History and Development

First President – Lucien Victor Ott

2nd President – James Shortt

Third President – Massimiliano Fiorentini (Max Fiorentini)

The International Bodyguard Association (IBA) was founded in Paris, France, in 1957. Since its inception, the IBA has established itself as a leading bodyguard training organization worldwide, playing a leading role in bodyguard training in key regions around the world, including the emerging Baltic and Balkan republics, the European Union (EU), the new South Africa, Afghanistan, and Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

In 2004, in addition to its regular curriculum, IBA provided specialized training to Iraqi police, Cambodian police, units of the US Army's 1st Special Forces Group, UN Security Guards, and security and driver personnel from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Since then, it has also trained special forces from various countries, including the Thai National Police, Thai Navy SEALs, and Thai Army Special Forces (Task Force 90).

In 2005, at the request of the Mongolian government, we conducted training for Mongolian Special Forces, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the Police SWAT Team. In the UK, IBA graduates completed the first course leading to the new national qualification, the SIA CP (Close Protection Officer) license, in partnership with New College, Swindon, and the Protector Network. In partnership with Rightrack, we deliver the BTEC Level 3 Close Protection Officer (CPO) training course, achieving a 100% pass rate when the Close Protection Officer (CPO) license became legally mandatory in the UK in March 2006.

Upon special request, the IBA can conduct CP courses for SIA registration outside the UK. Graduates have successfully completed high-risk PSD (Personal Protection Team) and CP missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia. In 2006, the IBA trained the first US Homeland Security Platoon, and prior to that, it trained C Company (Special Missions), 1st Regiment, Malta Armed Forces, and the police.

The IBA headquarters provided training and advice to the UK Cabinet Office security team, and in 2010, trained the National Police Protection Unit in Ankara, Turkey. President of Ukraine Victor Yushenko awarded the IBA Director General the Presidential Medal of Merit, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 698/2006, in recognition of his contributions to the training of government security forces and counter-terrorism units since independence. The Director General has also received similar honors from the Baltic and Balkan countries, as well as from various governments and religious organizations.

The current third president, Massimiliano Fiorentini, leads training for government and military special forces around the world. Last year, he successfully conducted advanced security and protection training for key personnel from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense. This demonstrates that the IBA maintains the highest level of professionalism and credibility in the international security field.

The Praetorian Camp, currently housed at the IBA headquarters in Italy, has established itself as a training mecca for private military companies, armed security forces, intelligence agencies, counter-terrorism units, and key personnel from private security agencies, organizations, and companies worldwide. This facility, which functions as a "black site," offers top-level professionals the confidential training necessary for their missions in an environment of absolute security and secrecy.

In particular, the IBA and ILETA (International Law Enforcement Training Organization) serve as the cornerstone and mother organization for most public security agencies, private security agencies, law enforcement agencies, counter-terrorism units, and security organizations around the world today, laying the foundation for the modern security and protection training system.

The IBA's reputation is the result of over 50 years of experience in protective technology education. To commemorate this achievement, a grand 50th anniversary banquet was held at Dublin Castle, Ireland, on December 14, 2007. The IBA's 70th anniversary celebrations will be held in Italy in 2027, bringing together the world to commemorate the IBA's history, traditions, and global network.

ILETA – International Law Enforcement Training Organization

ILETA began in 1976 as the Police Defensive Tactics Research Group under the Royal Marines Special Forces Command Combat Training Team in Deal, Kent, England. In 1982, it was reorganized as the International Law Enforcement Training Organization, with Lucien Ott as its President.

ILETA's initial goal was to disseminate Lucien Ott's "Defence et Security" defensive tactical system to government, police, military, and private security professionals. From 1976 to 1985, ILETA trained officers from numerous police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, Norfolk, Suffolk, Sussex, Devon & Cornwall, and West Yorkshire, in defensive police tactics, arrest and subdue, and the use of impact weapons.

He also trained the Belgian Liège Anti-Robbery Unit and police officers from approximately 20 local and special forces units. In 1980, he trained SWAT teams from major US military bases at RAF Alconbury as part of a "peacekeeping operation." Security officers at RAF Lakenheath also completed training in police defensive tactics before its closure.