I got the idea for this post, while reading Eeben’s post on physical security. It seems like this stuff should be common sense, but for some folks, they just don’t get it. This will hopefully give the reader a starting point to grow from. There are tons of resources on how to operate out there, and everyone has an opinion. For me, I like to keep things basic, and stick to what works. The Marines still use these 11 General Orders, and every Marine must learn them while at boot camp. Although, if you don’t have the time to memorize this stuff, just copy them on a 3X5 and put them in your pocket. Guys do that all the time, with all sorts of information they have to remember. I also run around with maps, nine line, language stuff, compass, frequencies, POC, etc. I also keep a notebook and pen with me, so I can write stuff down–lots of common sense stuff, and excellent for those of us with a rough memory capability. lol
So you’re on your first contract, and you have just arrived in country. You have your gear and weapon, and you have met your team leader and maybe the site manager, and your all ready to do the job. And let’s say your job is site security, which most of the gigs these days are just that, and you have just been dropped off at your post. Of course you read the post orders, and you are told what your specific job is, and what your schedule is, and how long you will be working, and who you will be working with, but after that, you’re on your own.
As a contractor, how do you act, now that you are out on your own? Your a ‘feral jundi’, so what standards do you hold to, now that you are released into the wilds of security contracting? You might be prior military or law enforcement, retired and/or extremely experienced. You might be a young guy that did a few combat tours in Iraq with the Army or Marines, and got out after you did your time. Or, you might be a bouncer or security guy, that knew all the right people and got your foot in the door that way. You found your way to that contract, with that gun in your hand, and a company and customer are now depending on you to do the job your hired to do. So what is the proper mindset to have as a contractor on some boring and tedious site security detail?
How do you act, when you are the new guy, and you’re on post and wanting to do a good job?
Well for one, read your post orders and ask as many questions as you can so you can fully understand your duties. Do not assume anything, and really learn the duties of your post. But what happens when you do not have post orders, or the orders are very light and you really don’t have much direction on how to act? Believe me, some contracts are like that out there. So what is the guidance that will help you to do a good job and leave a lasting impression about how you do business? Or the better question is how do you want to be remembered by your co-workers and managers–the screw off who could care less about doing a good job, or the guy that everyone can depend upon and will do things right when no one is looking?
Well if you want to do a good job, and are looking for some guidance on how to do a good job, then here is something that has helped me over the years on gigs. They are called the 11 General Orders for Sentries and I learned them a long time ago when I was in the Marines. Although a few of these orders have to be tweaked to be applicable for contracting, the intent is still there. I have also given an interpretation for each order, on how it could be applied to the contracting scene. Some of these might not apply for where you are at, but most orders will and they are a great check list on how to operate on a post. Some of you might have your own check list on how to operate out there, and it is all good for your personal Kaizen. So here they are and Semper Fi. –Matt
General Order 1
To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
*To take charge of this post and all customer property in view.
General Order 2
To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
*To walk my post in a professional manner, keeping always on alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
General Order 3
To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
*To report all violations of the contract I am instructed to enforce.
General Order 4
To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
*To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
General Order 5
To quit my post only when properly relieved.
*To quit my post only when properly relieved.
General Order 6
To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.
*To receive, obey and pass on to the guard who relieves me all orders from the project manager, site manager, team leader and any other leaders of the guard shift only.
General Order 7
To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
*To talk to no one except in the line of duty.(phone calls, internet, iPod, etc.–distractions are not good)
General Order 8
To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
*To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
General Order 9
To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.
*To call the leader of the guard force in any case not covered by instructions.
General Order 10
To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
*To show respect for your leaders, and for the chain of command as per contract.
General Order 11
To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
*To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.