Christopher Smith
30+ 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. ”Christopher Smith, Founder
“ Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with by their own government. ”Thomas Jefferson
Forged by Experience
A career built across the most demanding operational environments in the country.
United States Marine Corps
Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)
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.
- Certified Basic Urban Skills Instructor for communications assets and operations
- Held Top Secret and Secret security clearances during clandestine military operations
“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 Multi Task Force with DEA and SWAT T3 Operations. High-risk operations in coordination with federal agencies. Community engagement and youth outreach through the Devereaux initiative.
- Conducted Multi Task Force with DEA and SWAT T3 Operations
- High-risk operations with federal agency coordination
“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 30+ 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
Security Clearances (Inactive)
- Top Secret (held during clandestine military operations)
- Secret
Military Certifications
- High Risk Protection PSD
- Counterterrorism Specialist
- Close Quarter and Tactics Specialist
- Combat Instructors Course
- Military Operations in Urban Terrain
- Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Warfare Course
- Killology (Lt. Col. Grossman)
- Scout Skiers Course
- Summer Mountain Leaders Course
- Jungle Warfare Course
- Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course
- Advanced Drug Interdiction
Law Enforcement Certifications
- Conducted Multi Task Force with DEA and SWAT T3 Operations
- Crisis Intervention & Negotiations
- Sig Sauer, Glock & Remington Armorer
- International Firearms Specialist Academy
- Advanced Tactics in Criminal Patrol
- Incident Command Systems
- Use of Force, High-Risk Warrants, Bomb Threats
- Asset Protection
- Emergency Response
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 30 years of operational experience delivers.
Veterans and law enforcement: we're hiring.
Praetorian operates as a Florida Class "B" Security Agency and is actively onboarding W-2 protection officers and 1099 strategic advisors. Confidential applications reviewed year-round.
Every Engagement Begins with a
Confidential Consultation
Get a professional 30-minute security assessment with a senior practitioner, not a salesperson.
Available 24/7. No questions asked. Secure results.
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