1. Well, obvoiusly the first job of a bodyguard is to make sure that no harm comes to his or her client. Her? Yes, today many bodyguards are women, because they are more inconspicuous, and many attackers do not think they are a threat. In fact because oher parts of the job are more important than physical strength, women make very good bodyguards.

2. So where do bodyguards come from? Many have military backgrounds, and others come from government agencies, such as the United States Secret Service, which have the job of protecting important politicians. These days some private companies offer training for bodyguards, and other security companies train their own people.

3. Bodyguards do not have any special priveleges under the law. They are only allowed to carry guns or other weapons in very special circumstances. And if they injure or kill anybody in the course of their work, they will have the same problems with the police as any other person would have.

4. People need bodyguards for different reasons. Some people do not need them at all, but like to have them to feel important. Celebrities are often in danger of attack from disturbed people, and need protection as do some politicians with controversial policies.Finally many people hire bodyguards for their children to avoid the risk of kidnap.

5. A the most basic, the job of the bodyguard is to get between the client and an attacker. But a good bodyguard will try to make sue that it does not come to that, by changing the client's routine and security to make attacks less likely. Many bodyguards seem to be doing another job, for instance being the client's driver.

6. Many bodyguards are injured in their work, but most injuries are minor. Serious attacks on a person's life are infrequent, and the biggest problem a bodyguard faces is to remain constantly alert. Having a client harmed because of inattention is a great disgrace for a bodyguard.

7. A bodyguard needs a good understanding of security, from locks to firearms. You need physical and mental courage, too of course. What is often not realised is that difficult clients also need handling with tact and diplomacy.