Course Objective

Comprehensive training program preparing professionals for executive protection operations.

The course is designed to develop practical and theoretical skills required for professional work in the field of VIP protection and close protection services.
The primary objective of the course is to prepare a Close Protection Operative capable of effectively performing escort and protective duties, organizing foot and vehicle-based protection, and operating as part of a close protection team in various security environments.

The course is intended for professionals who are currently working or planning to work in the field of public, commercial, and VIP security.

Course Description

The Close Protection Operative – Level 3 course is structured in accordance with the logic and requirements of the Close Protection Operative (SIA Level 3 – alignment) standard and combines theoretical instruction with intensive practical training.

The program consists of training modules focused on developing professional competencies of a close protection operative, with emphasis on security planning, VIP escort duties, team operations, threat response, and actions in emergency situations.

Training is delivered by instructors with verified operational and instructional experience and is based on a scenario-driven approach with progressive task complexity.

Duration and Training Methods

14 days (140 training hours)
Theory and Practice

Theoretical and practical training is conducted:

• In the classrooms of the Alfa-Metal Training Centre
• Within the Alfa-Metal situational CQB training village
• Through practical missions and scenarios simulating real-world close protection operations, including training in urban environments

The infrastructure and equipment of the Alfa-Metal Training Centre are fully utilized during the course.

Entry Requirements

• Prior experience in handling short-barrel firearms
• Mandatory completion of a basic pistol course
• Physical and psychological readiness for intensive practical training

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of the course, each student will:

• Acquire theoretical and practical foundations of Close Protection Operative duties
• Gain understanding of VIP protection and escort organization principles
• Obtain experience working within a close protection team
• Practice actions in standard and non-standard operational scenarios
• Successfully complete final testing
• Receive an official course certificate and recommendations for further professional development

Weapons Used

• Walther PDP
• Glock 17

Note: Other firearm models may be used during training.

Course Topics

I. Legal and Professional Framework

Legal and regulatory framework for Close Protection operations
Roles, duties and responsibilities of Close Protection operatives
Use of force: legal limitations and accountability
Professional standards, ethics and conduct

II. Principles of Close Protection

Principles and concepts of Close Protection
Roles and responsibilities of the Close Protection Team Leader
Roles and responsibilities of Close Protection operatives
Team communication and coordination

III. Professional Appearance, Protocol and Etiquette

Professional appearance and dress standards
Professional behavior, protocol and client liaison

IV. Operational Planning and Risk Assessment

Short-term and long-term security planning
Advance planning and pre-operational preparation
Event security planning
Route planning and alternative routes for principal movement
Environmental considerations and environmental control
Safe areas, choke points and open spaces
Threat identification and risk assessment

V. Surveillance Awareness and Counter-Surveillance

Observation and situational awareness techniques
Indicators of hostile reconnaissance and surveillance
Preventive security measures
Counter-surveillance techniques

VI. Protective Formations and Movement

Protective formations during foot movement
Movement with the principal in public environments
Operating in crowded and high-risk areas
Close Protection escort procedures
Overt and covert Close Protection operations
Protective security measures in offices, hotels and public venues

VII. Vehicle-Based Close Protection

Vehicle security principles
Principles of principal transportation
Convoy and escort procedures
Inspection and protection against explosive devices and other threats
Coordination with the driver
Protective measures for the principal within a vehicle
Embarkation and disembarkation procedures
Actions during vehicle-related incidents

VIII. Emergency and Incident Response

Emergency and critical incident response procedures
Pre-emptive evacuation and evacuation under threat
Principles of rapid response
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Close Protection

IX. First Aid (Non-Medical)

Legal considerations for the provision of first aid
Basic first aid principles
Provision of first aid in different operational environments
Handover procedures to medical personnel

X. Security and Technical Systems

Introduction to CCTV systems and basic operational principles

XI. Firearms Awareness and Safety

Legal considerations regarding firearms
Rules for the use of firearms
Safe handling and storage of weapons
Close-range firearms engagement: moving off the line of fire, protection of the principal, cover and withdrawal

XII. Practical Scenarios and Exercises

Close Protection operational scenarios
Practical drills and scenario-based training

XIII. Post-Operation Review and Debriefing

Post-task review and debriefing procedures
Review of operator actions and decision-making
Identification of mistakes and areas for improvement
Lessons learned and improvement actions

Blog Posts:

How to become a Close Protection Operative

Close Protection Officer – What the Profession Involves