Bodyguards provide protection and security for people who need them in their jobs or personal lives. Before you can become a bodyguard, you need to be trained. This article will walk you through the steps needed to become a bodyguard in South Africa and help you decide if this career path is right for you!
Bodyguard training
Bodyguard training is a requirement for anyone who wants to become a bodyguard. Private companies and the South African Police Service (SAPS) usually provide training. The SAPS provide training at various police stations around South Africa.
There are also specialized training facilities run by the SAPS, like the School for Protective Services and Security Guards. This school offers courses in personal protection skills, first aid and response to crime scenes. The facility provides classroom-based training and on-the-job shadowing of qualified instructors during their duties with a designated client organization.
Armed Response Training
Armed Response Training is a course that teaches you how to handle firearms and the surrounding laws. It’s usually provided by private companies and takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on what kind of training you want.
There are different levels of Armed Response Training:
- Level 1 – Basic Handgun Training
- Level 2 – Intermediate Handgun Training
- Level 3 – Advanced Handgun Training
Security Guard Training
When you apply for a security guard job, it’s important to know that training is required. However, the employer can provide this training, or you can find your own school. The training will include topics such as communication, self-defence and firearms.
VIP Protection
VIP Protection is a specialised area of the security industry, which provides services to high-profile individuals.
VIP Protection has a broader scope than just body guarding. It includes personal protection, event security and executive protection.
To be accepted into this field, you must have a high level of physical fitness and excellent communication skills.
Tactical Training
Tactical training is a comprehensive training program that includes aspects of tactical operations, firearms and close-quarters combat (CQC). With bodyguard training, they will also teach you how to control crowds and protect VIPs in high-risk situations. Tactical training is usually done in a classroom setting, but it can also be done on the field with practical exercises designed to simulate real-life scenarios.
Shooting and Close Quarter Combat (CQC)
Good news, you already have a head start! If you’re reading this and considering becoming a bodyguard, then you must work out and lift weights. This training will help with your shooting and CQC (Close Quarter Combat) skills.
The basics of using a gun are pretty straightforward: aim correctly, and shoot quickly and accurately. There are indeed many variables that come into play when trying to hit something at range—wind speed, gravity pull, etc.—but those all become irrelevant if you can’t even hit the target when standing still!
So yes: shooting is important.
Besides these skills, you’ll need to be in top physical shape. You will also need practice in combat sports such as kickboxing or martial arts. You must have excellent skills in communications and leadership. Self-defence is a large part of the training. Most employers will require you to get a license from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).
