Scott and his fellow trainees entered their final week at Ronin SA with a single objective: to prove they had the skill, discipline, and resilience to complete one of the most demanding close protection courses in the world. After four grueling weeks of training, assessments, and real-world simulations, it all came down to this.
Week five was not just about testing what had been learned, but about demonstrating operational readiness. Every decision, every movement, and every protocol had to be executed flawlessly. The final operation would determine who had truly earned their place in the world of professional close protection.
Day 20: Weapon Maintenance and Preparation
The final week began with a critical focus on weapon maintenance. Understanding firearms is one thing, maintaining them to an operational standard is another. Scott and his team were trained in the proper care, cleaning, and storage of their weapons, ensuring reliability under pressure.
Attention to detail in maintenance can be the difference between life and death in the field. Every component had to be inspected, cleaned, and reassembled with precision. This session reinforced that professionalism extends beyond tactical ability; it includes responsibility, discipline, and accountability.
Days 21-22: Hard Chats, Badge Test, and Practice Operation
The intensity ramped up as Scott and his team prepared for their badge test, a comprehensive assessment of everything they had learned. But before they could sit the test, they faced the "hard chats", direct, no-nonsense feedback sessions designed to ensure they understood their strengths and weaknesses.
Once the badge test was complete, the team moved into a practice operation. This was not a drill; it was a full-scale simulation designed to mirror real-world close protection scenarios. Every decision had consequences, every mistake was noted, and every success reinforced the importance of teamwork and precision.
Day 23: Final Operation Intelligence Phase
Before executing the final operation, the team had to gather intelligence, assess threats, and develop a comprehensive protection plan. This phase tested their ability to think strategically, analyze risks, and coordinate effectively as a team.
Close protection is not just about reacting to threats, it is about anticipating them. The intelligence phase required Scott and his team to demonstrate situational awareness, route planning, and contingency thinking. Every detail mattered.
Days 24-25: Final Operation and Graduation
The final operation was the culmination of five weeks of relentless training. Scott and his team had to execute a full close protection detail, managing every aspect from advance reconnaissance to real-time threat response.
Success was not measured by individual performance but by the team's ability to work cohesively under pressure. Communication, coordination, and composure were tested at every turn. When the operation concluded, the instructors delivered their final assessment.
Scott had done it. He had completed one of the most rigorous close protection courses in the world, earning his certification and proving that he was ready for the next chapter of his career.
What's Next for Scott?
With Ronin SA complete, Scott is now preparing to attend the Dorchester Collection Academy Hospitality Masterclass. Understanding the luxury hospitality sector is a crucial component of working with high-net-worth individuals, and this training will give him the edge needed to operate seamlessly in elite environments.
For those looking to follow in Scott's footsteps, The Ops Con is offering an exclusive discount for members. Prospective candidates can receive €500 off the Ronin SA course by mentioning "Ops Con" and listing info@theopscon.com as their referring partner.