Executive's Guide to Personal Security

Rating:
Summary: Helpful Information
Review: I am buying several more copies for my staff. I found this information to be enormously useful. In particular, the information on overseas planning for medical emergencies was great. Also, the suggestion that we check in with the local embassy upon arrival overseas was something I had never done before. The embassy staff was great and not only gave us some valuable information but also gave us additional advice on places to stay and visit ect.

Some of the information was unecessary. I am a corporate traveler and really only needed to know the basics. Some of the book is a bit too detailed, especially the parts on counter-surveillance and body armor. Overall, very helpful and already made a difference.

Rating:
Summary: Executive's Guide To Personal Security
Review: I am giving this book three stars since it never explores any aspect of personal security in detail. I found it amusing that the authors make a point of reminding you to check in with the local embassy, so you can get the lowdown on the situation and receive other recommendations made by the staff. The reality is that embassies don't have the time nor the staff to provide you with such information. For a serious look at travelling abroad, consider picking up a copy of Dangerous Places.

Rather than the authors telling you how to survive a potential car attack and what points you would ram into (for example when two cars are blocking you from the front), they recommend you attend driving schools. In case you are wondering about the answer, you would ram into the front or rear of the cars at an angle (keeping in mind that the engine is usually located in the front and it would take more force to spin it and move through it). This information is readily available.

"If all else fails, get into the tub and immerse as much of your body as possible, covering your head and face with wet towels." This is what they recommend in a hazardous fire situation. The reality is the flames would vaporize the water and you would be toast. Instead, consider travelling with a small hydraulic tool that can move falling debris and breach through walls using hydralic force, rather than floating around in a tub.

In my opinion, the reason this book does not quite deliver is because neither author was trained in the combat trades. Former military types who served in the infantry and special operations forces (SOFs) will be able to offer much more insight into close protection, CQB, AT/FP, E&E, first aid, weapons and survival tactics for the executive interested in personal security.

Surprisingly, the book does not cover threat assessment in any length. If you are being targeted for violence and stalked, consider reading the Exceptional Case Studies Project (ECSP), which is available on the internet.

The book is well written and the best chapter is 15, which deals with IEDs and bomb threats.

Having served in the combat trades, I think the book is lacking in subject matter.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific source
Review: I am purchasing an additional 3 copies for my staff. I found this book to be very helpful and certainly provided a lot of practical information. Especially useful was the section on medical emergencies overseas. Our company's health plan does cover medical needs abroad but many of our employees declined in-house coverage because their spouses had covered them with other policies. Many of those folks were not covered when they traveled. Also, we got into the habit of registering with the local embassies when we traveled to problematic regions. This was something we never considered before but was helpful. The embassy staff gave us good recommendations as far as security was concerned and even provided some additional information as to good places to eat, visit and shop.

Some of the information was too detailed. As a business traveler I didn't need to know that much about counter-surveillance and body armor. Interesting though not helpful to me personally.

Overall a good source.

Rating:
Summary: Are You Prepared???
Review: Originally, I bought this book with my business in mind. I felt that we really needed to keep abreast of the latest techniques in security. Living in a nice, quiet community, I didn't have too much concern about my personal security. Boy, did this book open my eyes! I highly recommend this book for everyone---particularly businesses of all sizes. At home or abroad, especially in this day and age, we need to be alert. You will be as surprised as I was to discover all the risks that are out there to your company, yourself and your family. The authors have thought of everything; certainly things that the average person would surely overlook. Don't get caught off guard. Arm yourself with the latest ideas in security and anti-terrorism. Buy this book! You won't be sorry.

Rating:
Summary: Are You Prepared???
Review: Originally, I bought this book with my business in mind. I felt that we really needed to keep abreast of the latest techniques in security. Living in a nice, quiet community, I didn't have too much concern about my personal security. Boy, did this book open my eyes! I highly recommend this book for everyone---particularly businesses of all sizes. At home or abroad, especially in this day and age, we need to be alert. You will be as surprised as I was to discover all the risks that are out there to your company, yourself and your family. The authors have thought of everything; certainly things that the average person would surely overlook. Don't get caught off guard. Arm yourself with the latest ideas in security and anti-terrorism. Buy this book! You won't be sorry.