Memory is a skill that is vital to the protection industry. However, knowing this and being able to apply it are two very different things. Here's how for the EP worker looking to expand their memory abilities.

The first thing I recommend is to start simple. Read about the memory and how it works in the brain. This is an essential part of applying memory skills. A simple overview would include:

Memories work via storage systems in the brain. When we form new memories, we automatically encode them in different places. The memory begins with this encoding process. Any sensory process, such as sight, sound, smell, etc, can bring this about. The memories then go into storage in working, short-term, or long-term memories. Working memory is the shortest span of memory storage, lasting only for a few seconds. Short-term memory lasts slightly longer, and long-term memory lasts the longest period. Memories are also divided into episodic and semantic memories within the long-term memory area. ...

One area that is lacking in skills taught for the executive protection field is memory. Several things I have come across mention memory only in passing or even mention instead to “take notes” because no one has a perfect memory. To an extent no, no one has a perfect memory. However, that shouldn’t negate the importance of training one’s memory skills to match the level of every aspect trained in this field.

I’ll put this into perspective for those who might not see its importance. Imagine that you are on a protection detail of some sort, you see a suspicious character that needs keeping an eye on. However, said suspicious character moves out of your line of view, and now you have to communicate with your colleagues what the character looks like and why you pegged them as suspicious. But… you can’t remember what color shirt he wore, what his face looked like, or if he appeared to have a weapon. It was too instinctual to be aware of the main details for others to use. These memory laps...