Chris Smith
25+ years across the United States Marine Corps, law enforcement, and corporate executive protection. Built for environments where failure is not an option.
“ I operate in the space between visibility and invisibility. ”Chris Smith, Founder
Forged by Experience
A career built across the most demanding operational environments in the country.
United States Marine Corps
Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) and Infantry Leader and Combat Instructor
Trained and led Marine infantrymen in combat operations across multiple deployments. Created SOPs for all active service members in Iraq (2005) on detainee management. Developed the construction and SOPs for Fallujah's first detention facility (3rd Battalion, 8th Marines). Supervised the Regimental Operations Center and Combat Operations during all tactical operations.
- Certified Basic Urban Skills Instructor for communications assets and operations
- Held Top Secret and Secret security clearances during clandestine military operations
- Awards: Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Gold Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal
“The majority of my work is done before anything ever goes wrong.”
Lynchburg Police Department
Law Enforcement Officer
Investigation, apprehension, and enforcement operations. Public safety response, community event security, and emergency first response. Trained at Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.
- Investigation, apprehension, and enforcement operations
- Public safety response and emergency first response
- Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
Titusville Police Department
Crime Suppression Unit and Emergency Services Unit
Conducted T3 Operations with the DEA: wiretaps, surveillance, and violent crime response. High-risk operations in coordination with federal agencies. Community engagement and youth outreach through the Devereaux initiative.
- DEA task force: wiretaps, surveillance, violent crime response
- High-risk operations with federal agency coordination
- FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Academy, Kentucky
“Most people think protection is about presence. What I do is different.”
Blackside Tactical and INTELLEO
Training Coordinator and Primary Instructor
Designed and delivered tactical firearms, active shooter, and advanced weapons courses. Conducted threat assessments for federal contracts. Developed curriculum, manuals, and lesson plans for advanced tactical training.
- Certified Armorer: Sig Sauer (P230, P226, P229, 1911), Glock, Remington
- Threat assessments for federal contracts
- International Firearms Specialist Academy certified
Corporate Leadership
Chief Executive Officer, East Coast Auto and Recycling
Business operations leadership, expansion strategy, and team development. Leadership development, internal training culture, and multi-site operations management.
- Business operations and expansion strategy
- Leadership development and internal training culture
- Multi-site operations management
Amazon Project Kuiper, Kennedy Space Center
Senior Site Security Lead (Securitas USA and Amazon Corporate Security)
Built the entire security operation from the ground up for the Kuiper Payload Processing Facility. Established the original guard force, developed all SOPs and threat assessments. Spearheaded Kennedy Space Center badging process and served as Foreign National Escort.
- Managed surveillance systems, access control, emergency response procedures
- Conducted security operations for the Amazon Board of Directors
- Led and organized a personal security detachment for Jeff Bezos
“I operate in the space between visibility and invisibility.”
Praetorian Executive Protection
Founder and Owner
The culmination of 25+ years of military, law enforcement, corporate, and executive protection experience. Not average security, but a disciplined, high-level, intelligence-driven protection capability built on experience, precision, and trust.
- Dedicated executive protection practice
- Military precision meets private-sector discretion
- Tailored protection for high-profile principals
Qualifications and Recognition
Education
- BS in Business Administration, Stratford University (Baltimore, MD)
- Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Certification, Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
- Military History and Studies, Marine Corps Institute
Security Clearances (Inactive)
- Top Secret (held during clandestine military operations)
- Secret
Select Awards
- Navy Commendation Medal
- Navy Achievement Award
- Combat Action Ribbon (Gold Star)
- Iraqi Campaign Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
Protection is Not About Presence
Executive protection, at its core, is not just about security. It's about prevention, discretion, and control. My background in military operations, law enforcement, and corporate security allowed me to develop a protection philosophy centered on proactive threat mitigation, disciplined presence, and maintaining the client's ability to operate freely without disruption.
Every operation begins with intelligence. Understanding the threat environment, identifying vulnerabilities, and building a security plan that allows the principal to move freely and confidently. That is the standard. That is what 25 years of operational experience delivers.
Every Engagement Begins with a Confidential Consultation
No questions asked. Secure results.
Available 24/7 for consultation requests.