HEAD to HEAD
pmcimagazine.com
In this new section for PMCI we decided to ask two guys who have worked “The Circuit”, one
British and “new skool” and one American and “Old Skool” the same question to see where there
are similarities or disparities. This issue my question to them both was “Why did you decide to get
into the world of private contracting and how did you go about getting your first gig?”
Richard S (UK)
After serving 11 years in the British army and conducting several
tours of Afghanistan, I found myself hearing stories about guys
leaving the army to pursue work in hostile environments. A
couple of guys from my unit had left the military for the circuit
and got back in after completing 2 to 3 years in Iraq. After
hearing all the stories about pay and the lifestyle the guys led,
I had my mind made up and wanted to give it a go.
I completed my last tour of Helmand in 2010; I proceeded to
sign off around September time and started my resettlement.
Then came the dreaded hunt for courses; most of the lads with
experience had recommended courses such a Ronin Concepts
& Phoenix Close Protection. The guys also gave advice on other
courses to guarantee you a job such as FPOS-I and MIRA-1.
After searching around on the net I found a course that offered
a BTEC Level 3 in Close Protection & Surveillance called Argus
Europe based in the north east of England. Although I had
funding support from my ELCS (Enhanced Learning Credits) and
resettlement funds I was on a tight budget. Argus offered more
than any of the other courses. After digging around for info I
found out it was run by former UKSF and Parachute Regiment
guys so it had to be good.
On completion of my course I sat a SIA multiple-choice licensing
test, which is mandatory for employment with a UK security
provider. Applying for your licence can take time so sort out
any applications forms once you receive your pass certificate.
Another piece of documentation you require for work is a
criminal record background check. Again I did this early and
I applied through Scotland Disclosure. It took approximately 2
weeks to get it through.
I managed to book on last minute in January 2011. The
Argus course was an intense 4 weeks long. The first 2 weeks
consisted of surveillance followed by close protection.
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One of the best aspects of the course was the community you
enter on completion. You receive advice on writing a CV and
cover letter, and they also run through advice on interviews
and how best to sell yourself. Upon completion of the course
Argus offers a private network of previous students. On here
guys will share info on jobs and help each other with CV’s. On
the Argus course you live closely with the owner and his family,
and this way you are constantly assessed throughout your time
there. Accommodation is good and you get everything you
require provided. In addition students will receive team floats
to pay for food, fuel and other expenditures you may become
subject to. Whilst on my CP course I booked on to a FPOS-I
course with Prometheus Medical Ltd for February 2011. I was
recommended this by a friend at the time as Olive Group were
using this course as one of their recommended qualifications.
I started my FPOS-I course (First Person On Scene Intermediate)
around the 5th Feb 2011 with Prometheus Medical Limited.
The course cost was around £850 and lasted 4 to 5 days. The