All of these just popped up the last couple of days and I wanted to get this out there.  Just reading through all of them, they all repeat the same things.  The contracting mechanism will be that concept I loathe called LPTA or Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable. Or what I call the ‘lowest bidder’.  So lowest bidder security is what is acceptable for the protection of our most cherished assets in this war–our soldiers and civilians serving there?

     What really kills me though is that the only ones that can bid are those companies who are registered with the Afghanistan Minister of Interior.  So anyone not on the list is out.

     I certainly hope for the sake of those who will be living at these COBs and FOBs, that when your lowest bidder PSC’s show up to provide protection, that you are able to sleep comfortably at nights. I have no idea if they will be putting these folks up on the walls, or just posting them at interior facilities. Nor do I have an idea of who they will use as security contractors, but you can guess that they will be ‘bottom of the barrel’ forces. And of course it will be pissed off expats running the whole thing and having to manage that mess.

     Either way, the US military has no one else to blame but themselves for using such a god awful contracting tool.  LPTA might be good for trash disposal or pest control, but it is a terrible idea when it comes to protecting peoples lives in war zones. You get what you pay for.

     To put it another way, I would not use LPTA for picking a doctor to save my mother’s life, nor would I advocate using LPTA for protection services in a war zone.  Pfffft. -Matt

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PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTOR (PSC) SERVICES @ COB BLACKHAWK, AFGHANISTAN

W91B4L-10-R-0230

COB BLACKHAWK, AFGHANISTAN KANDAHAR PROVINCE,

09355 AF

Department of the Army

Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan

KANDAHAR RCC

COMBINE

07/25/10

*****

PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTOR (PSC) SERVICES AT FOB TARIN KOWT, AFGHANISTAN

W91B4L-10-T-0058

FOB TARIN KOWT AFGHANISTAN FOB TARIN KOWT, 1

09355 AF

Department of the Army

Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan

KANDAHAR RCC

COMBINE

07/26/10

*****

PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTOR (PSC) SERVICES AT FOB HADRIAN, AFGHANISTAN

W91B4L-10-T-0059

FOB Hadrian, Afghanistan FOB Hadrian, 1

09355 AF

Department of the Army

Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan

KANDAHAR RCC

COMBINE

07/27/10

*****

PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTOR (PSC) SERVICES AT ANCOP HQ, AFGHANISTAN

W91B4L-10-T-0077

ANCOC HQ Kandahar Kandahar, 1

09355 AF

Department of the Army

Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan

KANDAHAR RCC

COMBINE

07/27/10

     This is cool.  I remember going to AP Hill when I was a young Boy Scout for a Jamboree and it was quite the experience.  But we definitely did not have a guy like Secretary Gates speaking at our Jamboree.

    So with that said, here is the speech he gave at this year’s Jamboree. It is a fantastic speech and I agree with everything he said. All I have to say is that if you have boys in your family and you are looking for a way to prepare them for life and for being excellent citizens/leaders, I highly recommend the Scouting Program. -Matt

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Boy Scout Jamboree

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates,

Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia,

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Good morning jamboree!  Do you all want to sit down?  Thank you Anthony, for that kind introduction.

It is an honor to be with you here today and to have the chance to share a few thoughts about scouting with you.  I know how much you enjoy sitting in the sun, so I won’t take too long.

First, as you know, at this moment, there are hundreds of thousands of men and women in our military all over the world – but especially in Iraq and Afghanistan – who are putting their lives on the line to defend you, your families and our freedom.  They have put their dreams aside to protect your dreams. Many of them are members of your families.  So, would every Scout who has a mom or a dad or a brother or a sister or an uncle or an aunt in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard please stand?  That’s what I figured.  Please tell your family member from me thank you for their sacrifice – and thank you and your families for supporting them.  You can sit down again.

As the introduction made clear, scouting has been a big part of my life and my family’s life.  Of course my family’s life – and our kid’s lives – have been a bit unusual, in no small part because I have had armed body guards for so much of my professional career.

Read the rest of this entry »

    Dressed like women huh? I wonder if they were wearing Victoria Secret under those burqas? lol Man, you know what would be really funny is if the guys who captured them took some pictures and posted it on the internet for ‘everyone’ to laugh at! (just an idea for any ISAF folks that are reading this) -Matt

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Afghan-Led Force Captures Taliban Commander, Suspected Insurgents Dressed as WomenISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan2010-07-CA-195For Immediate Release

 KABUL, Afghanistan (July 27) - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban sub-commander and several additional suspected insurgents in Paktika province last night. The commander, who operates mainly in Mota Khan, conducts improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against coalition force convoys and facilitates explosives for his network.The security force surrounded the targeted compound east of Sharan and Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings. Several men attempted to disguise themselves by dressing in female attire before exiting the compound; however they were immediately identified and detained for further questioning. The sub-commander and several suspected insurgents were detained.The assault force discovered automatic weapons, ammunition, magazines and a bayonet, along with IED material including 31 IED pressures switches and multiple pressure plates. A bag of Pakistani, Afghani and American cash was also found at the scene. No shots were fired and the women and children were protected throughout the search.”This is another successful blow to the Taliban operating in Paktika,” said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “This commander posed a serious threat to Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces in Mota Khan district. We are happy he is off the streets and now unable to harm the people of Paktika province.”

Story here.

     This is curious, and it also kind of ties in with my Ross Perot’s Rescue of EDS Employees In Iran post.  If you could afford it, would you pay for the services of the government to rescue a loved one, or would you seek out the services of private industry to rescue a loved one?  Because if countries like France put the cost of rescue on the individual that is taken hostage, then you would think it would be alright for that individual to choose either a private option that is cheaper or better than a state sponsored option for rescue.

     Now of course there is always the K and R industry and their approach to getting hostages released.  But for the impossible cases, where folks are political pawns or the hostage takers have no intention of negotiating, what do you do? Or how about cases where governments refuse to do a rescue because it is politically sensitive? There are lots of cases where the standard hostage negotiation tactic just does not work in the international realm, and sometimes the only chance of survival for that hostage, is rescue. One that could be potentially violent, or one that could be sneaky and non-violent.  Either way, what are the options other than letting those folks just die?

     A great example of this, is the execution of a French hostage recently by Al Qaeda.  What if the family and friends of this hostage wanted to contract the services of lets say Xe or some similar company for the rescue of their loved one? Or even contract the services of another country’s army for a rescue? All because they either did not want to pay France for a rescue operation, or they thought that Xe or another country would be a better option–both for price and for execution?  It is an interesting thought to ponder, and especially if France wants to go down this path of forcing it’s citizens to pay for rescues. -Matt

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French tourists may be billed if high-risk trips go wrong

Lizzy Davies

 5 July 2010

French tourists who run into trouble after taking unnecessary risks overseas could have to pay for their rescue and repatriation under legislation debated today by MPs in Paris.

The proposed law, put forward by a government tired of having to foot the bill, would enable the state to demand reimbursement for “all or part of the costs … of foreign rescue operations” if it deems that travellers had ventured knowingly and without “legitimate motive” into risky territory.

According to the foreign ministry, the bill is an attempt to encourage a “culture of responsibility” among French travellers at a time of frequent kidnappings, hijackings and civil instability across the world. The ministry hopes that the prospect of being saddled with paying costs such as emergency air fares home will make people think twice about venturing into territory classified as dangerous. There is no question of ransoms being included in the cost, unsurprisingly, as France insists it never pays them.

Read the rest of this entry »

     Thanks to David Isenberg for posting this on his blog and bringing it to everyone’s attention.  I think this is some interesting information that came out of this letter between Richard Verma and Sen. Claire McCaskill. If in fact BLISS becomes the new LOGCAP for DoS, this could be a pretty sizable contract.  That’s ‘if’ they cannot bring State under the current LOGCAP.  We will see how it goes.

     But what I thought was most interesting in this letter was the clarification as to the fact that contractors will be operating this war equipment that DoD will be loaning to State. That is great, and it will be cool to see Blackhawks and MRAPs rolling out into the skies and roads of Iraq under the control of contractors.  I wonder if they will paint this equipment a different color? Like DoS blue/white/yellow? lol

    Also, will these MRAPS or Blackhawks be stripped of all the life saving electronics and communications stuff that our troops were able to use for the survival of their units?  Probably not, but who knows.  Today’s military hardware has a lot of useful stuff in it that could really come in handy for the contractors that have to operate it.

     One thing that is missing in this letter, is a question and response about the 14 security related functions that State identified, that might have to be done by contractors.  Stuff like EOD or counter mortar/rocket team operations. Or QRF/rescue stuff or other military type activities.  I say this because I have yet to see any answers as to how the DoS will treat contractors if they actually had to fire their weapons and kill enemy combatants while doing any of these 14 security related functions.  Or worse yet, what about firefights that unintentionally ended up in the deaths of civilians? Because the enemy loves to attack from population centers with the hopes of creating such an incident.

     Like I have said before, we might want the war to be over in Iraq, but the enemy could care less about our wishes. If anything, with a limited military presence and an Iraqi government and security forces still trying to establish itself, a lot can happen during the transition and drawdown. DoS must understand that the enemy has learned much from the propaganda value of such incidents like the Nisour Square incident. If they can recreate such an incident again they will gain much, and DoS and the US mission in Iraq will suffer yet again from the consequences.

     There are still many questions that come to mind, and that is will DoS support their contractors if involved in a firefight that accidently resulted in civilian deaths, or will they treat the contractor as if they were criminals?  Worse yet, will they hand these individuals over to the Iraqis, or will they insure these men are afforded the same protections and rights that the military or even diplomats would have received in similar situations? Will DoS implement rules for the use of force that are realistic and give contractors the best chance of success for the defense of personnel and property? Or will DoS even allow the proper weapons and tactics required for an effective defense (that could include borderline offensive operations), or even rescues? Stuff to think about and it will be interesting to see how this turns out. -Matt

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On July 9, 2010 this letter was sent to Sen. Claire McCaskill, from Richard D. Verma, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at DoS. (I posed the first question and answer, and the 5th question and answer. Follow the link to read the rest)

*****

1. Will private security contractors, including contractors under the State Department’s Worldwide Personal Protective Services contract, be operating the requested equipment, vehicles, and aircraft?

     The Department of State (DOS) does not presently maintain a cadre of qualified drivers/operators for some requested equipment, such as MRAPS, and, as such, would need to supplement current skill sets within its WPPS contract to ensure operational capability. If/when DoD provides the requested equipment, the Department will modify the relevant contracts to require that the equipment be operated and maintained by contractor personnel in accordance with manufacturer, DoD, or other applicable standards. Contract modifications will also require that contractor personnel possess the necessary qualifications and complete the requisite training to properly operate and maintain the equipment. An aircraft provided to the Department will be incorporated into an existing Department aviation support contract.

5. If the State Department’s request to use LOGCAP is denied, how does the Department plan to ensure that the next contract for life support services is as transparent, competitive, and accountable as possible?

     Should the LOGCAP [Logistics Civil Augmentation Program] be unavailable, the Department will follow Federal Acquisition Regulation competitive procedures in any separate procurement action. Due to long-acquisition lead-time involved, the Department has already initiated action to develop a competitive solicitation for the base life support requirements should it be unable to remain under the LOGCAP program. This solicitation is referred to as the Baghdad Life Support Services acquisition, or BLISS contract. If necessary, the Department could issue a Request for Proposals for the BLISS contract in a very short time.

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Baghdad Life Support Services

Solicitation Number: SAQMMA10I0009

Agency: U.S. Department of State

Office: Office of Logistics Management

Location: Acquisition Management

Read the rest of this entry »

    Boy, this is a surprise.  My thoughts with this is that if Nepalese workers have to leave, that would include security contractors.  That is too bad because these are some excellent guys to have for security work.  I certainly hope these countries can work on lifting their bans, because all of these workers are bringing back money earned in war zones and spending it in their local economies back home. They are also providing a much needed service in Iraq.

     But yeah, if these countries do not want them in Iraq, then we should honor that.  But we should also try to be working the diplomatic angle with these countries. All of these folks want an opportunity to work in Iraq, and if Iraq is alright with that and things are safer than several years back, then I do not see the what the issue is. -Matt

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US orders pullout of all Pinoy workers in Iraq

By Dindo Amparo

07/26/2010

Thousands of Filipino workers in Iraq are on the brink of losing their jobs after the US government ordered all its military contractors to send home expatriate workers whose country imposes a travel ban in Iraq.

The deadline for expatriation is August 9.

In a memorandum issued by the United States Central Command last July 20, Colonel Richard Nolan, senior contracting officer of the Iraw CentCom Contracting Command said: “All contractors in Iraq have 20 days from the date of this letter to ensure their employees comply with US and international law and understood their redeployment responsibilities under the term of their contract.”

The memo added: “It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that it is not employing people from countries prohibited from entry to Iraq.”

The decision of the US Central Command was also triggered by reports that some expatriate workers including Filipinos were abandoned by their contractors in various camps throughout Iraq, raising concerns about violations committed by various contractors including hiring workers from countries that have imposed travel and work restrictions.

The Philippines and Nepal are among those mentioned among countries whose nationals were able to enter and work in Iraq despite the travel ban imposed by their host governments.

Read the rest of this entry »

“We have reviewed since Sunday the support that we’re providing to Amisom. We are going to beef that up,” Mr. Crowley said. “We’ve been the major contributor to the Amisom mission. That won’t change.”

The U.S. State Department, under a program known as Africap, provides funding for private contractors to train, outfit, transport and supply African troops in various peacekeeping missions. The State Department’s latest contract, which began in September 2009, provides $1.5 billion to private contractors to outfit Amisom and other troops. 

*****

     This is the part of the article I clued in on.  I imagine ‘beef that up’ equates to more money for the AFRICAP program, and similar programs.  So it will be interesting to see if any new changes come down the pipe.

     If you follow what is going on with Somalia right now, things are happening quickly, that will lead to the reality of more troops from throughout the region joining the AMISOM mission.  My question though is that will these troops be professional enough to do the job, or will they do more harm than good and bring more support to Al Shabab?

     Hopefully with this beefing up process, we also send some folks in there that can assist in organizing and helping along these new troops.  Unfortunately, if what happened to Ethiopia is any clue as to how all this will go down, then these new armies have a lot of work cut out for them. I wish them well though, and I certainly hope they can stick it to the Al Shaboob. -Matt

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U.S. Pledges More Support to Battle Somali Rebels

July 16, 2010

By WILL CONNORS in Kampala, Uganda, and KEITH JOHNSON in Washington

The Obama administration on Thursday said it would bolster its support to the African Union troops providing much of the firepower in Somalia’s battle against al Shabaab, the Somali militant group that has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s deadly blasts in Uganda.

The triple bombing in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, killed 76 people, including one American, gathered in a restaurant and a bar during Sunday’s World Cup soccer final.

Ugandan officials say they believe more than 20 members of Somalia’s al Shabaab militant group entered Uganda several months before the blasts. Ugandan authorities have arrested nine people, all Somalis, in connection with the attack since Monday, according to a Ugandan military official close to the investigation.

Uganda is part of an African Union force that launched an offensive early this month, alongside Somalia’s government, against al Shabaab militants who control large swaths of largely lawless Somalia.

An Al Shabaab leader on Thursday thanked its militants who carried out the weekend attacks and said more such attacks would be carried out in Uganda. “I say to the Ugandan president what has happened in Kampala was only the beginning. We will keep revenging what your soldiers remorselessly did to our people,” Sheik Muktar Abu Zubayr said in an audio message played on Mogadishu radio stations, according to the Associated Press.

Read the rest of this entry »

    This is pretty ‘cool’. lol  Jerry Cool painted this thing after a dream, and years later felt that the painting he put together was of Gary Faulkner and his quest to find Bin Laden. That is just wild.

     In other news about Gary, it sounds like Al Qaeda and company has put a bounty out on him. I haven’t been able to really confirm that, but it makes sense that they would. I say that because the Taliban and Al Qaeda already have a bounty system going on for any soldiers they can kill or capture. -Matt

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Bin Laden hunter receives painting

July 21, 2010

Gary Faulkner, the Greeley man who was detained in Pakistan last month while on a mission to hunt down Osama bin Laden, sits Tuesday in front of a painting called “A Renaissance Dream of 9-11: The Killing of Osama bin Laden” at the home of artist Jerry Cool in Muncie, Ind.

MUNCIE, Ind. - An Indiana man who says he dreamed two years ago of a bearded man slaying Osama bin Laden has given a painting of the dramatic scene to a Colorado man arrested in Pakistan while hunting for the al-Qaida leader.

Jerry Cool, 63, told The Star Press of Muncie that he was “shocked” when he saw Gary Faulkner talking on CBS’s “Late Show With David Letterman” on June 28 about his arrest in northern Pakistan earlier that month.

“Once I saw Gary on TV, I knew that was him in my vision,” Cool told the newspaper. “To me, he’s the only one that deserves that painting.”

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     Here is a great opportunity for both our US and Australian security contractors out there.  Also, at the career portal you will find team leader positions for both nationalities.  I am not the POC or recruiter, and please follow the links below if you would like to apply. Good luck. -Matt

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Position: Protective Security Specialist – USA Citizen

Work Location: Iraq, Afghanistan

Date Posted: Thursday, July 01, 2010

Responsibilities

Purpose of the role: To perform personnel protective service detail as assigned by the Operations Chief or Detail Leader.

Key Tasks:

- Perform the day-to-day protective security functions as specified in detail orders.

- Driving the assigned vehicle whenever required in motorcade or similar operations or acting as response agent.

- Carries and operates equipment as specified detail orders

- Maintaining protective formation position during principal’s walking movements

- Participating in advance security preparations.

- Manning the security post at principal’s residence or manning the Command Post, as required.

- Serve as a member of an Emergency Response Team / Quick Reaction Force when assigned.

Requirements

- You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this role

- Minimum of three years of experience

- Minimum one years experience in protective security assignments

- Experience can be gained in the employ of Armed Forces or any National, State/Provincial, Local or commercial entities providing high threat protective services

Apply here.

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Position: Protective Security Specialist – Australian National

Work Location: Iraq, Afghanistan

Date Posted: Thursday, July 01, 2010

Responsibilities

Purpose of the role: To perform personnel protective service detail as assigned by the Operations Chief or Detail Leader.

Key Tasks:

- Perform the day-to-day protective security functions as specified in detail orders

Read the rest of this entry »