President's Guard Unveiled - The World's Most Loyal Guardians

Author: Song Lizhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: On a sunny day, with crisp autumn air, the president was delivering an engaging speech on stage. Yet, he was unaware that danger was stealthily approaching. At the command, all bodyguards and counter-terrorism teams opened fire at the assassins, while the remaining terrorists also drew their guns and returned fire at the guards. This book provides a detailed introduction to the origins, selection criteria, training processes, and equipment of presidential guard teams from 17 countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. It also shares thrilling stories of their daring exploits in protecting national leaders, showcasing the security measures and characteristics of elite guards worldwide. Unveiling their mysterious identities and stepping into their lives, readers can experience both the hardships and joys of these guards.
Having weathered the of two world wars, peace and development have become the mainstream of today's society. However, localized conflicts, ethnic tensions, and the resulting terrorist organizations remain a significant element affecting global peace. As leaders of nations stand at the center of conflicts, they inevitably become targets of terrorist attacks. Over the past century, more than 500 heads of state worldwide have been assassinated. While most have narrowly escaped danger, these incidents have made it clear that ensuring the safety of national leaders has become an urgent issue. This book provides a detailed introduction to the origins, selection criteria, training processes, and equipment of presidential guard teams from multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. It also shares thrilling stories of their daring exploits in protecting national leaders, showcasing the security measures and characteristics of elite guards worldwide.
The Hardships of Guard Members
Presidential bodyguards can travel nationwide under the "presidential" banner, enjoying numerous privileges. In the eyes of U.S. citizens, they exude authority, but few people are aware of the dangers and hardships they face daily. The primary challenge for a bodyguard is maintaining a relationship with the person they protect—the president. It is well-known that mutual understanding and cooperation between protectors and the protected are crucial for effective security work. Agents often risk their lives to fulfill their duties at critical moments, but not all presidents are willing to form close bonds with their guards, as former Vice President Humphrey had.
Recent U.S. presidents have had vastly different attitudes toward their agents. Nixon, after being attacked by a mob in South America, was deeply grateful to his agents for resolving the crisis. Their relationship thereafter became cordial, and he often showed warmth toward them, inquiring about their families and sending flowers and gifts when they were ill. Ford treated his agents as confidants, often preparing egg sandwiches for them to warm up in freezing temperatures at night. On some occasions, when he was in a good mood, he would even brew coffee for them. Reagan, who had a background in Hollywood, quickly bonded with his agents after taking office, having previously portrayed heroic agents in films.
However, Johnson caused his agents great frustration. Once, when his daughter accidentally fell, Johnson ordered the agent accompanying her to be locked in the garden. Another time, while chatting in the car, Johnson unconsciously tapped the head of an agent sitting in the front seat with a newspaper, much to the agent's annoyance but with no way to express it. Carter, on the other hand, often ignored his agents, leaving them feeling neglected. Yet, agents preferred being ignored, as Carter's attention could make their lives even harder.
Once, while accompanying Carter to sign the Panama Canal Treaty, agents were caught in a storm. The convoy moved slowly through the city, and the agents running alongside it were drenched. When Carter stepped out of the car, he scolded them, saying, "You're such fools! You can't even find shelter from the rain!" Another time, agents designed a badge with the presidential seal at the center and the motto "You chose him, we protect him" around it. Carter flew into a rage and ordered it removed on the spot.
Carter occasionally played baseball with his agents but grew unhappy if he lost. Once, while jogging with Agent Smith during morning exercises, Carter, despite knowing his physical limits, refused to stop first, eventually collapsing. Later, he grumbled, "I'll see how well Smith can run when he's 54!" Despite the presidents' sometimes harsh attitudes, agents had to endure them for the sake of the president's safety. However, even as national leaders, some presidents retained a childlike, enjoying impromptu games during outings—a source of both anxiety and torment for the agents.