenging area for me was keeping the flow. The long hours on the course are very challenging. You must ensure you continue doing your workbook, doing the tasks, doing all the little bits and the answers, and just nibbling away at everything you need to do.
You’re constantly getting up early and going to bed late each day so you don't fall behind. But in the end, I pretty much had my coursework done, and everything ticked. I was also doing the taskings and was given more taskings to complete every time I finished some. I could see the reason for it, and I was getting more done throughout the course because of the process.
7) Can you share a moment during the training when you learned something that fundamentally changed how you approach close protection?
It was really good to listen to the guest speakers on the course and learn about their experiences and what they thought about the role. I'm not a violent person; I don't have a background in martial arts or the military. It was interesting to learn that the number of times they had to use physical interventions in their career was relatively low.
You suddenly realise it isn't that sort of bodyguard muscle having to push people away and force them into places and dodge and run. If you're doing that, it's gone really wrong already. That was a really good moment for me, because it told me that the areas I am strong in, will be used the most. The planning for the job, the details, and the prep.
8) If you had to sum up your experience in one sentence, what would it be?
It's not a course. It's more of a selection process. It'll be hard, and let it be hard because the more you put in, the more you will get out of it.
This delegate’s story shows that you don’t need a military background to succeed in close protection. What really matters is resilience, an openness to learning, and the courage to face new challenges when they come at you.
Through early mornings and long, demanding days, the delegate realised that true strength as a protector isn’t just about physical skills. It’s also about staying calm under pressure, thinking clearly, and being fully committed.
At Blue Mountain Group, our training goes beyond skills. It helps build character, confidence, and a mindset that prepares you for any mission. Our transformation is real and lasting for those willing to lean into the challenge. Interested in starting a career in close protection? Fill in our contact form here or call us now on 01267 241907.