Security: A Calling Not Just a Career

Passion vs. Profession

Finding one’s passion in a line of work is a true gift indeed. Although never attributed to one specific individual, intellectuals like Mark Twain and Confucius are often cited as coming up with the adage: If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. While this is a wonderful sentiment and blessing for many, there are other careerists who see what they do for a living as more than just an enjoyable physical task - it is something they were either called or destined to fulfill.

Even though salary, medical benefits, a 401K, etc., are critical to sustaining a contemporary lifestyle, ascribing one’s career as a calling rather than a profession allows for a richer (and not necessarily monetary) experience.

A Path to Protection

As someone steeped in his faith as a Roman Catholic and who shares this within his family, the path to protection was something I felt was more of a calling rather than just a profession. Those who I have had the pleasure of meeting in person at various global security conferences and events often see me with a Vatican lapel pin on my suit. This has a double meaning - it is not only symbolic of my faith but also of my passion for protection and those who inspired me to go into the security field: The Pontifical Swiss Guard.

Moreover, the security protocols and procedures of the Swiss Guard - and, in my opinion, the overall protection of Vatican City - embody a perfect example of protection in depth, or what is known as the concentric circles of protection. Many parallels can be found between this structure and the concepts of Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM).

Layers of Vatican Security

Vatican City, specifically the Apostolic Palace, has been the residence of the Pope since the 14th century. As an important and highly publicized figure, the Pope understandably requires a high level of security. Not including his missions to other countries, the Pope’s security detail within Vatican City follows a three-layer (i.e., three-circle) protection system.

• Outer Circle – Rome, Italy
  Before crossing into the smallest country in the world, one must first come into contact with Rome and its first line of protectors, the Roman Carabinieri. These men and women carry out domestic policing duties for the city of Rome and also oversee security on the cusp of Saint Peter’s Square.

• Second Circle – Vatican Police
  Once inside Vatican City, covering only 0.6 miles (109 acres), one will encounter the Vatican Police (Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano). They are responsible for policing the Vatican grounds, including the exterior of the Apostolic Palace and buildings associated with Vatican City.

• Inner Circle – The Swiss Guard
  The Pontifical Swiss Guard is responsible for the final and most critical layer of protection, covering the Apostolic Palace, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Apartments. They serve as the Pope’s primary protectors, safeguarding him, the Cardinals, and key Vatican entry points. While they are easily recognizable by their colorful uniforms - designed by Michelangelo - and medieval-style armor, they are also trained in modern security techniques and equipped with contemporary weapons.

These countermeasures, combined with physical security equipment such as x-ray machines and global security operation centers, form a seamless blend of physical and personal protection that ensures the safety of the head of the Catholic Church.

Hard Work and Dedication

Those who experience great pride in their work and see it as a calling rather than a profession cannot expect it to come easily. While I firmly believe that theological elements play a role—based on my faith and upbringing - one must also take proactive steps to achieve their passion and turn it into a reality. Hard work, dedication, and honing one’s expertise in their chosen field is not an overnight process.

I remain extremely blessed to have been invited to write, contribute, present, and be recognized for my contributions to the security field. However, humility and a clear understanding of the prime objective - protecting others - remain at the forefront.

Each of us has a drive or passion. I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of global security professionals whom I am proud to call friends and colleagues, as we share a collective commitment to the safety and security of family, friends, colleagues, and self. In the end, it’s not about the size of your paycheck or the strength of your resume - it’s about the size of your heart and the strength of your character.

Editor's Note: Please excuse our American friends' spelling - we let this one slide! F.B.