Gavin de Becker & Associates' Academy for Protectors remains the industry leader for public figure protection training. For more than 45 years, our firm has protected many of the world's most prominent public figures, led protection details for high-level executives, and is a National Security services provider.
Our San Antonio, TX training facility was built for Public Figure Protection Training. Our program incorporates techniques from Gavin de Becker's bestselling book, The Gift of Fear, and protection strategies conveyed in Just 2 Seconds, offering intense experiential training and real-world application.
Our instructors will share decades of public figure protection experience and evaluate every trainee through round-the-clock curriculum that includes: foundational concepts, protection at a fixed location, emergency medicine, use of force, water survival, advances, stress inoculation, and simulated combat. Every trainee will become a more proficient Protector.
Our full immersion in-residence training academy offers a rare training experience for Protectors and Security Professionals who are involved in Public Figure Protection.
The Academy for Protectors is purpose-built for practitioners.
The training prioritizes the most probable threats you will encounter in protection, ensuring preparation.
GDBA has trained and certified public figure protection specialists for decades, including professionals from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and the US Department of State.
"A highlight was seeing exactly what I am made of—being put on the spot and having no idea what I was about to walk into, acting on the fly, and learning how I respond to stress."
“I was a Training Sergeant in the police department for 10 years. The scenarios at GDBA were outstanding. The Instructors are very knowledgeable. This company has its stuff together!”
"I've been in the United States Army for 17 years, and I've conducted numerous training programs across my careers. This is the most extreme, mentally-challenging training I have ever experienced. The instructors are as knowledgeable as they come. "
"This training was as realistic as anything I have experienced. I was taken out of my comfort zone, stressed out, and was able to learn how I react in different environments. It was a very professional experience."
Certifications
Trainees who complete the course will earn a certificate in Public Figure Protection fundamentals—as well as CPR/First Aid certifications. Our courses have been used to fulfill continuing education requirements and State requirements for security personnel licenses.
Training Facility
Our Training Facility is designed to train tier one personnel from government, corporate, and private organizations.
GDBA provides barrack style accommodations, a daily continental breakfast and catered dinner. This is not a hotel-living experience; it is an intensive full-immersion training experience.
Attendance is limited and selective so that all trainees get substantial time to perform and interact with the Instructors and each other.
Upon receiving a request for Registration, our Training Committee will review the submission and advise whether your request to attend is approved.
Academy for Protectors
$17,500.00*
The tuition costs include lodging; some meals; course programs; required equipment; instructor costs; online access to course presentations and related reference materials; copies of The Gift of Fear and Just 2 Seconds; and a Certificate of Completion.
*An 8.25% Texas State Sales Tax will be applied to the invoice at checkout
Partial Scholarship
Our Training Committee allocates funds each year to provide training opportunities to deserving organizations. To apply for a partial scholarship, complete this form.
Reduced Rate for Groups
If a single organization sends 3 or more employees, all attendees will receive a $750 reduction.
More Course Options
Explore our Advanced Public Figure Protection Course—2 days of advanced training for Security Professionals directly engaged in public figure protection.
We offer additional curriculum beyond what is outlined on this page. If you're interested in developing a customized course, email us at contactus@gdba.com.
If you are looking to train toward the goal of employment with GDBA, please click here to view our Open Positions. Applicants invited to the Academy for Protectors course are awarded with a 100% scholarship to cover the cost of the training.
Academy Dates
2026
September
- Arrive on Monday, 09/14
- Training from Tuesday, 09/15 – Tuesday, 09/22
October
- Arrive on Monday, 10/12
- Training from Tuesday, 10/13 – Tuesday, 10/20
November
- Arrive on Monday, 11/09
- Training from Tuesday, 11/10 – Tuesday, 11/17
December
- Arrive on Monday, 12/07
- Training from Tuesday, 12/08 – Tuesday, 12/15
Questions?
Complete the form below, and we'll reach out to you to answer your questions.