Certified PSD Protection Specialist

ESI is approved by the Colorado Office of Veterans Education and Training
(COVET) for Veterans Education and Training Benefits.
ESI is also eligible for MyCAA - Financial Assistance to Military Spouses

“The film clip was produced and edited by Dead Reckoning Entertainment, and the still photographs were taken by Shin Tanaka, of Gunner DVD and Hideo Sasagawa, a photo journalist from Japan.”

ESI offers a PSD Protective Operations Course that parallels our world renowned Executive Protection Program designed for corporate and personal protection. The PSD Program can be taken as a full-time 28-Day Residency or a combination of Distance Ed and 15-Day Resident Training.

The program meets all the requirements of State Department's Presidential Security Detail (PSD) Protocols, and goes beyond these minimum standards to meet the changing tactics of Jihadis who attack convoys, protection details and their principals daily. Defensive procedures must adapt to the ever-changing tactics of a determined and intelligent enemy. ESI's PSD Protective Operations Course is taught by a staff that is competent and profoundly rooted in the operational side of high threat arenas. (Staff Resumes)

For information on student financing GO TO: STUDENT FINANCE PLANS

Chief Training Consultants for PSD Protective Operations.
Pete Dordal, Madison Webb and Glen Boodry, David Dick, Bruce Carleton, Craig Gundry

Pete Dordal, a 1984 ESI Graduate and former Marine Scout Sniper Instructor, is the principal advisor and consultant to ESI on PSD Protective Operations Program. Garda World, the Consulting and Investigation / Global Risks Group of Garda World Security Corporation, one of the most trusted consulting, investigation and security firms in the world, recently appointed Peter Dordal the Managing Director of International Security Operations for Garda World. In his position, he is responsible for the delivery of security services to a variety of government and commercial clients in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Madison Webb, an ESI Graduate and senior instructor for PSD Protective Operations and Carbine Operations for Protective Details. Madison served in Iraq on numerous direct actions, resulting in the capture of Al Qaeda cells and weapon stashes.

Madison Webb is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the CEO of Executive Solutions Inc. Serving over 24 years in the Marine Corps, Madison started his career in Twenty-Nine Palms and would serve in such places as Guam, Okinawa and Quantánamo Bay, Cuba. He has attended the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, Navy/USMC Intelligence School, Washington State Tactical Officers Association SWAT Training Course and is a certified Explosive Entry Technician, Close Quarter Battle Instructor and an USMC Small Arms Weapons Instructor.

His experience encompasses deep reconnaissance, direct action, counter terrorism, hostage rescue, executive protection, workplace violence prevention, surveillance /counter-surveillance and intelligence collection.

Glen Boodry is a 1992 graduate of ESI and has over 23 years of combined military, law enforcement and federal antiterrorism and counterterrorism experience.

Glen has spent the last eight years as a Team Leader and training supervisor for the US Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) Program – Mobile Antiterrorism Training Team (MATT-T) and is currently providing security oversight for a joint DoD/DOE – Special Access Program (SAP). Glen was an original member of the US Department of State’s Presidential Protective Security Detail (PSD) for the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai where he served as a Shift Leader (SL), sniper team leader, and member of the Primary Ring of Security (PRS).

David Dick has been called upon to serve in such venues as hurricanes, bombings, terrorist attacks, hostage takings in addition to locating missing children, adults and runaways. Both Ranger and David are continually requested at catastrophic locations to provide a sense of security and hope such as in Haiti. David has provided executive paramedic protective services and K9 detail to a variety of VIP's and visiting Royalty. He has experience working with a variety of Federal Agencies, Government Dignataries and Military Units. His expertise arises from preparing and training tactical paramedics and K9 handlers in dangerous and possible life treatening situations. He continues to teach with ESI as a field expert in tactical medicine. His medical qualifications include NREMT-P, A-EMCA, CCEMT-P, Tactical Paramedic Instructor, W-EMT, PHTLS, ABLS, ACLS, and AMLS. David’s multi-disciplinary TacSAR qualifications include Wilderness Survival Instructor; Advanced Tracking; SARTech; Rig Rescue Operator; Advanced Diver; Swift Water Rescue Tech; SERT; NRA Distinguished Expert, and Spec Ops Protection (High Risk Protection Specialized). His academic qulifications include advanced degrees in multi-sensory learning.

Bruce Carleton is a career paramedic/firefighter with the Portland, Maine Fire Department. He has provided EMS for busy urban EMS systems for over 22 years and has a wealth of hands on experience dealing with pre-hospital trauma care. Additionally he is a Tactical Medic with the Portland Police Department's SWAT team, and is an accomplished firearms instructor. He is a noted instructor in EMS, and has taught various EMS topics throughout the country.

Bruce developed and taught ESI's first responder medical course to resident students for several years. In 1994 Bruce was invited to Mexico to provide medical training for protection specialists assigned to protect provincial governors and wealthy industrialists. He is also a lifetime martial artist, accomplished in several martial art disciplines. Bruce is an active and successful competitor and coach in submission grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu events, including winning gold medals at the 2002 Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition. He is a student of longtime Carlson Gracie black belt, Julio Fernandez.

BATTLEFIELD TACTICAL FIRST RESPONDER
Exclusive to 28-Day PSD Residency

This course prepares combat zone contractors, EMT’s, Paramedics, Nurses and physicians to operate in the austere, hostile world of tactical operations whether it be convoy under assault in the Third World or a Forced Entry in an inner city.

The Tactical First Responder course is designed for YOU to take control and responsibility in the absence of a medic on scene. The course is best suited for law enforcement officers, security contractors and other health care providers. The concepts and techniques taught at ESI are the most current methods practiced in the military and is often referred to by other names, including Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Law Enforcement Life Saver, Save Yourself. Save Your Partner, Self-Aid, Buddy-Aid, Combat Life Saver, and First Responder, etc.

The Tactical First Responder student will be trained and possess the confidence to demonstrate the skills necessary to save a life while under enemy fire. In addition, the student will be tested on their understanding of non-emergency wounds, self-treatment techniques for burns, heat related illnesses and musculoskeletal injuries. The course incorporates lectures, discussions, hands-on skill stations, and individual instructor feedback. The course is built around realistic field training that culminates is high speed, stress induced, tactical drills and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).

Upon successful completion of the training and demonstration of mastery of the skills, each student will receive a certificate of completion in addition to their First Responder, CPR-AED Certification.

BATTLEFIELD FIRST RESPONDER COURSE OUTLINE:

• Phases of TCCC
• How People Die in Combat
• CBRNE & Field Expedient Decontamination
• Medical Equipment and Gear Selection
• Rapid Trauma Patient Assessment
• Assessment and Re-Assessment Care
• Pain Management
• Immediate Action Plans
• Management of Airway
• Management of Blast Injuries & Burns
• Management of Hemorrhage
• Management of Tension Pneumothorax
• Management of IV Fluid Administration & Shock
• Management of Chest Wounds
• SERT –Special Extraction Rescue Techniques
• Medical Aspects of Specific Operations
• Medical Threat Assessment & Medical Preplanning
• Patient Evacuation
• Patient Medical Information
• Bandaging and Splinting in the Field
• First Aid / CPR /AED Certification

SWAT TACTICAL FIRST RESPONDER
Exclusive to 28-Day PSD Residency

ESI’s SWAT tactical medicine program is a challenging, dynamic course of instruction that prepares EMTs, Paramedics, RNs, PAs or physicians to operate as tactical medical backup to SWAT Team forced entry operations. The course uses lectures, skill labs, reality based scenario role playing evolutions and field training exercises to prepare the EMS provider to operate in the tactical environment. Students will not only learn state of the art tactical field medicine, but they will be introduced to basic tactical team movement and tactics. These skills will be reinforced with integrative Force on Force scenarios, seamlessly combining tactical medicine and tactical operations.

SWAT Tactical Response Course Outline:

• Tactical Medicine/TCCC History and Development
• Team Health and Medical Assessments
• Preparing Mission Medical Threat Assessments
• Advanced Airway Procedures:
  • ET Intubation, Cricothyrotomy, Improvised Ventilation in Tactical Environments
• Advanced Bleeding Control Procedures:
  • Tourniquets, Hemostatic Agents and Combat Pressure Dressings
• Sucking Chest Wound Seals an Thoracentesis
• Rapid Trauma Assessment Under Fire
• Rapid Evacuation Techniques of Downed Officer or Subject
• Aero-medical Evacuation
• Long Term Medical Support and Logistic for Extended Tactical Operations
  • Logistics and Planning for Extended Operations
  • Hydration, Nutrition, Heat or Cold,
  • Fatigue Factors
• Environmental Medical Concerns for Tactical Operator
  • Care Concerns for Deployed Snipers
• Team Movement and Tactics
  • Individual Team Member Role and Responsibility
  • Noise and Light Discipline
  • Unit Movement
  • Perimeter Control
• Team Entry and Building Clearing
  • Basic Building Blocks of Room Entry
  • Immediate Threat Concept
  • Disciplined Fields of Fire
  • Working as a Cohesive Team
• Dynamic Vs Slow and Deliberate Clearing Options
  • When to Use Each
• Subject Control and Cuffing
  • Medical Responsibility
• Remote Assessment and Medicine Across the Barricade
  • Assessing and Treating Injured Officer/Subjects/Hostages from Remote Location
  • Providing Medical Instructions via Communications
• Self Aid/Buddy Aid for the Tactical Officer
• Practical Skills on How to Survive Lethal Assault
• Tactical Gear, Equipment, Medical Kits
• Force on Force Scenarios
• FTX – Medical and Tactical Skills Assessment and Graded

COMBATIVES
EMPTY HAND CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT
Exclusive to 28 Day PSD Residency

A three time Gold Medal winner in International Brazilian Grappling, Phillippine and Koran fighting arts, Bruce Carleton has evolved a simplified CQC system for non-martial artists, SWAT Teams, SERE and special military units. It is a form of Stand-Up Grappling designed to blitz the opponent, suddenly and violently. This course combines elements of Stand Up Grappling, Jujitsu and Kick Boxing.

This approach is infinitely flexible in that the operator can insert weapons (blunt, edged, firearm) into the control positions...while the same tactics apply to ALL the operators, the individual pieces can be mixed and matched. For example termination can be in the form of a neck break, a rear naked choke, a spinal compression, blunt trauma, etc. It could be that the operator initiated empty hand, then accesses a blade or firearm from the primary control point to terminate the threat. Same holds true for restraint or incapacitation.

The above blends seamlessly with STAB which is an extreme close quarter/last resort empty hand response to an all out blade assault...same tactics, same control strategy, same responses from the bad guy, same finishes (including access to firearms, blades, etc.). If follows the same 3x3x3 Rule. Therefore it is easy to assimilate to the students on top of their empty hand tactics.

It is not fancy, nor is it meant to be comprehensive...covering every possible method of attack/defense. It is meant to provide a generic approach to close quarter assault survival that is flexible and a template to build from or add to if the operator wishes to. It is easy to learn, easy to teach, easy to use and works very well with resistance.

• The Principle
  • Keep it Simple and Savage
  • Keep Control
  • Stay on the Offensive
  • Develop Power for Short Range
• Objective:
  • Restraint
  • Incapacitate
  • Terminate
• Aggressive Defense:
  • Attack
  • Three Point Cover
  • The Helmet
  • Crash The Line
  • Don’t Hang in the Middle Range
• Clinch Reference Points
  • Center Clinch
  • Side Clinch
  • Rear Clinch
• Striking Tools
  • Upper Body Tools
  • Lower Body Tools
• Close Range Handgun Disarms
• Carbine Disarms
• Weapon Retention
  • Handgun
  • Carbine
• Take Downs and Defenses
• Practicing Techniques

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVES
Exclusive to 28-Day Residency

This course consists of a careful collection of documents from government agencies and private sources that analyze a wide variety of terrorist deployment of improvised explosive devices. ATF documents the application of VBIEDs and IEDs by Al Qaeda worldwide, their targets of attack and the means of delivery. The course discusses the wide spread use of shaped charges and land mines by Al Qaeda and Insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan that account for more than 50% of American troop fatalities. The course covers the use of suicide bombers, their motivations, recruitment and sacrificial suicide.

• PSD Protection Duties and Responsibilities
• Identification of Types of Explosives
• Sources of Explosives
• Sensitivity and Initiation: Firing Train, Initiators, Firing Systems, Methods of Initiation
• Tools of the Trade
• Commercial and Military Explosives
• Home Made and Incendiary Devices
• Triggering Mechanisms
• Search Procedures: Search of Buildings

PROTECTIVE OPERATIONS
Included in Both 28-Day and 15-Day Residencies

The PSD Protective Operations course is focused on the basic concepts and building blocks of Protective Operations in a Combat Zone. Emphasis of training is live action exercises and team operations. The course will cover the following:

• Protective Operations Orientation
• Low Profile Protective Details in High Risk Zones
• Threat Assessment
• Advance Operations
• Personal Security Detail Operations
• Protective Intelligence
• Protective Driving
• Protective Shooting
• Special Protective Issues
• Performance Evaluation

The course will begin with an overview of the requirements, duties and responsibilities of a Protection Agent in High Risk environments, including a summary of State Department Protocols for Presidential Security Details (PSD). From the understanding of the operational procedures of enemy tactics, the principles of protection simultaneously evolve and remain constant. Universal protective principles of Cover & Evacuate, Advances, Threat Assessment and Surveillance Detection are taught as constants, but adapting to the tactics of terrorists and the changing needs of the principal.

Students learn the importance of route selection, accurate intelligence and analysis. Emphasis is placed is on methods and strategy to prevent attacks on the Principal or the Team. However, the student will become proficient in the skills necessary to defend against organized assaults, Attacks on Principal (AOP) Drills, Cover and Evacuation and apply AOP Drills in simulated urban ranges. Lessons include:

• The Threat, Types and Case Studies
• Principal Vulnerability Assessment
• The Protective Operational Plan
• Principal Briefing

ADVANCES AND SITE SURVEYS
Teaching Blocks for Both 28-Day and 15-Day Residencies

This component of the training addresses the art of conducting Protective Advances for single-agent and multi-agent details. Pre-Departure Preparations, Site Surveys, Reports and Presentations will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will perform Advances in live urban environment, and learn how the entire protective mission relies on the thoroughness of the Advance, accurate intelligence and pro-active measures.

Beginning with the Principles of Protection, the course covers a wide range of activities and operational skills required on a Protection Detail. Students learn via lecture and discussion, then reinforced learning via a series of practical exercises. Lessons include:

• Counter-Surveillance
• Formations / Working the Principal
• Assault on Principal (AOP)
• Security Posts
• Command Posts
• Identification
• Communications
• Control Tactics
• Protective Equipment

TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE & COUNTER SURVEILLANCE
Included in Both 28-Day and 15-Day Residencies

Technological advances have broadened the Protective Agents' capability to effectively use Security Equipment in support of the protective mission. Instruction is provided in a format that allows the student to obtain a basic understanding of how the technical hardware operates, and where each system can be best employed during Protective Operations. Conducting a proper explosives search of buildings, areas and vehicles is thoroughly demonstrated. Lessons include:

• Contingency Planning / Managing Major Events
• Special Mission Posts
• Technical Surveillance & Countermeasures
• Physical Security
• Bomb Threat Planning / Bomb Incident Management
• Explosives Recognition / Explosives Search
• Improvised Roadside Bomb Attacks

CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE SHOOTING
CARBINE & HANDGUN IN PROTECTIVE OPERATIONS
7-Days
Included in Both 28-Day and 15-Day Residencies

The Protective Operations Shooting course is organized into two sections: 3-Day Basic CQB Carbine and Handgun and the 4-Day CQB Tactical Carbine and Handgun Protective Operations.

3-DAYS CQB BASIC CARBINE & HANDGUN

The 3-Day Basic CQB course gives the student the basic shooting skills necessary to qualify with a carbine and handgun. The student must be a Level 1 graduate of ESI EP Shooting Course, recent Military or current Law Enforcement service. The course will cover the following:

• Safety, Stripping, cleaning, assemble, function check of the weapon
• Fundamentals of marksmanship (Primary & secondary weapons)
• Weapon presentation drills (Primary & secondary weapons)
• Load / unload drills (Primary & secondary weapons)
• Administrative, tactical and speed reload drills (Primary & secondary weapons)
• Weapon malfunction drills
• Weapon transition drill and Combat speed shooting
• Single / multiple shots and targets
• Target identification drills
• Stationary turns
• Shooting on the move and Lateral shooting
• Firing positions (kneeling, prone, squatting)
• Barricade shooting
• Strong / weak hand drills
• Night shooting
• Two man / four man team tactics

At the end of the Basic CQB course there is qualification evaluation for primary & secondary weapons and tactics evaluations. The student must pass the qualification test and staff personal evaluation to qualify to enter the Tactical CQB course. If the student fails to pass the minimum shooting qualifications and staff evaluation, he will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. The student will have the option of returning for remedial training or terminate the Program.

4-DAYS CQB TACTICAL CARBINE & HANDGUN

The 4-Day CQB Tactical Carbine & Handgun course builds on the basics and quickly moves on to higher skill sets. This course will stress the critical importance of immediate and aggressive reaction to assaults or ambushes. Teams will perform Immediate Action Drills (IAD) repeatedly until a coherent response of each team member can be predicted in actual convoy ambushes or protective formations. Once the student is able to demonstrate safe and accurate carbine fire in the basic building blocks of the Course of Fire, the student will advance towards tactical maneuvers in Vehicle Convoys, Assaults on Formations and Assault of Principle, Multiple Threat Response and tactical awareness skills. The IAD drills will focus on reaction to 360 degrees of assault, shooting positions, clearing of the weapon stoppages, re-engagement, accuracy under stress and movement.

Students who complete academic and practical components of the PSD Protective Operations Program will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and an ESI PSD Protective Operations Credential. The Tactical Shooting course includes:

• Door Entry Drills
• Stress drills / Shoot No Shoot
• Shooting from in / around Vehicles
• Initiative Based tactics (IBT)
• Advanced Room Clearing
• Advance Mission Planning
• Ballistic Breaching / Mechanical Breaching
• Stress Shoots Day / Night
• Tactical Movements Under Fire
• Suicide Car Bombs Moving target engagement
• Target Indication / Identification
• Barrier / Medium shooting

*Students without recent military or law enforcement experience (within the last three years) will be required to complete ESI’s 5-Day Executive Protection Handgun Course with an 80% or better as well as Pass the 3-Day Basic CQB Carbine & Handgun course in order to participate in the Tactical Carbine & Handgun class.

MOTORCADE AMBUSH RESPONSE
CAT TEAM RESPONSE
Included in Both 28-Day and 15-Day Residencies

This final block of instruction is a simulated terrorist assault on convoy with pyrotechniques. Student teams are expected to respond to the assault and protect assets. The course will stress firing from moving vehicle, target engagement and response to convoy ambush.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Students are evaluated in each skill area taught, using a variety of techniques, including practical application exercises and written examinations. These include:

• Advance Exercise
• Formations Exercise
• Attack on Principal (AOP) Exercise
• Driving Exercise
• Shooting Exercise
• Immediate Reaction Drills (IRD)
• Final Training Exercise (FTX)
• Written Examination
• Instructor Performance Appraisal