Hostile Environment Security Training Standards Research
Harry Glover's groundbreaking research tackles one of the most pressing issues facing the private security industry today: the urgent need for standardised training in hostile environments. With conflicts across the Middle East, civil unrest in African nations, and rising global terrorism, private security companies have rapidly expanded to fill critical gaps left by military forces.
This comprehensive study emerges from a concerning reality - despite operating in some of the world's most dangerous locations, many security personnel receive minimal formal training before deployment. Glover's investigation reveals how this training deficit creates serious risks not only for security operators themselves but for clients, team members, and innocent civilians caught in volatile situations.
Through extensive surveys involving 251 respondents across military personnel, security companies, commercial clients, and security operators, the research exposes significant industry-wide concerns. Perhaps most telling is that 86% of commercial sector respondents felt private security personnel were inadequately trained, while 69% of security operators themselves acknowledged training deficiencies across the board.
The study's methodology combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights gathered from industry forums and open-ended responses. This dual approach provides a nuanced understanding of stakeholder perspectives, revealing unanimous agreement that military background remains crucial for hostile environment work, while highlighting the desperate need for recognised qualifications and standardised training protocols.
Glover's proposed solution centres on developing a Hostile Environment Close Protection Officers (HECPO) course, building upon existing UK Close Protection training with specialised modules covering cultural awareness, weapons handling, contact drills, and legal frameworks for armed conflict. The research demonstrates clear industry appetite for such standardisation, with overwhelming support for baseline training requirements.
For security industry professionals, training providers, and organisations operating in high-risk environments, this research offers evidence-based insights into creating safer, more effective security operations. The findings make a compelling case for immediate industry collaboration to establish formal training standards that could save lives while enhancing professional credibility.