Mastering the Art of Observation - Circuit Magazine -source: https://circuit-magazine.com/mastering-the-art-of-observation/Mastering the Art of ObservationA Must-Have Skill for EP ProfessionalsAs executive protection agents, we need more than just physical strength and stamina to do our job effectively. We’ve got to have sharp observation skills that will help us detect potential danger and protect our clients. And we need to be switched on at all times! This skill set requires us to be observant of both external stimuli and internal cognitive processes so that we can act promptly to sense any risk.Excellent observation also increases problem-solving, critical thinking, interpersonal intelligence, and the ability to identify cultural and customary standards.On top of all that, we’ve also got to stay mindful of their body language, behavior, and the consequences of their actions. Mastery of these skills will ensure our clients remain safe and secure.In the new issue of the Circuit Magazine, we’ve got some great pieces on this critical subject – so let’s dive in!NEW ISSUE – OUT NOW!Issue 64 – Improving Observational SkillsTHE NEED TO KNOWFor more timely global updates like this, get theCircuit Daily Briefingdelivered to your inbox… daily!FROM THE PAGES OF THE CIRCUIT MAGAZINEThe phrase “head on a swivel” is often used in the industry to describe the act of constantly scanning one’s surroundings for suspicious activity. However, the true foundation of this phrase is situational awareness, which involves the perception, comprehension, and projection of environmental elements and events. Perception involves the basic recognition of situational elements Comprehension involves the interpretation and evaluation of information Projection involves the ability to predict future actions Mark Roche explains that by mastering these three areas of situational awareness, individuals can turn catchphrases into valuable skills that can be applied in real-world situations. Developing strong situational awareness can help protectors respond to changing situations and make informed decisions.Read the article >If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry, then subscribe to…LATEST ISSUE The importance of keen observational skills when it comes to protecting someone. James Bore warns about threats in virtual worlds and the steps we can take to tackle them. Mark James guides us on corporate culture. Tactical Medicine needs to evolve in response to a rise in blast-related traumas. Four reasons why clients prefer Female executive protection agents Issue HighlightsFighting In & Around Vehicles – Lessons LearnedKeeping Your Edge – The IllusionDon’t let the “illusion” of VIP status go to your head in the close protection industry. Maintain humility and focus to avoid being sucked into the “halo effect” of proximity to power.WHAT OUR READERS SAY“Thanks to all the contributors of the Circuit. Just picked up a few back issues and the current edition. It’s a well thought out mag with some helpful articles.” – Shawn CooperGEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS – RANEChoosing the top five most geopolitically significant events of 2022 is no easy feat. That is why, in compiling the below list, we focused on the events over the past year that had the furthest-reaching impacts (both geographically and temporally) and/or represented key shifts in greater global patterns.5) The Artemis I Mission (Nov. 16-Dec 11, 2022)NASA successfully launched the Artemis I rocket on Nov. 16, sending an uncrewed Orion space capsule to the moon that returned to Earth on Dec. 11. The mission was the first major launch, which aims to send astronauts back to the moon by 2025. The Artemis program represents a revival of the global space race, as well as the United States’ attempt to shape the future norms and governance of lunar and extra-terrestrial exploration and exploitation.4) Russia and Ukraine Sign Turkish-Brokered Grain Deal (July 22, 2022)Turkey’s brokering of the grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine over the summer eased a major constraint on global food security instigated by the war in Ukraine. But it also highlighted Turkey’s expanding role as an activist middle power.3) Eurozone Inflation Reaches 10.7% (October 2022)European inflation rates continued to climb in 2022, driven by post-COVID-19 supply chain disruptions amid uneven economic openings, and exacerbated by additional disruptions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and constraints on Russian energy imports.2) Chinese Military Exercises Around Taiwan (Aug. 4-9, 2022)In response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China held two consecutive sets of military exercises around the island. The exercises marked a significant escalation from Beijing’s typical responses to what it portrays as political provocations by Taipei and Washington, and in doing so set a new baseline for future coercive responses.1) Russia Announces ‘Special Military Operation’ and Invades Western Ukraine (Feb. 24, 2022)The Russian invasion of Ukraine was the most geopolitically significant event of the year, raising the specter of nuclear war, driving NATO expansion, testing the continuity of global norms and European unity, and impacting energy prices and food security well beyond 2022. Russia’s poor performance revealed an underlying weakness that leaves the country vulnerable to its neighbors, particularly Turkey and China.Read the full article >FROM THE COMMUNITYCircuit Editor Elijah Shaw, being interviewed for the Sentinel Mindset podcast, was asked how he’s dealt with hate and negativity during his time in the industry. We’re throwing the same question back out into the community.B AlozieAsk questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:NABA Protector >     |     BBA Connect >ON THE CIRCUIT MERCHThose Who Know, Know.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!UPCOMING EVENTSIn association with the BBA,CTGI presents the Eighth Annual Executive Security and CP Technology Forum in London. One of the few ‘must-attend’ events on the protector’s calendar.FINAL THOUGHTS:KRISZTIAN ZERKOWITZIn training and development of procedures, we see plenty of people training and doing extractions from vehicles, cross-decking and evacuations of principals from a downed vehicle to an escape vehicle. This usually happens through the door with able-bodied principals.Have you tried, tested, or developed methods to extract unconscious people? Dragging the unconscious from the front to the back to exit there? Why? Because if your armored vehicle is disabled, the driver, CPO or passengers in that car might just as well be “disabled”.Don’t just train for the best possible scenario, train the basics under the worst possible conditions because: “You can’t always change how it started, but you can change from here on, to alter the outcome! SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE…If you found this issue of the On the Circuit newsletter useful, please forward it to a friend or colleague who’d also enjoy it.Here’s a handy message you can use to share with your friends:Hey! Have you read On the Circuit? It’s a newsletter for Protectors — Each week you’ll receive an email giving you the low-down on what’s happening across the industry. Sign up here, it’s free: On the Circuit has you covered when you’re busy covering others.var lc_id=129159-0;The post Mastering the Art of Observation appeared first on Circuit Magazine.