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We’ve only attended Independent Security Advisors (ISA) training school for the dignitary protection training and we can only elaborate on the instructor Matthew Parker, his course curriculum and training tactics. And our conclusion is that ISA training exceeds the basic fundamental of EP.

November 18-24 of 2013, we attended ISA dignitary/executive protection training—March 2018, we attended ISA for the executive protection refresher course which was held at George Mason University in Virginia. Overall, we are pleased with the training and highly recommend ISA for your executive/close protection training and certification.

We selected to attend ISA because it has a unique training method that stands out from rest. Their training programs are the ONLY training in the nation that provides participants with a certificate that actually holds value in the Security Industry.

The CEO/President of Strategic Intelligence Solutions, Patrick Cox completed his seven-day training in Dignitary Protection in Maryland at the Prince George's County Police Training Academy.

Students who successfully completed the training all obtained a certificate from ISA honored by Prince George’s County Maryland Police Training and Education Division. In addition, the certificate is accredited by the Maryland Police Training Commission with 53 service hours which is transferable into credits for participants interested in furthering their education.

The experience is extremely informative and will provide you with the real-life knowledge that you can apply immediately in real life situations as it relates to protection, security, risk mitigation/assessment, surveillance, operations management, and threat analysis.

ISA in partnership with Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security assists students to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Security and Protection Management. By combining A ISA course with the Henley-Putnam web-based training program students receive both hands-on and theoretical foundation of dignitary and executive protection and they hope this partnership with an institution of higher learning is the first step in establishing a recognized national standard in Executive Protection training and accreditation.

This means members of law enforcement may also receive in-service training credits, and all students that already have an AA degree will receive credit towards a BA from Henley-Putnam. ISA program graduates will also earn scholarships towards Henley-Putnam Program.

In addition, (ISA) is a premier security consulting firm that specializes in Dignitary/Executive Protection, Security Consulting, Risk Assessment/Management, just to name a few.

Finally, ISA programs were vetted and accredited by law enforcement training commissions, now have been accepted as foundational core courses in the upper-level Strategic Security and Protection Management degree program.

A message of thanks to Matt Parker.
I just graduated your program in March at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. The entire week was stressful. Everything changing last minute, long days, etc. We knew why that was and we adapted and overcame.

Fast forward to a recent detail I did for a Supreme Court Justice the other night. It was exactly like the capstone we did in class.

The principal liked to play it loose and didn't want to be crowded. He preferred to go up stairs instead of elevators. Every contingency plan was used. He entered and exited different doors than we had planned.

I lead our team and worked well with the SCPOTUS detail, but even they knew how he was. Long story short, it was Matt's class that allowed myself, Ed Gannon, and Andy Sanavaitis - all recent graduates of the same class, to stand tall and roll with the punches.

Thanks again for a great class, Matt!

The 7 day Dignitary Protection class was outstanding. Matthew Parker is a great instructor with real-world knowledge. The course is fast paced, there's a lot of information coming at you in those 7 days but it's all presented in a manner that allows you to process & retain it. If you're motivated, I highly recommend this course. Whether you're a professional already in the industry looking to expand your skill set or just starting out; you will walk away with increased knowledge and new confidence in your abilities.

Lorelee Thurman;

Absolutely epic!! Ok, so, this is how it all started,...Day One, straight outta the plane and into the "think tank". We were going over how to do proper in-depth threat assessments with Matthew Parker, CEO/President of ISA, who put this entire course altogether and was doing a fabulous job by the way, and then at some point along the way, I suddenly saw Joe Autera, CEO/President of VDI, on the screen going over vehicle dynamics and how that all fits into executive protection details. He is amazing!! It's the only course I'd ever recommend for driving techniques. It was nice to see him again! Scanning the room, who do I see? Ron Sable, former SOF Green Beret and my classmate from Eric Parker's, #SelectInternational (PDS0416). Gotcha. LOL! But of course, there was a few graduates of Select International there.

The CEO/President and sponsor of the event, Chris Coleman, of Red 5 Security, was also a guest speaker. He was CAT Team Trainer for the CIA and a former FBI agent. Unbelievable start to a great week ahead from Day One and Two in a room full of heavy hitters and industry leaders. But, little did I know, there was so much more to come. Just wow.

I believe this was Day 3 when we were going over formations, cover/evac, attacks, mission planning, motorcades, more threat assessments and intel gathering. More group assignments that seemed impossible to complete. Out on the field most of the day in 28-degree weather. And of course, nothing is as it seems and then just when you thought you got a handle on things, everything switches last minute. Surprise! Kinda like what really happens in real time security details. 🙄 The drills were challenging, timed, and repeated until completed correctly by everyone. It was nice to see Carl, former US Secret Service, of Red 5 Security again and hear his story. I haven't seen him since the IPSB 2017 Close Protection Conference in Las Vegas. Loved the question/answer session! He is a world of knowledge. But overall, the day was intense, thought-provoking, and at times, physically demanding. It's a 511 cargo pants kinda day, and it's best to leave the heels at home for this one. Great day! Thank you, Matthew Parker!