In 2008, I made the decision to pursue a career in protection and security. I entered homeland security training with the goal of becoming a certified protection officer through the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). What followed was one of the most intense, rewarding, and eye-opening chapters of my life—and it changed how I viewed safety, discipline, and responsibility forever.
I’m sharing this story today because I know how nerve-racking it can be when you’re staring down the path of academy training, especially if you’re new to the field. Whether you’re looking into corrections, security, or law enforcement, the anxiety is real. And if you’re anything like a certain someone close to me (you know who you are), the thought of getting pepper sprayed or tased is enough to make you question whether it’s all worth it.
Let me say this clearly: it is.
Classroom Training: The Foundation of Protection
The training I went through was about six months total, which was considered early compared to many others in my class. The first part was classroom-based, and honestly, it was one of the most valuable parts of the entire journey. You learn more than just procedures—you’re trained to think, observe, assess, and act.
Some of the major things we studied included:
- Threat assessment
Understanding how to identify potential threats before they escalate. This includes reading body language, identifying suspicious behavior, and knowing how to de-escalate a situation before it becomes dangerous. - Use of force continuum
Learning the appropriate level of force based on the threat level. When to use verbal commands, when to go hands-on, and when to escalate further—if necessary. - Legal responsibilities
You’re taught exactly what your role allows you to do within the law, and more importantly, what not to do. There’s a legal and ethical weight to every action you take, and you’re expected to uphold that standard every day. - Mental preparedness
Situational awareness is drilled into you. You have to know your environment, your exits, your blind spots, and your limits. You also learn how to stay calm in high-stress moments, which could be the difference between saving a life or losing one. - Emergency response
Medical emergencies, fires, active threats—you train to be the calm in the storm, not the panic in the room.
One of the first things we were taught—something that stuck with me—is this:
“If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help anyone else.”
That might sound selfish at first, but it’s the opposite. If you rush into danger recklessly, without thinking, you become a liability. An injured officer, or worse, a fallen one, is someone who can’t assist their team or protect the people they’re responsible for.
Real-World Situations Where That Matters
- Responding to a violent fight
You don’t just charge in swinging. You assess—who’s involved, is there a weapon, can verbal commands work, is backup available? Running in blind gets you hurt, and now your team has two people to rescue. - Active shooter scenario
You’re trained to take cover, secure the area, and respond with precision. Charging in without a plan gets you killed—and it puts others in more danger. - Medical emergencies
Even in non-violent situations, rushing in without PPE or gloves could expose you to diseases or hazardous materials. Protect yourself first, so you can provide aid safely and effectively.
That philosophy isn’t about fear—it’s about readiness. It’s about being smart, so you can be effective.
Field Training: Where It Gets Physical
After the classroom, things get real. You move on to field training, and that’s where the physical part kicks in.
We trained in defensive jujitsu, hand-to-hand combat, disarming techniques, and suspect control. Everything we did had a real-world focus. The rubber knives and training weapons we used were designed to feel like the real thing—same size, same weight. You treat every scenario like it’s live.
Yes, the drills are controlled, but they aren’t easy. You’re being pushed to react under pressure—how fast can you disarm someone? How do you break a wrist hold? How do you get someone to the ground without causing unnecessary harm?
Your reflexes improve. Your instincts sharpen. And your confidence? That grows more than anything.
The Pepper Spray Gauntlet
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room—pepper spray.
It’s a rite of passage. When I went through it, we all had to line up outside. The instructor told us to stand tall, eyes open, and keep our focus. Then—bam. MK9 riot control spray to the face.
Instant agony.
My face burned for a solid week. I won’t sugarcoat that. But you learn that you can function through pain. You learn that your body can push through even when your brain says no. That kind of resilience is critical in corrections and law enforcement.
Because in real life, there’s no “pause” button. You can’t give up when it hurts. You have to get the job done. The training gives you that edge.
Why I’d Do It All Over Again
Despite the pain, the sweat, the stress—I loved every second of that training. It shaped me. It gave me tools that I still carry today. And now, as I look ahead at the possibility of joining a correctional officer academy, I’m not anxious—I’m excited. I know what I’m walking into, and I know I’m ready.
To anyone considering this career—especially those who might be nervous about the intensity of training—don’t let fear be the thing that stops you. You’re not alone. Most of us were nervous going in. But with every day of training, that fear gets replaced by knowledge, discipline, and strength.
Short-term pain.
Long-term gain.
It’s worth it.