Bodyguards can provide great personal and home security. Bodyguards have played an important role with protecting people for ages. Below are well known bodyguard organizations that have been present throughout history.
Praetorian Guard: The Praetorian guard were the bodyguards used to protect the Emperor’s of Rome. They eventually became a corrupt band of guards, who became a meddling and ruthless force. Their protective role ended by Emperor Constantine in 300 AD.
United States Secret Service: These agents safeguard the lives of the President of the United States, his family, and other notable government officials. It was originally formed to stop the growth of counterfeiting. The secret service were asked to start protecting the President from possible harm after the assassination of President McKinley in 1901.
Schutzstaffel (SS): Also known as the “Shield Squadron”, Schutzstaffel members were educated in Nazi ideology and were responsible for most of the heinous crimes during World War II. The close protection security Schutzstaffel began as an eight-man bodyguard team for Adolf Hitler in 1925. After the Nazi seizure of power in Germany, the SS reached nearly 1 million members, and were used to protect the internal security of the Nazi regime.
National Security Guard (NSG): An organization that protects the highest officials in India. They are referred to as “Black Cats” because of their black uniforms they wear with assault helmets. These bodyguards protect VIPS, rescue hostages, and respond to threats such as hijacking and terrorist activities.
Special Republican Guard (SRG): Also known as the Golden Division, this group was charged with protecting President Saddam Hussein. They responded to any rebellion or threat that rose on the President. They were around 1,500 men hand picked from clans that were loyal to Hussein’s regime before they were officially dissolved on May 23, 2003.
Swiss Guard: The Pope and other important Vatican officials are guarded by the Swiss Guards. They have held the office of guarding European courts since the late 1400s. The Swiss Guard bodyguards were created in 1480 by Louis XI to be used as his personal bodyguards..
Royalty, Specialist, and Diplomatic Protection Departments: Three departments of the United Kingdom specializing in protecting high ranking officials that have possibilities of threat from possible assassination or terrorist attempts. Each department are responsible for specific protection for VIPs of the UK, including the Prime Ministers and the Royal family. Royalty protection are also responsible for guarding royal buildings for home protection, as well as members of the Royal family.