Although the program is called Celebrity Protection the content and instruction covers all aspects of the protection industry. What I found impressive was the attention to detail especially during the hands on scenarios. The role players in the scenarios came from Elijah Shaw’s impressive client base – which includes a high net worth individual (HNW) – an actress – and a model. The students are split into teams the instructors pick a team leader to run the detail. They are given the keys to Suburban’s and given their assignments. They team leaders are told no more than two people on the principal at any given time, and they need to decide the teams schedule – rest – eat – etc.
The HNW individual is a person that travels throughout the world (with Elijah and his team) and knows what to expect from a security team. All the role players are what you may call educated consumers. It creates a great learning experience for the students.
The HNW individual is rather demanding – I had the opportunity to have lunch with this person along with another member of their family – they understand the perils the modern world creates for people in their position. What impressed me was that someone in that position is willing to participate in a training exercise – simply because they feel that they want to be part of the education process and contribute to the industry that keeps them safe – as I said incredible individuals.
It is a great program, instructed by knowledgeable instructors, instructors who, when they are not teaching, are working at what they teach.
I thought the information provided was great. The hands on scenarios were done very well, especially the force on force training part. It really made you think about everything. The VIP’s that volunteered to let us be a part of their protection detail was a great experience as well. Getting in the real world on a real assignment was an awesome learning experience. I thank all the VIP’s for their participation.
What I like most about the experience is that ICON keeps the information contemporary. Students are learning the business from people who are currently in it. The staff instructors as well as the guest instructors are all active professionals in industry. Students are learning modern day best practices. Not only do they expose students to critical concepts and protection strategies, they also teach them how to find work in the business. Also having students work a real world detail before the leave the program is priceless.