Gavin de Becker & Associates' Essential Protection Skills Academy 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 Essential Protection Skills Academy 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, CIA, 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.
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.
GDBA provides full scholarships to attend the Essential Protection Skills Academy to select candidates who might later be offered employment.
Protectors from corporations and agencies around the world have attended this academy, which is priced at $17,500.
Scholarship Details
How to Apply
The full scholarship includes 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.
If you are looking to train toward the goal of employment with GDBA, please click here to view our Open Positions.
Academy Dates
2026
2027
November
- Arrive on Monday, 11/9
- Training from Tuesday, 11/10 – Tuesday, 11/17
December
- Arrive on Monday, 12/7
- Training from Tuesday, 12/8 – Tuesday, 12/15
January
- Arrive on Monday, 1/11
- Training from Tuesday, 1/12 – Tuesday, 1/22
February
- Arrive on Monday, 2/8
- Training from Tuesday, 2/9 – Tuesday, 2/19
March
- Arrive on Monday, 3/15
- Training from Tuesday, 3/16 – Tuesday, 3/26
Questions?
You can contact the recruitment team by emailing careers@gdba.com.