Behind the Shield: Dave T.’s Journey in Elite Protection
- Craig J A
- Sep 28
- 5 min read
At Risk Averse Connections we had the chance to sit down with someone who truly lives and breathes the world of protection, Dave T., also known as Dave the Guard. With more than 14 years’ experience spanning the U.S. Air Force Security Forces to safeguarding high profile celebrities, executives, and dignitaries, Dave’s career has taken him across the globe and into situations most of us only see in films. In our conversation he opened up about the discipline, mindset, and behind the scenes reality of modern close protection, offering a rare glimpse into what it takes to stand at the front line of safety.
What follows is the unfiltered transcript of our interview with Dave, giving you a direct look into his world of protection.
Opening Up 🔐
Everyone has a story — how did you find yourself in close protection? Was it planned, or did you stumble into it?
"I found myself in Close Protection through my very first Security job. I was hired to work for a certain shoe apparel company here in Los Angeles whose Executives spent alot of time traveling to China. Two thoughts came to my mind: Who protects the Executives while in China?"
What would it take to be their "in house" Close Protection?
"From that day on I began to immerse myself in the life of being a Protector starting with Basic courses on up to Advanced Close Protection courses."
What’s a day on the job really like compared to how films or TV show it?
"A day on the job can be very dynamic especially when working for Celebrities or Faith Based Leadership. It's a combination of very early mornings and late nights. The Hollywood movies and TV show a glamorous side of fitted suits, fancy cars, and worldwide travel. In reality, it's a polo shirt/khaki pants, comfortable shoes, and if you're lucky possible travel. Most important, it's learning the latest Estate technologies i.e. CCTV, a multitude of apps, Strategic Planning, Security Driving, etc."
Personal Experience 👤
Without giving away sensitive details, what’s the most memorable assignment you’ve been on?
"My most memorable assignments were working with Foreign Nationals from SE Asia and the Middle East. The cultures are very different from American culture requiring a deep knowledge of country specific etiquette and protocol. Without it you won't last very long on a Detail. Also, the opportunity to take Client’s overseas (UK/Europe) increased my Close Protection knowledge by a 1000% and made me more employable as well."
When things get intense, how do you keep your cool?
"When things get intense I keep my cool by taking a deep breath, listening to the Principal's demands, working quickly to solve an issue or complete their demands in the least amount of time."
Have you ever had a client who completely surprised you?
"I had a Principal a few years ago who would surprise me by either sharing dinner with me or buying me dinner as a way of saying thank you for my hard work."
The Craft 🛡️
What’s something about the work that outsiders almost always get wrong?
"A lot of outsiders think we work strictly with Celebrities and are gone from home for weeks and months on end. In reality, there are many different "houses" you can work in the Close Protection industry. While Celebrity Protection is the most well known there are many other high net worth individuals who need Protection."
How much of your job is actually about planning compared to being physically present with a client?
"I spend 99% of my time doing Strategic Planning:
Risk Assessments/ Advances/Site Surveys/Route Planning/ Problem Solving and a long list of others. As far as being physically present with the Client this job is a lot of hurry up and wait. The Client is usually very busy with their own business dealings and life when you are needed they will definitely let you know."
Do you find technology has made the role easier or just added more pressure?
"Technology has made the Close Protection role easier yes but also harder. A Protector not only has to learn the latest technologies, but in a team environment he/she then has to train the team and make sure they understand it front and back, especially in an emergency situation."
Reflections and Insights 🧠
What do you think separates a good CPO from a great one?
"What separates a good CPO from a great one is many factors:
1. Emotional Intelligence
2.Being flexible
3. Willingness to take criticism.
4. Being teachable
5. Acquiring a wide range of skills and being proficient.
6. Being willing to start at the bottom and work your way up."
What’s the toughest part of the lifestyle that people don’t see?
"The toughest part of the Protector lifestyle that people don't see is:
The long hours spent "moving" with the Client as in one hour you are taking the Client to business meetings and later that day traveling to a far off destination.
Backwards sleep schedules(working overnights)
Dealing with different personalities.
Jealousy from Protectors who are new to the industry.
Attending events or exhibits with the Client in which you will have to stand and go without food for an extended amount of time."
Looking back, is there a lesson from the field that’s stuck with you in everyday life?
"A lesson from the field that has stuck with me is: "Proactive beats Reactive every time" meaning staying two steps ahead is way better than one step behind."
For the Next Generation 🚀
If someone’s thinking of stepping into close protection, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them?
"One piece of advice I would give to someone thinking of stepping into Close Protection is to have Emotional Intelligence and do not take things personally. Your focus should be on problem solving, being a facilitator, proving your great worth to the Client."
Are there skills outside of security training (like communication or cultural awareness) that make a big difference?
"I would say skills outside of Security training that would make a big difference are:
Emotional Intelligence
Customer Service
Communication
Cultural Awareness
Public Relations
Being able to work in a team environment with many different personalities, opinions, and ways of doing things."
Our conversation with Dave the Guard offered a rare glimpse into the discipline, sacrifice, and dedication that define the close protection world. His career, built on military precision and international experience, highlights why professionals like Dave are trusted at the very highest level. Dave’s time is in high demand, so we are especially grateful for the opportunity to hear his perspective. To learn more about his work, visit davetheguard.com. A huge thank you to Dave for sharing his journey with us, and at Risk Averse Connections we will continue bringing you interviews and insights that connect firms with the right expertise when it matters most.
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