Count the guns!!

[PUCKER]

I happened across this article and I couldn't help but notice how "non-undercover" the Secret Service "undercover tourists" are with their firearms - maybe they're just carrying the old-style brick phones?

Article here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldne ... -gaff.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Especially note this picture:
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/08/ ... 68x603.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Keith B]

Actually, if you have ever worked around a USS Presidential security detail or any PSD for a dignitary, the ones that are assigned bodily cover are ALWAYS easy to spot (ear fob for radio, bulging shirt or jacket, trench coat, typical GS haircut, etc.) Many times, they do that so you know who they are and your attention is drawn to them. It's the ones you DON'T see that are blended in to the surroundings that will get you; like snipers on roof's and balconies.

[StewNTexas]

It might take a lot of looking to check it out, but in the 'old' days, the 'official' members of the detail all had on the same lapel pins. These guys have a box of these, and the code for them changes on a daily basis.

Back in the early '60s, I was in the presidential honor guard for a couple of years, and on the USMC rifle team for two years at the same time. Moved on the HMX-1 for the last year, but we did not wear dress blues and salute when the big guy as climbing in and out of one of our choppers. We just blended into the woodwork, like we did when we around Camp David. When you are armed, and not part of the 'offical' detail, we went to extremes to not stand out in a crowd.

[PUCKER]

It still amazes me though at how little effort these guys go through to be concealed - that's the point of me posting this - as it seems the majority of us TX CHL folks are worried about printing and our carrying of a handgun being blown. Like you mention, they probably have their reasons for looking exactly the way they do - I wonder though, if the average Joe/Jane (or Jose, since they're in Spain) cares/notices?

Actually, if you have ever worked around a USS Presidential security detail or any PSD for a dignitary, the ones that are assigned bodily cover are ALWAYS easy to spot (ear fob for radio, bulging shirt or jacket, trench coat, typical GS haircut, etc.) Many times, they do that so you know who they are and your attention is drawn to them. It's the ones you DON'T see that are blended in to the surroundings that will get you; like snipers on roof's and balconies.

[Keith B]

.......they probably have their reasons for looking exactly the way they do - I wonder though, if the average Joe/Jane (or Jose, since they're in Spain) cares/notices?

Actually, that is part of the reason they are noticeable. Seeing a large (bodily and numbers),armed security detail around someone of importance (alleged importance even) is a deterrent for people rushing up to them to get their autograph or speak them. When it is very noticeable, then there is usually no question to the fact that you should use caution before approaching, or that they are totally off-limits to approach unless you are invited.

EDIT TO ADD: And you may ask why they just don't wear uniforms or suits, they are supposed to look more casual to fit in with the current task of the person (swimming, shopping, bowling, running, etc.) Supposedly it makes the escorted person feel more like they are participants vs. guards. (I don't get it, but supposedly it does from what I have been told.)

[PUCKER]

Yeah, with that little concern for "cover" I'm surprised they don't open carry. BTW - I caught your "alleged importance" mention.

[The Annoyed Man]

I believe that the big guy with the shaved head has either a gun... ..or maybe a toaster... under his shirt....

Naaahhhh, it's got to be a gun.

[WildBill]

I believe that the big guy with the shaved head has either a gun... ..or maybe a toaster... under his shirt....

Naaahhhh, it's got to be a gun.

Actually, he's carrying Mrs. Obama's purse.

[Grammy]

I believe that the big guy with the shaved head has either a gun... ..or maybe a toaster... under his shirt....

Naaahhhh, it's got to be a gun.

Whatever it is, it appears to be as big as a toaster...

[lrb111]

It's the emergency lunch sack from McDonald's.

[C-dub]

I think another reason they don't OC is because the president doesn't want to appear too militaristic. The sight of a gun, even a holstered one, is disturbing or at the very least uncomfortable to a lot of people. I used to be one of those people. Plus, this guy doesn't think anyone should have guns so he doesn't want to be so obvious that he has them around him. GWB probably wouldn't have minded if his detail OCed. lol

[Keith B]

A little off topic, but apparently this trip is getting a ton of bad press for being a glitzy, glamourous, and expensive trip on our dollars.

First lady under fire for her glitzy Spanish vacation

And, Andy, what about your pink shirt????

[terryg]

This made me remember an old video a saw a few years ago. I apologize if it has been posted before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdRE-CuBms4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PUCKER]

And, Andy, what about your pink shirt????

I want to hear this story too!! Hey, a REAL man wears pink, purple, etc...at least that's what I tell myself!