Bringing Military Tactics to Executive Protection: Lessons from the British Army’s Principles of Defence

In Executive Protection, preparation is everything, and the ability to adapt is critical. While the private sector might seem a world apart from the battlefield, the principles of military strategy can be just as effective when applied to private security. By using the British Army’s principles of Defence; Depth, All-round Defence, Mutual Support, Reserves, Orders, and Dig In or Deploy, (DAMROD) we can develop a robust approach to safeguarding our clients.

Depth: Layering Security

In military terms, depth involves creating multiple layers of defence. If one layer is compromised, others are in place to take over. This concept is essential in executive protection as well.

Protecting a high-profile individual requires more than just a bodyguard at their side. It involves a series of security measures, including advance planning, risk assessments, technological surveillance, secure transport arrangements, and contingency plans for various scenarios. Each layer adds another level of security, ensuring that even if one part of the plan fails, the others will continue to protect the client.

All-round Defence: Securing Every Angle

All-round defence in the military means ensuring that every potential threat is accounted for, regardless of where it might come from. In executive protection, this principle translates to making sure that all angles are covered, both physically and strategically.

Whether the threat is immediate or indirect, the approach involves creating a security perimeter that leaves no gaps. This could involve physical barriers, surveillance, and strategic positioning of personnel to ensure that the client is fully protected from all directions. In essence, ensuring that there are no blind spots in thesecurity plan.

Mutual Support: Teamwork and Communication

Mutual support is about ensuring that different units can back each other up when needed.  This principle is all about seamless communication and teamwork within the protection detail.

Whether working with local authorities or coordinating within our own team, it’s vital that every member can rely on others for support. This ensures that if one area of the operation requires additional assistance, the rest of the team can step in quickly. Strong communication keeps the entire operation running smoothly and ensures that no gaps of vulnerability are not considered.

Reserves: Staying Prepared for the Unexpected

In the military, reserves are kept on standby to reinforce efforts when necessary. In the world of executive protection, we apply this by having backup resources ready to go - whether it’s additional personnel, vehicles, or equipment.

Being prepared with reserves allows us to adapt to any unexpected situation without losing effectiveness. If something doesn’t go according to plan, we have the flexibility to adjust our strategy and still maintain the client’s safety.

Orders: Clear Roles and Responsibilities

In military operations, orders provide clear instructions and ensure everyone knows their role. In executive protection, having well-defined protocols and a clearly defined intent is equally important.

Each member of the protection team must understand their specific duties and procedures for any situation. Clear roles reduce confusion, expedite decision-making, and ensure that everyone is focused on the mission.

Dig In or Deploy: Making the Right Call

The final principle, Dig In or Deploy, is all about making the right strategic decision in the moment. In executive protection, this means assessing the situation and deciding whether to move the client or secure the current location.

If a threat arises during an event, the team must quickly determine whether it’s safer to evacuate the client or fortify their current position. Making the right call is crucial to maintaining the client’s safety and ensuring the protection plan remains effective.

The DAMROD principles aren’t just for military use; they’re highly effective in the private security sector as well. By adapting these principles to executive protection, we can create a strategy that’s thorough, reliable, and flexible enough to handle any situation.

Good practice should integrate these military strategies into our approach to executive protection. Our commitment to the principles of of defence brought from the British Army highlight the transferable skills that Ex-military personnel bring the the private sector, ensuring that clients are protected with the utmost care. Whether it’s business as usual or a crisis situation, these principles of defence can help improve existing security structures if implemented correctly.