Show No Emotion - It's a Psychological Advantage

(This posting by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

It might seem odd that I've started this post with a photo of a cowboy (actor Sam Elliott), but what makes it perfect is the look in his eyes.  It's the primal look of a hunter-warrior.  It's cold and non-emotional.  He is focused on his prey, and he's prepared to kill. 

Compare that with the photo below.  Not only is the businessman expressing his extreme anger, he has raised his fist outside of his body-frame.  Together these features indicate that he's out of control (emotionally), and that he isn't really confident in his ability to physically carry out his threat. 

In fact, his aggressive display is simply meant to trigger fear and submission in his victim.

This display is something that's common in all primates - and that includes human beings. 

To understand what I mean, imagine a monkey jumping around, waving its arms about and screaming loudly.  The monkey doesn't really want to fight (in case it gets injured or killed), so it tries to avoid a confrontation by using big threatening gestures and lots of noise.

To give you another example, look at the militia fighter in the photo above.  He's firing from what's called a spray-and-pray position.  His face is full of emotion, and his weapon is raised up and outside of his body-frame. 

Together those features indicates that he's not confident in his ability to survive a fire-fight, so he's trying to trigger fear in his enemy... and hopefully make them turn and run away. 

Compare that to this photo of a soldier about to fire his weapon.  His face is non-emotional, and his firing position is inside his body-frame... indicating that he is deadly serious about hitting his target.

So why is a lack of emotion and keeping your arms inside your body-frame so threatening? 

Well there are three very important reasons :

• firstly, extreme outbursts of anger indicate that the person is out of control... and on a primal level that is considered to be a weakness
• human beings naturally fear the unknown... so if an opponent shows no emotion, we don't know what to expect from them
• a lack of emotion can be an indication that the opponent is fearless, and therefore potentially deadly.

So if you want to create a primal psychological advantage, keep your gestures inside your body-frame (preferably stabbing forward with one finger), and show your opponent the emotionless face of someone who has a deadly serious intent.

"Avoid Making Contact"

 For another psychological advantage, click on the link below :

www.itsprimalprotection.com/2012/02/avoid-making-contact-its-advantage.html
 

Image Projection : Suiting Up for the Job

(This posting by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

Let me start with a simple but effective tactic in 'value adding' to the service you provide: Always present yourself in a way that looks like you're worth more than the client is paying.

With that in mind, your goal in choosing a suit should be to create a positive psychological impression... a strong one.  And you achieve that by harmonising with your client's values. 

In other words, don't wear combat boots with a cheap black suit and sports sunglasses.  Your client/employer will want you to look like a capable professional who has high operational standards.  So think 'executive-styling' not 'para-military styling.'

The Fit :  Make sure that your suit is fitted to compliment your physique.  And regardless of fashion trends, don't wear a suit that's too tight or too baggy... or a coat that's too short. 

If you're not a standard 'off-the-rack' size, then go to the trouble of having the coat altered to fit properly.  This will be especially important if you're usually armed. 

In regard to trousers, they shouldn't be overly long, or up around your ankles either.  The classic length is down to the top of the heel at the back of your shoe.

Colours :  Solid coloured suits are very versatile, and can be dressed down for more casual events.  Your client/employer might stipulate a particular colour, but otherwise you should choose from : black ; charcoal ; gray ; or dark blue.

 

Shirts :  With a solid coloured suit the most versatile shirt is a solid colour as well.  Plain white and blues are your best bet... and they can be dressed down for more casual events.

Striped shirts are also an option, but it's important that you don't wear a pale washed-out colour.  Why not?  Because if you have to take your coat and tie off for any reason, the strong sense of presence that your suit created is replaced with a pale washed-out look. 

So it's best to go with colours that have some presence... but don't under-estimate the striking effect of a good quality white shirt.

Ties :  Neck-ties are a very personal thing.  You can choose plains, spotted, striped, or patterned.  But in the field of Executive Protection, it is recommended that you always wear a strong tie - something that features at least one dark colour.

Most importantly, avoid the current trend of wearing bland narrow ties.  That concept is a throw-back to the 60's and 70's, and it wasn't impressive back then either... I was there!

So stick with the classic width - it crosses all generations and cultures.

Regardless of whether you personally prefer stripes or patterns, the basic rule is this : 

• choose a tie that has the colour of your suit
• and the colour of your shirt
• and if possible, a contrasting feature colour. 

 

Belts :  Your belt shouldn't be too thin, nor too wide.  A belt of about 3.5cm in width is a classic size that looks strong but still professional.  A metal belt-loop will add extra strength to your look (example above). 

 

Shoes :  Choose a shoe that's comfortable, durable, and has good grip.  Avoid trendy or casual looking shoes, and stick with the respected classics.

A chisel or square toe looks strong because of the angular shape... and an extended stitched sole gives the shoe a foundation that looks solid and strong (example above). 

If you prefer a rounded toe, strive to find a shoe that has either an extended sole, or a solid looking toe, or both. 

And finally, ensure that your shoes look clean and polished every day.

 

 

Accessories :  If you require a notebook or a bag of any description, strive to invest in a leather version.  But even if you go for something in a good quality nylon material, choose a style that's simple, strong and functional... with no unnecessary buckles or straps.

Remember, it's a tactical advantage to look like you're worth more than the client is paying!

 

 

Click on the link below for an overview of watches that can enhance your image :

http://icqpoa.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/image-projection-timing-is-important.html

 

CQP Gear : Unbreakable Self Defence Umbrella

(This recommendation by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

You can add an extra layer of protection for your client with the Unbreakable Umbrella.

It has no unusual parts, and has no more metal than the average umbrella.  It weighs only 700grams (1lb 8.6 oz), and can be legally carried anywhere that weapons are prohibited. 

Its extraordinary striking capability comes from its extra strong flexible shaft and ribs.   

Most suppliers can offer the Unbreakable Umbrella with either a crooked or straight handle.  The length is approximately 38", which makes it suitable for both males and female operators.
 

For more information and a video demonstration click on this link :

www.real-self-defense.com/unbreakable-walking-stick-umbrella_standard.html

Image Projection : Put your Best Foot Forward

(This posting by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

In the field of Executive Protection, corporate clients and celebrities generally don't want to be seen with a bodyguard who is dressed in a way that looks cheap or weak. So investing in a quality wardrobe is an investment in your career.

When it comes to choosing a suitable work shoe or boot, there are a few subtle but important points to consider :

• firstly, you want a shoe that's comfortable, durable, and has good grip
• avoid trendy or casual looking shoes because they often have thin soles and aren't very well made... so stick with the respected classics
• a chisel or square toe looks strong because of the angular shape
• an extended stitched sole gives the shoe a strong foundation, which is important feature if the toe is rounded, because a round toe can sometimes look soft or weak
• if you prefer a rounded toe, strive to find a shoe that has either an extended sole, or a solid looking toe, or both (see photo below). 

 

Although most clients prefer a protection detail dressed in classic styling, if your client is a celebrity you might be a bit more adventurous and wear a shoe made from something exotic like python or ray-skin (photo below).

Summary of points :

• choose a shoe that's comfortable, durable, and has good grip
• avoid trendy or casual looking shoes... stick with the respected classics
• a chisel or square toe looks strong because of the angular shape
• an extended stitched sole gives the shoe a strong foundation
• if you prefer a rounded toe, strive to find a shoe that has an extended sole, or a solid looking toe, or both.

 

For female operatives, here's an example of a classic lace-up in leather and contrasting suede.

Image Projection : Looking Serious and Focused

(This recommemdation by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

Have you ever noticed that people who work in high risk occupations wear small framed sunglasses?   Ever wondered why?  It's because that style of eyewear matches their serious and focused attitude... so it's natural that they choose them.

Although extra large sunglasses are trendy these days (for both men and women), to older generations that style of eyewear can actually come across as being soft and feminine. 

Keep in mind that the concept of extra large sunglasses is to create a sense of mystery in a person... which is not the look that someone working Executive Protection should have. 

Clients much prefer their protection detail to be serious and focused.

Sports sunglasses with brightly coloured plastic fames are also popular with many men, because it makes the statement "I play sport!"  But again, that's not the sort of personal statement that someone working Executive Protection should be making.

Military personnel often prefer black sports sunglasses, which is understandable because of the strong frames, quality lenses, and the wrap-around shape.  But if you're working Executive Protection, mainstream sunglasses will project a more professional image... especially if you're wearing a suit.

So overall, you're better off investing in good quality stylish sunglasses... something simple, strong and functional, with an obvious quality, and an understated elegance.

Image Projection : Timing is Important

(This recommendation by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

In Close Quarters Protection, everything about how you present yourself makes a statement about your character, and your standard of professionalism.  So it's important that you give some thought to the image you project.  Even your watch should express qualities that clients want to see in a C.Q.P. Operator :

• professional in all situations
• capable in all situations
• reliable in all situations.

 To achieve this, you might want to consider having a watch that's:

• simple, strong and functional
• with an obvious quality
• and an understated elegance.

Watches with these qualities are what I call 'get-the-job-done' watches.  They have:

• a timing bezel
• a glow in the dark face
• and often an extra button or dial.

Why are these features useful?  Because a professional needs those features in order to get the job done properly and efficiently.

When it comes to personal choice in a 'get-the-job-done' watch, you can wear either:

• a silver, gold, or black casing
• a face that's black, white, or coloured


• a metal band, leather band, or rubber.

Most watches these days have metal bands... but if you prefer the look of a leather band, keep in mind that it should have a strong bulky look, possibly with feature stitching.

Some people prefer rubber watchbands.  In fact, even some of the expensive brands produce models with rubber bands these days.  No doubt it's a practical feature that survives the elements in extreme conditions.

However a rubber band shouldn't look thin or weak... nor should it look too much like an adventurer's watch if you don't actually go on extreme adventures on a regular basis.

In other words, it's important not to look like you're pretending to be something you're not - which is a popular trend in western society these days.

It's all a matter of ethics - a sign of your strength of character.  Your watch should make a statement about who you are and what you do... not what you want to pretend to be.

As an example, the watch below is a 'Special Forces' model that's featured on the TV show Burn Notice.  But unless you're ex CIA, a Navy Seal or a fighter-pilot, it's a bit over the top for protecting corporate clients and celebrities. 

In other words, it can look like you're trying too hard to bolster your image by having a watch with features that go way beyond what you really need.

In contrast to that, the watch below is a Sinn GSG9.  It's worn by many of the world's leading counter-terrorist groups.  It's made from German U-Boat steel - the most non corrosive steel in the world - and filled with hydraulic oil so that there's no fogging, no matter what the depth.

Overall the watch has all the qualities of an Alpha personality... it's simple, strong and functional, with an obvious quality, and an understated elegance.

In other words it makes a subtle but strong statement about your character.  It says you're a serious professional... no nonsense... reliable.

To finish, I'd like to leave you with a quote from Hans van Beuge of Savior Services:

"Image Projection is one of the most important aspects of protection work, as it promotes deterrence.  Presenting a viable, tough, strong, competent image while appearing stylish aids in successful operational accomplishment."

 

 

CQP Gear : Making a Strong Point

(This recommendation by Wayne Roy - C.Q.C. and I.P. Consultant)

When your tactical pen is the quickest non-lethal weapon to hand.

Tuff Writer pens are built to withstand blistering cold, intense heat,

and any kind of harsh environment an operator might encounter.

Above is the Operator Series pen in Sniper Gray... and

below is an example of the Frontline Series.

 

The range of Tuff Writer tactical pens perfectly suit the needs of

Close Protection Operatives, LEO's, and military personnel.

 

 

They also make an excellent self protection tool for executives travelling overseas.

 

  

 

The Kydex neck sheath below (for the Frontline Series) is light

and comfortable, and allows quick and easy access

to your pen with either hand.

Below is an example of the new Precision Press Series

... perfect for everyday use by operatives or civilians.

It comes in red, black, and raw aluminium.

 

 

The safety trainer (below) is made of impact rubber and designed to

simulate strikes without causing injury to your training partner. 

It's roughly the same size and weight as a Tuff Writer pen.

For more information on Tuff Writer products, click on the link below:

http://www.tuffwriter.com/