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A Friendly Face in an Unfriendly World
This week we witnessed yet more shocking scenes as the potential for all out war in Europe continued to unfold. Amidst the layers of geopolitics and history, it helps to have a recap of the complex situation. Indeed, in these strange and unsettling times, it makes one value those things that matter most in life: family and friends.
This week’s podcast guest Jermaine Flythe a.k.a. the “Bodyguard with a Smile” helps us do just that by giving us advice on finding the balance between our professional and family life. This conversation on a very challenging aspect of working as a protector is not to be missed.
Meanwhile, amidst ever-increasing volatility many new entrants are flocking to careers in the military, paramilitary and private security. In the pages of the Circuit Magazine, Andrew Chatzkelowitz a 30-year veteran gives some very helpful tips to those who are just starting a career in protection.
Where ever you are in the world stay safe on the circuit.
The Circuit Magazine Podcast
The last thing you want is to be having an argument with a family member whilst on a difficult operation. How can we find the balance between our family and professional life?
In today’s episode, we are joined by the #BodyguardWithaSmile Jermaine Flythe, founder of G3A Protection to look under the hood of today’s protector and offer advice on one of the most sensitive and personal challenges whilst on the job.
Questions we’re exploring include:
How can an operator handle being taken away from family for extended periods at short notice?
How can a protector balance being approachable without giving the impression that they are a ‘friend’?
In what way can we help spouses or children adjust?
Does the family dynamic compound the internalization of stress?
Can a ‘positive outlook’ be trained for?
If you enjoy listening to the Circuit Podcast and can spare a minute, please rate/review us. Your rating will help us to rank higher making it easier for others to find the podcast.
The Need to Know - Ukraine Crisis
Ukraine’s Embassy in the US has received more than 3,000 applications from US citizens who want to join the fight, a Ukrainian official said.
President Biden vowed to come after the yachts, luxury apartments and private jets of Russian oligarchs as he announced that the US was closing its airspace to Russian airlines also.
Everyone predicted that Russia would launch major cyber attacks as part of its invasion of Ukraine, but so far nothing. What’s happening?
VLADIMIR PUTIN could be planning to drop a nuclear bomb near Britain in a show of force against the West.
‘Hundreds or even thousands’ of people could join the effort to repel the Russian invaders after Liz Truss gives her backing
A growing number of superyachts belonging to Russian tycoons have made their way to the Indian Ocean, cruising around the Maldives and Seychelles just as sanctions are imposed on their homeland following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
For more timely global updates like this, get the Circuit Daily Briefing delivered to your inbox… daily! Get on the list >
Circuit Magazine - Latest Issue
What is your protector mindset? Do you gravitate towards the warrior or the guardian? In this issue, we examine both approaches.
From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine
The commercial close protection industry is challenging for most people to enter, mainly because it is a very small and ‘cliquey’ world where doors usually open for people if they know the right people. So, to start with, networking is a valuable key to opening the doors.
The big question for most people is that they are told they need to have experience to get employed, but how can they get experience if no one will give them their first job?
In his debut article for the Circuit Magazine, Andrew Chatzkelowitz lists helpful tips and advice that he’s learned from his 30 years in the industry.
He goes on to explain how new entrants need to be persistent, and the importance of gaining experience in other relevant areas of the security industry. You may not be fortunate enough to land the dream position on your first gig so be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.
See what other advice Andrew has to offer those starting their protection careers >
If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >
Situational Assessment by RANE
India will seek to remain neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to maintain its defense ties with Moscow. But if the war intensifies and further isolates Russia, New Delhi may ultimately be forced to recalibrate its position to protect its alliance with the United States.
India’s dependence on Russian military supplies amid tensions with China and Pakistan explain New Delhi’s hesitance to condemn Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Russia supplies roughly half of India’s total arms imports and 70% of its advanced military equipment, including battle tanks, aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines and fighter aircraft.
If the war in Ukraine continues for weeks, India’s neutral position could become unsustainable. On March 2, an Indian student was killed in an attack in eastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv city. Russia has since said it would look into the student’s death and consider ensuring safe passage for other Indian citizens in Ukraine.
A prolonged conflict in Ukraine could eventually force India to adopt a tougher position on Russia in order to preserve its ties with the United States. While India needs Russian arms to deter China in its border disputes, it also needs the West’s support against China’s growing economic ties and military presence in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.
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From the Community
After UK Foreign Secretary Lizz Truss said she would support British citizens travelling to Ukraine in a personal capacity to fight, how large a number do we think will ultimately go? Twitter is awash with those with no prior military experience apparently travelling to Ukraine.
Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:
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To any industry insider, being ‘On the Circuit’ means being operationally active in the world of international protection. To anyone else, it’s just three words. Those who know, know!
What we're listening to
Considered the bible of the executive security industry, Introduction to Executive Protection by Dale L. June, presents a revised edition with over 60 percent new and updated content. Joined by Elijah Shaw this volume digs deep into the tactics and the mindset necessary for protectors to mitigate the risk of it happening to their clients.
Download and keep this book for Free with a 30 day Trial:
What we're watching
Ukraine and Russia’s conflict goes back to 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea and Russian-backed separatist forces took over parts of southeastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. But to understand the full context behind the invasion, it’s important to go even farther back, to the time when Europe’s current-day divisions began, and see how that shaped Europe’s power balance today.
To get a full understanding of the current conflict’s history, we highly recommend watching the video above >
Elsewhere, on the circuit
To prepare for and respond to ransomware attacks, it helps to understand the anatomy of a ransomware attack. Find out the sequence of events that typically occur and what steps organizations should take for a responsible and effective response.
Meanwhile...
Four days before the invasion of Ukraine, an eerily prescient documentary aired on France 5. Le monde en face:Wagner, l’armée de l’ombre de Poutine assiduously tracks the activities of the Russian President’s “shadow army”: the Wagner Group, which arranges military “solutions” for the Kremlin. Since the film was broadcast, members of the 6,000-strong mercenary organisation have been deployed to Ukraine. Their orders: to kill President Zelenskyy and dismember his government.
The full article details first-hand accounts and documented evidence of the surprising extent of the Wagner Group mandate. Read now >
Final Thoughts
Questions arise about Putin’s grip on power as Western officials are warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin could resort to increasingly brutal and extreme tactics in Ukraine as Russian forces struggle to achieve their military objectives.
Until next week...
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