About Me

CAREER OBJECTIVE
- To continue operating with the uttermost commitment within the Hostile Environment Close Protection industry by utilising the experience gained within this high-risk sector.
- Will draw on key strengths, training and experience to provide future clients with the requisite level of protection, whilst enabling them to perform their duties with minimal disruption.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
- A diplomatic, professional and highly skilled individual who made the natural transition into the commercial sector after an actioned packed career serving in the Parachute Regiment.
- The training, comradeship and the experience gained in the Parachute Regiment and as part of the Special Forces Support Group, was to form the solid characteristics and the skill set that has proved to be a valuable asset within the high-risk, hostile environment arena. It was during operational deployments to Northern Ireland and Iraq (twice) where the ability of remaining calm, level-headed and resolute under pressure would be recognised by the senior management and colleagues. These were key traits that were brought forward to the recent tasks of operating on the FCO contract in Kabul and the SSSI contract in Basra.
- After entering the commercial sector was quick to gain a welcomed reputation of being an individual who could be relied upon to perform each element of the role to the highest standard. The resulted in being asked to assist with the training of team members and led to standing in as a Team Leader when required.
- The leadership, training and development of others has always been an area of interest, which stems from the time spent instructing within the army, and this enthusiasm to raise the effectiveness of the team has certainly not gone un-noticed and has proved beneficial to the previous project. It is hoped that future positions will include the opportunity of acting in the role of training instructor and provide the platform to gain promotion based on performance and capacity.
- You and your client can be assured that you will be gaining a professional, loyal and dedicated individual who will make a significant contribution to every task, which can be backed up by excellent references and appraisals.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Security Reconnaissance Team Leader
Security Escort Team Personal Protection Officer
May 2011 - Present
Olive Group, SSSI Contract in Iraq
- Worked for The United States of America Core of Engineers, providing close protection when going out on sight visits, and carrying out sight security surveys for them.
- Visiting project sides and areas of interest and collect, collate and disseminate required information to relevant US government agencies
- Team leader, involves, liaising with Clients, planning missions, Navigating, controlling the mission, and training local national team members.
- Skill set for contract included, mobile and static security, navigation signals, client protection and surveillance detection techniques.
- Primary purpose was to provide security to military and civilians during construction site visits and official liaison tasks.
Maritime Asset Security and Training
Mar 2011 - May 2011
- Provided Security consultancy and training to the crew of tankers transiting the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
- Trained the Crew on board on anti-piracy measures, advising them on the defences on the ship and providing armed guard during the transit missions.
PSD Operator & Acting TL,
Dec 2009 - Feb 2011
G4S Risk Management, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Operated on the FCO contract.
- Formed part of a 2 man team in driver and vehicle commander roles performing vehicle moves to high risk locations.
- Close protection during VIP visits from the British Royal Family and Government Ministers.
- Conducted surveillance and reconnaissance of venues at various provincial locations.
- Designed and implemented training to enhance the effectiveness of the operators.
- IBG for Embassy staff who were acting as independent adjudicators during elections.
- During the VISA issues in December, stepped up to the Team Leader role, taking on the planning of crucial protective operations and the command of the team members.
Surveillance Operator, Jul 2009 – Oct 2009
The Surveillance Group, Mainland UK & Northern Ireland
- Performed surveillance in order to gather information and intelligence for litigation support on behalf of insurance companies.
Lance Corporal, Feb 2002 - Jul 2009
Parachute Regiment (Special Forces Support Group), Global deployments & tours
- Operational Deployment to Iraq (Op Telic 1) in 2003 as part of a Rifle Company.
- Operation Deployment to Northern Ireland (Operation Banner) performing patrols, surveillance and convoy escorts.
- Passed JNCO course and was promoted to Lance Corporal.
- Formed part of the Special Forces Support Group tasked with providing reconnaissance and covert surveillance during special ops in Northern Ireland.
- Returned to Iraq with The Special Forces Support Group tasked with training and mentoring the Iraqi forces.
KEY STRENGTHS
- A team player who fully understands the importance of unity amongst the group.
- The requisite mindset and skills to operate effectively within the high-risk sector.
- Proven ability of remaining focused whilst subjected to risk and pressure.
- Willingness to take on higher responsibilities such as training and leadership.
- The experience to ensure that decisions are made in a reasoned and sensible manner.
- Quick to adapt to changing circumstances and new developments.
- Excellent communication skills including liaising with the client.
KEY TRAINING & CERTS.
- Security Management Diploma (Stonebridge Associated Colleges) – Distinction
- University Certificate in Protective Security (Buckinghamshire New University).
- BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Surveillance.
- Close Observation Platoon Course (COP).
- First Person on Scene Medic Course, Combat Life Saver & Team Medic training.
- First Aid at Work.
- Counter Terrorism Training.
- Static Covert Surveillance.
- Unarmed Defence Training.
- Communications Training.
- Weapons Training including U.S. State Dept. Standard Certificate on Sig 552 and Glock 17/19.
- JNCO Course.
- Anti-Ambush Training.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Year of Birth: 1982
Health: Excellent
Driving Licence: Full driving licence (including B, C &E plus armoured vehicles)
SIA Licence: 0830012522470534
Security Clearance: DV Cleared
Edward Cooke
