Vets say 'no' to bodyguard jobs

• Source: Global Times
• [03:43 November 25 2009]
• Comments

"I don't understand why they turned their back on us. Maybe it is because of the pay."

As the rich get richer, the need for personal safety gets stronger, according to the Chongqing Evening News, which quoted an insider estimating that China currently needs at least 800,000 body-guards.

It is the first time that the People's Armed Police Force looked for ways to work with private enterprises on re-employment for retired soldiers.

Retired veterans of the anti-terrorism force who have successfully completed disas-ter-relief missions, Olympic security, and helped with anti-crime crackdowns were reportedly favored by the enterprises Tuesday.

Cao works for China's Bodyguard, a Beijing-based company that offers bodyguard services including security drivers, escort teams and "close protection."

"Who said the industry is hungry for talent?"he told the Global Times. "China lacks everything but people,"he added, jokingly. "Anyone can be a bodyguard after training."

When asked if his job is dangerous, Cao said he has been safe and sound in the past seven years.

"The sharpened sense tells you when it's time to leave and how to react.”