Thermal imagery detection introduction on course
The most recent small group specialist close personal protection course was a dual country international course that enabled the exponents to undergo training exercises in Thailand, a country where the English language is not the primary spoken language, after completing their initial training at Camp Todd and Todd Group HQ in NZ.
This course also included our most current primary tradecraft CPO tactics and skills and the use of tradecraft training equipment such as thermal imagery and night vision for surveillance/ intruder detection.
The close protection specific close combat that we have been the specialist of for over 95 years included some of our most current trade-craft primary practices.
There was also recently added urban operator environment close protection skills instruction and information on the psychological realities and mental toughness requirements of being a CPO.
Specialist close personal protection like CQC are evolving/living trade-craft skills sets to ensure they stay ahead of the most current threats.
Exponents on our CPP courses volunteer and the course is not a pass fail but is based on proof of course completion.
We are not recruiters and do not make promises of work.
Former courses attendees that use their course completion as reference material can do so and we can provide contract holders of their applicants every strength and weakness levels of competency as identified on course independently.
This is very important to ensure contract holders know how applicants conducted themselves and performed on course.
The first week was conducted at Camp Todd/Todd Group HQ and included all the close personal protection required primary tradecraft practices.
Quick extraction of an injured protectee
Vehicle transfer practice under actions on
This meant exponents spent long days and nights in lectures and under practical hands-on training.
This training was conducted at not only Camp Todd but also Todd Group HQ and a satellite training facility for specific training.
These specialist close personal protection basic courses provide all the required skill sets to enable exponents to work civilian close protection in all roles.
From evasive and aggressive driving to CPP CQB/CQC and related defensive tactics, exponents were exposed to the very different required skills for protecting third parties over defending oneself by military self-defence or close quarters combat means.
High-level commitment and attention to detail are essential in the learning of such specialist tradecraft skillsets in close personal protection, just like they are vital attributes on the detail working close protection.
This course being a dual country international specialist close personal protection course made it a very different learning experience from undertaking training exercises in an English-speaking home country.
Once all the required lessons, training and practice was squared away to prepare exponents for live training exercises it was off to Auckland, Singapore and our final destination Thailand.
Departing course
In country, a quick setup of our control/lecture room was completed and a first-day introduction to the local surroundings.
Then it was off to undertake a maritime exercise advance to ensure the previously developed operational orders from a previous course were still current or updated as required.
This needed to be undertaken within 24 hours as these operational orders would be utilised the next day on the maritime exercise.
Maritime training exercise
The training exercises facet of the course also included continued advance work training required for the preparation of operational orders for future usage.
There was a road based exercise between Chonburi and Bangkok that included a business buying trip to meet up with Gat, the owner of Sandee boxing. This meeting took place at his Champion Muay Thai gymnasium Keatkhamtorn, where training was being conducted and the course got to observe this training.
Tank and Gat with course attendees and Muay Thai Fighters
The longest day road transport exercise included multiple Bangkok destinations that required pedestrian escort recently learned skills being put into practice.
Pedestrian escort navigating the Bangkok footpaths and walkways
Next up was a rail exercise back to Bangkok for the purpose of providing the protectee with protection in transit and at Rajadamnern Muaythai Stadium.
Rail transport training exercise
On conclusion of this final training exercise, the course undertook an IED search followed by some further close protection related close combat at one of the satellite training facilities at our disposal.
The completion of this specialist close protection course means it’s now time to prepare for the upcoming CQC courses circuit at multiple locations in Thailand.
The usual close personal protection training enquiries that tend to come in immediately post course have started with interest from former military personnel seeking a career in corporate or entertainment industry close personal protection.
Our in country staff and loyal allies were there awaiting our return after three years absence through the Covid-19 lock downs and travel restrictions and difficulties.
This was the first course we have conducted in Thailand since the first lock down and it was good to catch up with military and police friends along with facilitators and civi mil CQC enthusiasts.
