Andy’s Narrative.

I was hesitant at first when I realized I wanted to apply to CASS. I was a Canadian business executive with no previous military or police experience...

I was concerned that this might keep me from being both accepted into the program and employable upon graduation.
When I talked to the instructors I quickly realized that their “we don’t care who you were, we care who you are now” attitude was confirmation I had found the right school and that I was dealing with “real” people.

The Advanced course was challenging to say the least and at the same time more fun than I ever would have imagined. The first thing I noticed when I walked through the door of “The Ranch” was an inscription that read “Check your ego at the door”- a very solid piece of advice for anyone about to embark on this course. I met some very interesting characters, some of whom I have formed life-long relationships with.

Our group consisted of two reformed, alcohol free biker members with a strong spiritual connection later to be jokingly referred to as the “Christian Nazis”, a rogue female from the jungles of Panama with a police background and a former US Army Ranger (75th Ranger Regiment) who had served several hundred days in Iraq. The 6th student was a bartender from the Mid West. Standing shoulder to shoulder with these very unique and diverse individuals on the firing line instilled an appreciation for the value of teamwork and trust in this environment.

I can honestly say that what I learned at CASS far outweighed what I had expected in all aspects of the training. Some of the best education was received around the dinner table in the evening where you quickly learn the importance of having thick skin, an open mind and an appreciation for those who have been there and done that as well as for those who have yet to experience it all.

This course has a great way of helping you quickly find out where your strengths and your weaknesses are. Good physical conditioning, strong mental fortitude and an ability to adapt to rapidly changing and challenging conditions under pressure are required in my opinion. Like anything else in life, you have to be willing to put into it what you expect to receive in return. Upon graduation at top of the class alongside another team mate I still had to work hard to get my name out there and pound the pavement with resumes in hand. In the end, I was fortunate to secure a position as a direct result of my achievements at CASS.

Just a little over two months after graduation I received a call as I was getting ready for my next shift in my hotel room. I was asked to write this narrative having secured a full-time position as a mobile protection officer with one of the largest security companies in Canada specializing in managing labour disputes. I have been working 31 days straight, 12 hours a day. Thanks to CASS, I am earning more money than I ever have, even though I was at the Director level in a 30 Million dollar a year company previously.

My days consist mainly of mobile patrol as a driver and close protection of a private investigator, monitoring and documenting activity surrounding a 3000 plus member strike for one of the world’s largest nickel mines. I am also responsible for checking on a group of a dozen or more business executives ensuring their safety related to picket line crossings and residential security. This is only the beginning and with continued support through the mentoring and education I continue to receive from both Shawn and Jon I look forward to the future with a huge smile on my face.

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