THE SECURITY PARADOX: WHY "IDIOTS AND LOAFERS" THRIVE AND PROFESSIONALS STRUGGLE (part three)

Security Global Ltd

The Descent into Chaos: From Misguided Priorities to the Era of Disposable Security

The initial failures of the "debriefing" stage, where quick fixes and misplaced priorities held sway, laid the groundwork for a new, even more perilous era: the age of "cannon fodder." The lessons of the past, instead of prompting a necessary course correction, were twisted and distorted to justify further cost-cutting and a continued disregard for genuine professionalism. The "idiots and loafers" not only survived, they proliferated, becoming the dominant force in the security landscape. This stage is defined by the ultimate devaluation of the security professional, reduced to a disposable commodity, easily replaceable and readily sacrificed. We'll delve into how this "cannon fodder" mentality took root, the devastating consequences it unleashed upon both security personnel and their clients, and how it continues to shape the industry even now.

STAGE THREE: CANNON FODDER

This stage, tragically, persists to this day.

Today, properly trained and organized personal protection is a luxury afforded to a select few. These are primarily individuals fortunate enough to have survived the initial chaotic stages of private security and learned from the bloody mistakes of others. A small number of savvy newcomers have also followed suit, understanding the critical need for robust security and allocating the necessary resources for its maintenance and constant refinement. However, these realists comprise a mere 10% of the business landscape.

The vast majority still cling to the delusional mantra: “Not everyone who wants to kill us will succeed.”

But, dear gentlemen, they will kill. They will kill again and again! It's a certainty, an inevitability. You won't escape it. How much effort do you expend daily on activities that directly contribute to this grim outcome? And your security? A paltry one and a half people, their skills long rusted by neglect and unpreparedness, still cling to their outdated “schedules,” utterly failing to plan for the unpredictable nature of tomorrow. What if an assassin emerges from the shadows? It happens. But you, blinded by hubris, refuse to be truly protected!

Most bodyguards aren't even at reception, where they should be, awaiting the Boss. Instead, they're “busy with work”—located anywhere but where they need to be: the garage, the hallway, or just wandering aimlessly—either in the car or on the street. Yes, they're present, a comforting illusion—but alas, at that critical moment, they are not protecting you.

Because they simply have no time to guard you.

When can they possibly draw a weapon if their hands are full with shopping bags? Or the beloved mistress’s poodle? Or some other utter triviality?

And all the while, a random passerby approaches with unsettling ease, delivers a message with a chillingly casual air, perhaps even accompanied by a disarming "hug." The fundamentals of the profession are ignored—they don't even know which outlets report the details of assassination attempts, successful or failed. And yet, these are the lessons they should be studying!

Consider Fidel Castro. Throughout his long and tumultuous life, he reportedly survived an astounding 637 assassination attempts! His would-be killers were a motley crew, ranging from naive Boy Scout aspirants to highly skilled agents from the world's most formidable intelligence agencies. They deployed every conceivable method: guns, mines, poisoned food and drink, laced cigars, even radioactive devices. And yet, they never succeeded.

He lived a long life! Because he was intelligent, because he learned from the lethal errors of others. He understood that safety is synonymous with life itself, for him and his loved ones. He even quit smoking, a testament to his commitment. Crucially, he took personal responsibility for his security from the very beginning. And he did it right. Because he always adhered to his security team’s instructions and didn’t presume to “know better.”

And what about us?

As the saying goes, a fish rots from the head down. The rot starts at the top.

Our leaders, it seems, are loath to emulate Fidel Castro. It's considered unfashionable, perhaps, to draw inspiration from him these days. But from whom, then, if even Reagan was nearly felled by a lone, deranged gunman? So, they decide to handle it themselves.

And they do handle it. They handle it according to their whims and fancies. They do, so to speak, everything "for themselves," prioritizing their own comfort and convenience above all else.

And in this self-serving system, the very concept of robust security is relegated to the bottom of the priority list, even at the highest levels of power. And what ensues is nothing short of a tragicomedy.

Need an example? Here's a chilling one for you.

In 1998, the author of this article, then a Witness Security Program (WITSEC) officer, was assigned to protect a high-ranking government official. This official, in a stunning display of misplaced confidence, declared: "Guard me as you see fit, but I don't want to see any of you near me." This edict effectively reduced the security detail to conducting external surveillance on the very person they were charged with protecting. And this surveillance had to be carried out from a vehicle, as any closer proximity risked causing offense. Foot escorts, preliminary site surveys—all fundamental security protocols—were deemed unnecessary. It was a ludicrous, dangerously simplistic approach: as long as the day passed without incident, everything was considered a success. It’s utterly baffling that this charade was labeled "personal security," and not some absurd game of hide-and-seek.

What happens next? The deeper you venture into this realm of flawed security, the more opposition you encounter.

And we can't escape this opposition. Once the "system" has been cobbled together from above, "the humiliated and the offended" begin their campaign to undermine it from within.

The first to revolt against the proper functioning of the security detail are the principal's inner circle: close friends, confidants, and secretaries—those who demand unrestricted access to the VIP.

The rest, for the moment, are intimidated by the guards and grudgingly comply with their "Gestapo" demands. But they soon begin whispering in the principal's ear, initially in jest, then with increasing seriousness, about the "overzealousness and harassment" of the guards. They, of course, have been with him for years, and they certainly "know" what is needed for his safety. Moreover, they feel obligated to report any perceived "abuses" perpetrated by the "Gestapo"—the guards. Their true motive, however, is to secure the same privileged status as the principal himself.

And they succeed! Not instantly, but with the relentless persistence of water wearing down stone. The principal, eventually, summons the head of security and politely requests (while still ostensibly requesting) that these favored individuals be exempt from the established security protocols. Any objections are met with the same dismissive response: "These are our people, and besides, security won't be compromised by one or two (five, ten, etc.) people." You just need to "work better."

But how can anyone "work better" when these "insiders" are systematically dismantling the security system, turning it into a sieve? It often seems as though they are deliberately dispatched for this very purpose.

Of sabotage and subversive influence. And if such individuals weren't operating practically everywhere, in every organization, this would be a grave accusation. And it too often is a grave accusation. Because they are sent. They are sent! Deliberately. By whom? You know who. Those who want you vulnerable.

If someone is truly your friend, why would they contribute to the erosion of your security? Why, through their influence, are you increasingly surrounded by unvetted and even completely random individuals? The higher the stakes of your enterprise, the fewer coincidences you can afford. Even if you're struck by lightning, someone will likely profit from it. After all, you hired guards for a reason, didn't you?

Consider this.

The interests of your "friends" may align with very specific objectives, irrespective of past fishing trips, shared desks, or long-standing business partnerships. This scenario deserves particular attention, because someone who once felt genuine affection for the owner of a small shop might now harbor deadly envy for the magnate he has become.

But let's refocus on our central issue.

Instead of a single "master" making arbitrary decisions, we gradually acquire a whole cohort of "untouchables," including even the "latest acquaintances" of these individuals, whom you may never see again. But you, the guard, the bodyguard, can only speculate about their origins and the potential risks they pose to the VIP you are charged with protecting…

At this point, effective security becomes a pipe dream. It's reduced to a mere ceremonial presence at a tomb—one that is not yet occupied. Not yet. Our candidate for the deceased is still reveling in his perceived invincibility, surrounded by his sycophantic courtiers (so-called friends), basking in his supposed triumph over his own security. But even this hollow victory is not enough for him!

And this is far from the culmination of this tragic tale!

From this juncture, open warfare erupts between the company's rank and file and the security service.

Having secured privileges for themselves, these "insiders" are far from satisfied. Swollen with self-importance, they begin issuing commands to the guards, demanding similar exemptions for their own underlings: "If someone comes to me (the third assistant to the junior dog groomer), then let them in without question, because they’re here on official business. And, in general, don't bother people."

This policy wreaks havoc on security protocols and, predictably, is met with fierce resistance from security management. This is, in effect, the death rattle of the security detail. But…

The "humiliated" cry out anew, and the "offended" weep crocodile tears. And they go straight to the Boss.

And the Boss, inevitably, capitulates. Personally.

And now, the end is truly nigh. The final.

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