ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the defensive tactics that actually work in real-life encounters with hostile and aggressive attackers. The size of the protective detail and the agents directly assigned to the principal will dictate the tactical plan. Effective combat techniques must be explosively quick, powerful, simple, and direct. This is what defensive tactics provide to the protective services. The takedown is a scientifically applied tackle in which the protective agent attacks one or both of the attacker’s legs. Takedowns, trips, and throws are methods of attack that allow the protective agent to fight down to the ground. The foot sweep is executed by the protective agent first grasping onto the clothing of the attacker at shoulder level followed up by jerking the attacker to disturb his balance. The roll and sweep techniques are the most effective ways to escape from the bottom position.
