That was the 2nd International Bodyguard Conference

Stefan is a lucky guy. He not only has the great honor of writing a review about the 2nd International Bodyguard Conference, which will be published on SPARTANAT and presented here. He also won a free spot at the 2nd IBC. Here is his story about the event:

Wodan Sequrity had announced a competition on Facebook. When I saw the post, I told myself that I had to win it so I could train with the best of the best. The task was to submit a picture of a patch or a t-shirt from the company. Since I really wanted to win and didn't have a patch or shirt, I decided to take a different approach. I got the company's logo tattooed and sent a picture for evaluation.

I could barely believe it when I won, I immediately called Ralf and got the first information. Here was the first time the perfection behind this event was revealed. Short concise announcements and I knew everything I needed to know in less than 5 minutes.Day 1 - Arrival

I started at 7 am and had a drive of almost three hours ahead of me. At 10 am, I reached the former barracks and saw Ralf sitting under a pavilion. He recognized me, came up to me and greeted me very kindly, which relieved some of the tension. For me, being in such circles is by no means an everyday occurrence. Ralf is a former GSG 9 officer and has also served in the SEK, a role model for me and a person deserving great respect.

The head of the company, Wodan Security, seemed relaxed and told me that I could find my room number on a list hanging at the entrance to the accommodation. I drove to the house where we were all accommodated and dropped off my personal items in the room.

Instructor Zero and Ralf "Wodan" Kassner

The accommodation no longer resembled a barracks, more like a country hotel. After stowing my things, I tried to relax a bit and sat down with Ralf under the tent, the sun was scorching. With water, which I received from Michael, an employee of ATAC, it was bearable. And a bit of chatting. Ralf then introduced me to the others who had arrived in the meantime. He told how I came to the place at the IBC and I had to show my tattoo because few could really believe it. The journey is the goal, and for this goal, I find the tattoo appropriate. The company Wodan stands for a good cause, so the tattoo was well placed even without the win.

For lunch, we had traditional cuisine and everyone strengthened themselves after the long journey.

The training started after everyone had gathered in the large meeting room. The Wodan Security logo appeared on the screen, and there was a little more talking here and there.

Ralf introduced himself and explained the program of the next few days. It was clear that safety is of the utmost importance for everyone and is particularly emphasized and should be. Safety First.Once all the trainers and instructors had been introduced, the participants were given the chance to introduce themselves briefly and say why they were here. Ralf briefly mentioned how I came to the course, and I was allowed to present my tattoo to everyone.

The course was entirely in English, as there were many international participants present. There were participants from England, Austria, Slovakia, Sweden, Luxembourg, Italy, Malta, Australia, Switzerland, and from Guinea Bissau..

Plus the companies BSST, Bonowi, UF PRO, and the Good Guys in Bad Lands, totaling 45 people!

The first theoretical exercise or the first scenario was presented. Participants were divided into two groups. The task was related to the theme of the Conference - Create a risk matrix for a 5-day PS operation with 2 SP in Somaliland. Further information such as strength, budget, and rough planning approach were given.. The task of the 1st group was to take over the planning, and the 2nd group created emergency scenarios and solutions, as well as an equipment list for the region..

All groups had the same time frame, and after the time had elapsed, the course leader asked us to present our results. It was then analyzed by him, and he presented a possible solution that he had personally developed to everyone.

Then the 1st Instructor from Team Wodan took the stage and started the T3C or TCCC seminar. It was about the most common and often severe injuries that can occur during a firefight, attack, or escape with the protected person. The Medic giving the course was absolutely highly qualified, internationally experienced, and up to date with training.

He managed to keep the attention level extremely high by switching between explaining and demonstrating. We learned how to use tourniquets, apply pressure bandages, and even how to puncture a lung. All the necessary equipment was provided. Some things were even demonstrated directly on volunteers. (e.g., an air tube through the nose) At the end of the course (Day 1), each participant received two tourniquets as a gift.On the first day, participants were taught and practically trained on the basics of tactical casualty care, specifically tailored to the field of PS. The main focuses of the preparatory training were mainly the treatment of the three avoidable causes of death in tactical situations such as bleeding control or adequate airway management. There was also an impressive presentation of material with the corresponding explanation of its use, as well as further training on medical aspects in the planning/preparation of operations.

Day 1 ended with presentations from exhibitors Bonowi, UF Pro, BSST, and Universal Shield

After dinner, everyone gathered for drinks at the ATAC Bar.

. Day 2 - Shooting with Team Zero

Personally, I had a rough night. Accompanied by the impressions of the previous day, the 2nd day could begin. Today was finally the day. The Medic training the day before was already amazing, but I had been looking forward to training with Zero for a quarter of a year. I trained following his example for a long time, and now I could finally experience it live.The day started with a good breakfast.

The participants gathered in the seminar room with full equipment, as agreed the day before. Instructor Zero and Ralf Kassner stood together in front of us, and the safety briefing began. The principle Safety First was clearly explained, and everyone was instructed on how to behave on the range.

Now it was finally time to go to the shooting range, which we had been able to see the night before, including a tour of the armory and equipment area.

As soon as we entered the range, all magazines and weapons were checked to ensure they were "dry" (unloaded).Many knew Instructor Zero from YouTube or Facebook and were curious about his explanations and training methods. After the check, Zero immediately started the course and explained the difference between shooting with the finger and shooting with the brain. This is also a component - albeit not the most essential - and the basis of his training. After about 2-3 hours of "dry training," the first magazines could be loaded. "Dry training" of each step is very important, as every move must be precise. Car shooting was scheduled for Sunday, and there is no room for mistakes in a car. Zero explained again that this is not a competition and no one needs to prove anything to him. We began shooting at specific targets in groups and immediately received honest feedback from Zero in person. The exercises progressed, and stress situations were deliberately included to test how well the handling was under pressure.Unfortunately, the end came too quickly, and the master prepared for one of his famous coffee bets, as seen on YouTube. Everyone watched eagerly to see what kind of shot he would pull this time.

Ralf had organized a barbecue for dinner, which could be smelled - except on the range - from afar.

Conclusion: The day was amazing but also mega exhausting. But one probably can't create a better basis for shooting than with these exercises.

Everyone ended the 2nd day with full bellies and pleasant conversations.Day 3 - Medic Scenario, Car-Shooting, Killhouse

Day 3 started with short briefings and group assignments.

The safety briefing for Car-Shooting was provided for everyone, and then the groups were divided, otherwise we would've lost too much time. Each group was assigned a trainer, and then it was time to start.

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