logo   t
 

Filling A Void: Taiho-Jutsu
And Armored Car Personnel

When one thinks of law-enforcement and its allied branches, rarely is the profession of armored car driver included. While to some it may seem a stretch to consider this profession a branch of law-enforcement, it is, in fact, a combination of two fields: security and executive protection.

To elaborate, let us first look at the average qualifications one must meet to enter this field. The minimum age for a candidate for this position is either 18 or 21, depending on the state one resides in. An interview process includes an evaluation of the candidate’s mental state and attitude. An F.B.I. background check is done, not simply as a routine process, but because if monies are to be transported from a bank and a robbery should occur, it would fall under federal law-enforcement’s jurisdiction. A clean record in drug and alcohol use, and driving history is mandatory.

Glancing briefly at the nature of the position, primary responsibility is the transporting of monies and/or other valuables from one location to another. Here is where we see the merging of the two fields mentioned above. From the perspective of the security field, there is a product that must be kept secure. The object is in a mobile transport, which makes it unique, but it is security nonetheless. However, because the object to be protected is in fact mobile, there are elements of executive protection which come into play. Both high-level security and executive protection are dangerous tasks. Particularly when extremely large amounts of money is involved, those protecting it often become "easy" targets. As such, the training for armored car personnel is extensive.

 

 

t

As examples, depending on the state, each member of the staff must undergo anywhere from 26 to 55 hours of firearms training, which is ongoing after hiring. The firearms training focuses on the handgun, but, depending on the employing agency, it may include shotgun training as well. In addition, there is training in procedures, which includes defensive and evasive driving, the learning of applicable government codes, and administrative matters. (As an aside, given the extensive training and high-risk nature of the position, the pay scale is not particularly high, especially when compared to other branches of law-enforcement).

At no time in my research that I come across any required training in unarmed defensive tactics. The extensive use and even emphasis on firearms is understandable given the nature of this work. However, to overlook and neglect unarmed training not only puts the object guarded at risk, but places the personnel guarding it at risk. It is erroneous and foolish to assume that if there is a threatening situation, the individual will be able to either evade or have time to reach for a firearm, particularly if the assailant is close. Taiho-Jutsu, as a minimum means of defense, would seem to be not merely a valuable addition, but an ideal system which could literally save the guard’s/driver’s life. It is a void which truly needs to be filled. Glaringly, taiho-jutsu would seem to have the techniques to fill this void with life-saving methods.

Return to Table of Contents