We all know the saying "Can't see the forest, through the trees".  

What does that mean in the world of security and close protection?   Well, to me it means putting 100 percent effort  into the task's as hand, but NOT seeing the obvious or other important things.  Not seeing the total picture. 

Now these are the types of things that those who are less experienced in the industry will boast, 'I'd never do that' or 'that would never happen to me'.  But if you've been in this business a while, you know different. Inevitebly, despite scrambling to cover every possible detail, there will be the things that escape your attention and bite you in the butt.

For example,  a protection detail supporting their Principal's movements and getting so focused on tactical movements that they (the team) forget the Principal's luggage in the hotel room, or the Principal's dress shoes and belt in the hotel closet.   Who swept that room?

Or, how about this one......

I'm well aware that this particular subject is wrought with emotion and controversy in our industry, and likely this post will bring out some immediate personal feeling and responses.   I can assure you that most of these feelings depend upon which 'side of the table' you happen to sit on. Or, it may depend on something as simple as the locations where you live and where you work. 

I can say after many years of working in the Executive/Close Protection fields (and that includes sub-fields like back-ground  investigations and surveillance work)  I have certainly formed my own opinions as well, concerning regulations and training.  Blogging and publishing articles within the security industry and participating in our professional organizations has also given me a unique view into various conversations,  chat groups and other perspectives concerning the issue of the need for standards and regulations.

To regulate our industry, or not. That is not an easy...

Many of the 'life lessons' that I've learned, I learned in Marine Corp Boot Camp.   One of the most valuable lessons that always stuck in my mind came from the beloved (ha, ha)  Drill Instructors. They would yell at us, " you guys are dumb as a sack of rocks, so you need to be that much more fit and strong to make up for it". 

In hindsight, I believe the message behind that statement really boils down to, 'We can't control how smart you are, but we can insure you'll be physically and mentally ready to fight, body mind and soul'.   (At least, I tell myself that's what they meant!)

Which brings me to my topic.  Fitness!  This is a broad term and can mean many things to many people.  As in mentally, psychologically or physically.  It's the physical aspect I want to focus on, but that arguably contributes and frames our mental and psychological fitness as well.

Clearly there are certain professions  where being physically in-shape is...