Bodyguards, Secret Service, Weapons, Travel Security and Dangerous Places

SECRET SERVICE

 

Secret Service codenames

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trailblazer and Tempo are making way for Renegade and Renaissance.

 

Yup, there's even a presidential transition for Secret Service code names — which are anything but secret in loose-lips Washington.

 

President-elect Barack Obama — aka Renegade — had a say in choosing the code name that his protectors use when they're whispering into those microphones in their sleeves. He was given his choice of several names starting with R.

 

And in keeping with the tradition of having all family members' code names start with the same letter, future first lady Michelle Obama is Renaissance, and daughters Sasha and Malia are known as Rosebud and Radiance, respectively.

 

As for President George W. Bush and wife, Laura, whatever else their new lives hold for them, they can take their alternate identities as Trailblazer and Tempo with them. They're still entitled to Secret Service protection.

 

Lists of possible code names for those who receive Secret Service protection are drawn up by the White House Communications Agency, a branch of the military that serves the White House and Secret Service. It looks for words that are easily pronounced and easily understood in radio transmissions.

 

The subjects do have some say in the names they will be known by, and some have been given more leeway than others. Which is not always a good thing. Al Gore's oldest daughter, Karenna, was 19 when her father became vice president in 1993. Old enough to know better.

 

In 1997, she wrote, "Ever since four years ago, when I was put on the spot and told 'two syllables' and 'It has to start with an s,' I have been cringing in the back seat when identified as 'Smurfette.'" Truth be told, the whole idea of secret code names is something of a misnomer these days. "There's nothing top secret about them," Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren said. "It has no operational security significance anymore because of encrypted communication capabilities."

 

Nowadays, Zahren said, the code names have "nothing to do with security" and more about tradition and ease in radio communication when tracking the subjects' movements. They're also a never-ending source of fodder for comics and politicians looking for a laugh. As vice president, Gore repeatedly told crowds that he's so boring, his code name is ... Al Gore.

 

Over the years, some code names have seemed fairly random — Gerald Ford's was Passkey — while others seemed tailor-made for their subjects. Incoming Vice President Joe Biden, who has Irish roots, is Celtic. Ronald Reagan, who cultivated the brush-clearing cowboy image, was Rawhide. Jimmy Carter, a Sunday School teacher and deacon, is Deacon.

 

Dick Cheney, who likes to fish, is Angler. Writer Barton Gellman thought Angler was such an apt description for the wily vice president that he used it as the name of a best-selling book about Cheney.

 

John McCain, a four-term senator from Arizona who was Obama's Republican presidential rival, is Phoenix. His fashion-conscious wife, Cindy, is Parasol.

 

Sarah Palin, the Alaska governor who was McCain's running mate, was Denali, just like the national park in her home state, and the natural gas pipeline project that she promotes. Her husband, Todd, the North Slope oil worker, was Driller.

 

Some code names haven't worked out as well. When Jesse Jackson was assigned the code name Pontiac during his 1988 run for president, some thought the name had racial overtones. "Pontiac" is the set-up for a well-known racist joke. The Secret Service said there was no racial motivation in selecting the name and offered the candidate a new one. Jackson said he had no problem with it.

 

There's no word on why Obama selected Renegade. But it's a sure bet he wasn't thinking about the word's origins. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, Renegade's earliest meanings had to do with deserting one's religion, coming from the Spanish word "renegado," originally "Christian turned Muslim."

 

 

The List

 

* Dwight Eisenhower - Providence

 

* John F. Kennedy - Lancer

 

* Jacqueline Kennedy - Lace

 

* Lyndon Johnson - Volunteer

 

* Richard Nixon - Searchlight

 

* Gerald Ford - Pass Key

 

* Jimmy Carter - Deacon

 

* Ronald Reagan - Rawhide

 

* Nancy Reagan - Rainbow

 

* George H. W. Bush - Timberwolf

 

* Barbara Bush - Snowbank or Tranquility

 

* Bill Clinton - Eagle

 

* Hillary Clinton - Evergreen

 

* Chelsea Clinton - Energy

 

* George W. Bush -Tumbler or Trailblazer

 

* Laura Bush - Tempo

 

* Barack Obama (President-elect) - Renegade

 

* Michelle Obama - Renaissance

 

* Malia Obama - Radiance

 

* Sasha Obama - Rosebud

"Pontiac" is the set-up for a well-known racist joke. The Secret Service said there was no racial motivation in selecting the name and offered the candidate a new one. Jackson said he had no problem with it.

 

Thats awful!

 

There's no word on why Obama selected Renegade. But it's a sure bet he wasn't thinking about the word's origins. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, Renegade's earliest meanings had to do with deserting one's religion, coming from the Spanish word "renegado," originally "Christian turned Muslim."

 

Pretty interesting. Thanks for posting it. I'm a nerd that enjoys this kind of stuff

I'm a sucker for SS stuff and the like. Years ago Clinton came to the little town I live in now (before I was here). I would have been all over town scoping out the Secret Service and probably gotten myself arrested... Any more interesting info on this topic?

I was in high school when Clinton visited our school ( I shook his hand). 2 weeks before the president showed up secret service and dogs roamed the hall ways every day. Looking and searching any suspect lockers. The day before Clinton arrived some kid in high school made a stupid remark about the president ( I will not repeat it but was not good ). Secret service interviewed him and put him in custody the whole day Clinton was in town.

 

I guess this kid will have this situation on his file for the rest of his life and any time in the future if the president ( any president ) is in the same town that he is in, he will be escorted out of the town for the day or put in custody.

 

I remember in the parking lot seeing over 20 solid black suburbans. It was impressive to say the least. Monaco, please give us more info.

maverick would be a good one for the president......

SECRET SERVICE

 

 

I remember in the parking lot seeing over 20 solid black suburbans. It was impressive to say the least. Monaco, please give us more info.

 

Just let me know what you guys want to know.

 

For the time being "everybody" in the security world is concerned with the protection of Barack Obama. He is in my, and many others in the business, exposed to a real threat. It is not only the race issue, but Secret Service are investigating many many threats as we speek. And ANY lead will be followed and eventually checked out.

the mp7 is around 900-1100usd each

 

there is one for sale here but the price is bumped up

 

http://www.lesales.com/hk.htm

 

the only way to get an mp7 in the us is to become a class 3 dealer and find a police department that will give you request demos, and then you can buy all the cool shit for dirt cheap. glock 18s for 700$, hk 416 for 1200$, whatever you want you will be able to get all you will have to do is demo the guns

 

 

Thanks for posting, nice info

 

More security talk coming:

 

hell yeah this stuff is fascinating...tell us all everything! (everything you are 'authorized' to tell that is)!

Just let me know what you guys want to know.

 

For the time being "everybody" in the security world is concerned with the protection of Barack Obama. He is in my, and many others in the business, exposed to a real threat. It is not only the race issue, but Secret Service are investigating many many threats as we speek. And ANY lead will be followed and eventually checked out.

 

 

But how much is real, and how much is imagined? I was surprised at the number of investigations that go on each year, and at the number of people convicted and in jail for making threats, but they do not match, weren't even close. (This was during Clinton.)

 

The race issue. I think they make it to be a bigger issue than it is. Sure there are extreme right wingers that do look at that, but it's no different than the extreme lefties who use animal rights or environmentalism as an issue, but when have they been spotlighted in their true fashion?

I feel like I'm gonna be watched for asking questions... paranoid!

 

Does the SS employ local security companies? I know they wouldn't let any outsiders get close, but maybe to secure crowds and other buildings? Where does the SS recruit members from and how long is the training? What are the actual procedures during a presidential visit? I saw a show on the Air Force One not long ago where Bush went to Africa. Quite a lot of work goes into the preparation. Basically I'm interested in everything. Oh, is it true that the president always has a tracker somewhere on his body?

MB,

 

Maybe you can shed some light on something that's been bugging me for a while. Seems like every week now we hear about some rag-tag group of Somali pirates taking over a huge tanker or cruise ship, this being just the latest: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7733482.stm

 

My question is how can a few modestly armed thugs in a couple small boats get access to and take over a large ship without being easily repelled. Seems to me like a couple security guys with Barrett model 82A1 semiauto .50 BMG rifles could dispatch them. Do these ships not have security, and if not, why not. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Most Dangerous Places on Earth

 

 

MB,

 

Maybe you can shed some light on something that's been bugging me for a while. Seems like every week now we hear about some rag-tag group of Somali pirates taking over a huge tanker or cruise ship, this being just the latest: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7733482.stm

 

My question is how can a few modestly armed thugs in a couple small boats get access to and take over a large ship without being easily repelled. Seems to me like a couple security guys with Barrett model 82A1 semiauto .50 BMG rifles could dispatch them. Do these ships not have security, and if not, why not. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

It is kinda funny you mention this today. I have JUST been reading about the lastest hijack and I DO NOT understand why they don't hire a security contractor. I think it is absolutely doable. Enough gun power and stong water canons will keep them away.

 

Many many have paid millions of dollars in ransome, it would be cheaper to hire security.

 

Now many ships will sail a 16 days longer route in order to avoid the pirates.

Some countries do not allow entry with guns, that must be an explanation. And as far as i have read about these pirates, they are heavily armed, and very dangerous, some ships have been attacked with rocket propelled grenades.

SECRET SERVICE

 

 

I feel like I'm gonna be watched for asking questions... paranoid!

 

Does the SS employ local security companies? I know they wouldn't let any outsiders get close, but maybe to secure crowds and other buildings? Where does the SS recruit members from and how long is the training? What are the actual procedures during a presidential visit? I saw a show on the Air Force One not long ago where Bush went to Africa. Quite a lot of work goes into the preparation. Basically I'm interested in everything. Oh, is it true that the president always has a tracker somewhere on his body?

 

No reason for being paranoid.

 

* The Secret Service do on special occasions employ local security companies. In order to maintain a safe environment for the president and other protectees, the Secret Service calls upon other federal, state and local agencies to assist on a daily basis. The Secret Service Uniformed Division, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Park Police patrol the streets and parks nearby the White House. The Secret Service regularly consults with experts from other agencies in utilizing the most advanced security techniques. The military supports the Secret Service through the use of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and communications resources.

 

 

* When the president travels, an advance team of Secret Service agents works with host city, state and local law enforcement, as well as public safety officials, to jointly implement the necessary security measures.

 

 

* They have never officially confirmed that the president has a tracker, but you can make your own conclusion... it would be a smart move.

SECRET SERVICE

 

 

The race issue. I think they make it to be a bigger issue than it is. Sure there are extreme right wingers that do look at that, but it's no different than the extreme lefties who use animal rights or environmentalism as an issue, but when have they been spotlighted in their true fashion?

 

 

No this is FOR REAL.

 

 

* Normally a president candidate recieves protection within 120 days of a general presidential election. I know for a fact that Barack Obama has had protection since May 2007 !!!

 

* I can also tell you that a Secret Service security detail normally consists of around 7 persons. In Barack's case it is MORE than the DOUBLE. Unofficially that is.

Most Dangerous Places on Earth

 

 

Some countries do not allow entry with guns, that must be an explanation. And as far as i have read about these pirates, they are heavily armed, and very dangerous, some ships have been attacked with rocket propelled grenades.

 

 

To be honest with you, I don't know why. In case that is a stupid ass law. With 83 !!! attacts this year alone, it is time to do something.

 

And trust me, it would be possible to fight off the pirates with a unit. What we also need is a response from the governments. The United Nations is even considering something like a maritime peacekeeping force.

Reason being is guns are not allowed on ships.

Reason being is guns are not allowed on ships.

 

 

And if you do hire a security firm, if they use their weapons, since they are considered private individuals and not anyting *special*, they could go to jail. There was a case from China IIRC where a crew reported a hijack/ robbery. The next day when they pulled into port and the police officers, including a high ranking leader, boarded the ship and asked about the pirates, the crew recognized them as the pirates. Of course, no arrests were made in that case. The same *pirates* executed an entire crew of a ship (execution style) and that was why they were caught. Some of the local *leaders* are the pirate kingpins.

No this is FOR REAL.

 

 

* Normally a president candidate recieves protection within 120 days of a general presidential election. I know for a fact that Barack Obama has had protection since May 2007 !!!

 

* I can also tell you that a Secret Service security detail normally consists of around 7 persons. In Barack's case it is MORE than the DOUBLE. Unofficially that is.

 

 

I don't doubt anything you've said here (i believe it), but substitute Obama for Kennedy and race for religion. The media made it to be a bigger deal then what it was in both cases. Yes, there are some nutjobs who do use race, but that is one of the few extremists positions to have that you get called out on (if you're white).

 

The environmentalists have committed more acts of terrorism on US soil then racists. And they are not as high a priority as the *others*. Heck, Lindsey Lohan was just attacked (flour thrown on her) by PETA supporters at a function for wearing fur. That was in Paris. If the attackers were white and the atackee was not, it would be a major incident, reported everywhere, in an effort to continue the *shaming* we should feel (sic). But yet, It's not a hate crime in France. And yet Brigitte gets slapped with HC laws for voicing her (extremist) position.

 

It reminds me of when Clinton chose to go after survivalist instead of, let's see, foreign terrorists who declared war on the US. It's all political, what they want you to believe, like when the high ranking North Korean official defects, and he gets thrown under the rug because it's not what the administation wants you to base your opinions on. And there are examples under Repub admins.

 

Sorry for politics, I hope it doesn't cause thread closure, I kept it civil. Thank you.

Thanks for the answers, MB, but I actually meant private security companies like yours. Are they used at all?

Do you know what hand-to-hand is being trained in the SS?

Thanks for the answers, MB, but I actually meant private security companies like yours. Are they used at all?

 

There are dedicated companies operating in the Singapore/ Malaysia area, that provide armed escort (they have their own fleet of boats.

SECRET SERVICE

 

 

Thanks for the answers, MB, but I actually meant private security companies like yours. Are they used at all?

Do you know what hand-to-hand is being trained in the SS?

 

 

* That is confirmative!

* And the other question... yes I do.

Thanks for the info, this stuff is interesting!