'BEEN THERE DONE THAT'
by Mark Mckinney

Ex-Sergeant in the Royal Scots James Izett left the Army 3 years ago and is now working with Armour Group in Iraq.

After a full career and numerous operational tours of Northern Ireland his final job before leaving the Service was as an instructor on the Northern Ireland Training and Assistance Team (NITAT). He wished to pursue a career in the security industry and after attending a Career Transition Workshop and consultation with his Resettlement Officer, he began his research for a security course that would fulfill all the criteria that he required. After much research he chose Ronin Protective Services of South Africa's Close Protection Officers' course. As he stated, 'It was the only course that had a pass or fail standard and was fully inclusive in that paramedical training, driving and firearms were included and were not separate more expensive additions. Also the opportunity to work with the South African Ambulance Services gaining operational paramedical experience was what clinched it for me'.

On completion of the course, having been thoroughly satisfied with his resettlement package, he went to Cape Town in South Africa working as a Close Protection Officer in the Cape Town area. After proving himself as a first rate Close Protection Team Leader he was selected by Ronin Protective Services and subsequently employed as an instructor in their training division. After 2 very successful years and working his way up to the Chief Instructor's position, he took a sabbatical in order to augment his skills in Iraq. After finishing his tour he will return to Ronin bringing his recent operational experience back to the company.