Tactical Nanny'?: New Service Recruits Former Military Women to Protect Children as Caregivers

It might be some parents' dream to have a nanny that runs a tight ship like that only a former military member could provide. But such help might be more of a reality than they ever thought.

Former Navy SEAL Jonathan Gilliam is beginning a new program called Tactical Nanny, a part of his firm United States Continued Service that is employing retired female veterans to work as caregivers, the New York Post reported.

Gilliam came up with the idea, according to the Post, after the horrific slaying of two children in the Upper West side of Manhattan last year allegedly by their nanny from the Dominican Republic, who plead not guilty to charges.

Gilliam told the Post the former military women being recruited as a Tactical Nanny are already trained to protect people and in crisis management. They'll even come armed if that's what their client wants.

“We’re not just offering another nanny service. These women have a proven track record. They’re veterans protecting the future of the USA,” the 43-year-old owner of the 3-month-old firm told the Post. “They can keep tragedy from happening. You’re paying for the peace of mind."

Watch Pix 11's report about the Tactical Nanny pilot program:

Here's a little about one of Gilliam's recruits, 23-year-old Army reservist Melissa Fraga from Miami:

Reservist Melissa Fraga is one of Tactical Nanny's recruits. (Photo via New York Post)

As a reservist, she’s trained to track enemies and oversee mission communications. She’s a certified combat lifesaver, meaning she has high-level first-aid training.

And her résumé says she’s also kid-friendly and has taught 4- to 13-year-olds in martial arts.

Asked what sets her apart from your average sitter, Fraga responded, “It’s just being able to handle situations under stress.

“Let’s say a nanny would freak out if she hears sounds around her. I’d be able to see the situation, figure out where the noise is coming from, check around the house and then do whatever other steps I need,” Fraga said.

Some parents might have concerns though with trusting their children to the care of someone who might have been in hostile zones and might have post-traumatic stress disorder. The recent shooting of former SEAL Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield by a veteran they were helping who supposedly had PTSD illustrates this point. But the Post reported Gilliam saying background checks and problems during service are reviewed during the candidate's application process. He is also using a psychologist to help match the nannies with families based on personality traits.

A Tactical Nanny will cost at least $1,500 per week or $30.75 an hour, the Post reported. According to ABC Nanny Source, New York nannies make between $600 and $900 a week, depending on hours and agreed upon duties.

The Post reported NYC mother Kathleen Histon saying she's interested in the service and that you can't put a price on "really knowing the quality of the person you bring into your home."

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Read more details about Tactical Nanny in the New York Post here.