Kalijkd1 Introduction

My name is Michael Vincent and I am the Owner, Operator, and Chief Tactical Instructor for Protective Security Specialists, LLC in Jacksonville, FL. USA.

I heard about CPD on LinkedIn where I am following; and I hope to learn and gain new experiences on here and hopefully share my experiences with others on this forum. The forum seems to be outlined very professionally and my first impressions are good!

 
A little about me. I am a high threat Protective Security Specialist and Close Protection Professional with 28 years' of combined operational and training experience in military Special Operations (US Army Rangers), and Close Protection, Executive Protection, and Personal Protection operations. My areas of expertise include Protective Security operations, Civilian and Military weapons, Martial Arts, and Counter Surveillance.

I just completed an 8-year contract for the US State Department, Diplomatic Security Service in Iraq. I was the Team Leader of a 16-man High Threat Protective Security Specialist (PSS/PSD) Team. I had full tactical command and control from mission planning to mission execution. I conducted high profile motorcade operations, and low profile single vehicle escort operations protecting diplomats and dignitaries.

I want to thank you all for taking the time in reading my introduction. V/R Michael Vincent

Hello Michael, welcome to the forum. Thankyou for the introduction and details of your extensive experience. An impressive background if I may say so!

Regards,
Stuart.

Thank you Stuart and All very much appreciated!

We have another member based in Florida, Space Coast Tactical in Melbourne. I have been chatting with him for a few years now, a nice chap.

Great yes us Florida Guys are pretty cool Lol! That is about 2:45 minutes South of me thanks!

I`ve never been to Florida but keep threatening to visit! Easy to forget how big it is when in 2:45 Hrs I can travel from the West coast to the East coast of the UK!

Yes I know. I have been to the London-UK a few times traveling through the airport while I was working High Threat in Iraq. Actually been inside London once for R&R, and went to North East UK in 2000 in Durham for the Professional Bodyguard Association (PBA) two week Close Protection and Counter Surveillance School.

Excellent Michael, hope your experience of the UK was a good one! How did you find the PBA course compared to training in the US?

Well it was back in 2000 and now they are under new management and have expanded their training I hear.  For 2000 it was ok probably for the times, but there was no actual live fire firearms training because of the regulations but I am sure you know that already. But being my first actual formal CP training outside of my military Special Operations I was satisfied.

Thanks Michael. I`m fairly sure the PBA were one of the first trainers of CP outside the military with a good reputation. Operators still have to travel overeas to carry out the firearms phase of courses, usually France and European countries because of our strict gun laws. I`m a keen shooter but very rarely get the opportunity to fire `real` weapons.

Well Stuart come to Florida sometime brother if you get a chance to get some R&R and I will take you Shooting "Big Time!"

A very appealing offer Michael, thankyou! It is certainly on my 'to do' list :)