Feral Jundi

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Industry Talk: Karzai’s Decree Regarding PSC’s And The Buzz On The Forums

Filed under: Afghanistan,Industry Talk — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 12:55 AM

     This is a translation that I wanted to put up just so folks have something to reference. But what is really cool is all the buzz on the forums about this one.  Lots of opinions all over the place.

     The photo below is a mystery.  I have no clue if these guys were PSC’s or not.  But what the photo symbolizes is all the years that good men like them spent putting their lives on the line for Karzai. Do you think he even thanked them for their protective services? –Matt

Edit: 08/23/2010 – Tim wrote up a great post on the subject, and has a better translation of the decree.  Check it out here.

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Karzai

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, center, is surrounded by heavily armed bodyguards as he arrives for a groundbreaking ceremony in Parwan, some 34 miles, 55kms north of Kabul, Monday, March 14, 2005. Karzai was surrounded by dozens of US security personnel as he attended a ceremony of groundbreaking for a road linking the Panjshir Valley to Parwan in the district of Bayan. (AP Photo/Shah Marai, Pool)

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President Karzai’s decree regarding PSCs in Afghanistan:

For tackling corruption and ensuring security of our citizens and prevention of security irregularities as well as exploitation of arms and military equipment and uniforms by the security companies which has caused some tragic incidents, after some thorough and legal review I am approving the annulment of foreign and national security companies within four months as per the following conditions.

The members of security companies who can meet the military recruitment conditions of provided that they meet the conditions they can join the police forces with or without their registered arms or weapons. And the Interior Ministry is obliged to annul it within four months from today.

For foreign companies who are registered with IM, if they agree, then the IM, Def Min and NDS will buy their weapons and the resident visas of the foreign members will be cancelled. If the companies do not agree to sell their arms their resident visas will be cancelled and they can leave the country with their arms.

Those companies who are not registered with IM their arms will be confiscated.

Embassies or diplomatic offices, NGOs who are operating in Kabul and provinces can still use their own security personnel within their premises. They should not be visible outside their premises. The number and conditions for this will be spelled out by the IM. The MOI’s must take charge of the external security of embassies,NGOs in Kabul and other provinces.

It is the MOI’s task to implement this decree.

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(You must sign up to read a few of these forum discussions)

SOCNET Forum discussion here.

Tactical Forum discussion here.

Lightfighter Forum discussion here.

Secure Aspects Forum discussion here.

Close Protection World Forum discussion here.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Industry Talk: Afghan Government Says Four Months To Disband All Private Security Firms

Filed under: Afghanistan,Industry Talk — Matt @ 12:14 PM

About 26,000 armed security contractors work with the U.S. government in Afghanistan, including 19,000 with the U.S. military, Boor said. The majority of military contractors protect convoys, though some also provide base security, said Maj. Joel Harper, a spokesman for NATO forces.

Karzai has said such responsibilities should fall to either enlisted military or police, though it’s unclear how soon Afghan forces would be ready to take on additional jobs.

Boor said private contractors were needed right now to keep development projects and military operations running.

“Since the Afghan army and the Afghan police are not quite at the stages of capability and capacity to provide all the security that is needed, private security companies are filling a gap,” Boor said.

*****

     I think this will have disastrous consequences if the whole thing is torn down in four months. What perplexes me is that Petraeus is talking with Karzai on an almost daily basis according to the general’s latest interviews. Why is no one telling Karzai and company what the reality is on the ground, or how important security contractors are to the war effort? In essence, because there is such a massive requirement for security and training, and the Afghan police and military already have plenty of work to do when it comes to actually fighting or policing, I am just kind of curious how Karzai magically expects this vacuum to be filled? Will he be making all of his military and police into guards and teachers, and have NATO and ISAF do all of his fighting and policing for him?

     But hey, it’s his country and maybe all the companies should just throw down their weapons all at once. lol If Karzai wants to be popular, this is a great way to do it for about one day. Because as soon as all the reconstruction forces refuse to go out and do anything because of a lack of security, the people will slowly start to understand what was the cause of that. There is an aid machine, and it will shut down if you mess with it. And as the Taliban take advantage of this broken aid machine, they will tell the people that Karzai is the cause of their discontent. So he might think this is a good political move right now, but this will backfire on him in the future and lead to him being removed. If not by another politician, it will be by the Taliban.

     Now the correct way for security contractors to be removed is for a conditions based withdrawal, much like with today’s military forces. A July 2011 withdrawal makes no sense, much like a 4 month withdrawal makes no sense with security contractors. There is a right way to do this, and a wrong way, and success is the only way for a withdrawal to happen. Anything else is a date of victory for your enemy.

     Of course there could be other factors at play and this is way too early to really make an accurate assessment. This could be part of the political negotiation process sparked by the anti-corruption teams that have threatened the Karzai inner circle. Or it could be a move to get more recruits for government forces by dissolving Afghan PSC’s. Stay tuned and we will see how this plays out. Hopefully Tim and other Afghan hands can chime in on what he has heard, or what he thinks is really going on. –Matt

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Afghan gov’t: 4 months to disband security firms

August 16, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — A spokesman for the Afghan president says Hamid Karzai will order all private security companies in the country disbanded within four months.

Spokesman Waheed Omar says the decree is expected later Monday. It will both set the deadline and detail a process through which the companies should cease operations.

Omar spoke at a press conference in the capital and declined to give further details until the decree was released.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S. military supports the Afghan government’s plan to dissolve private security companies and is tightening oversight of its own armed contractors in the interim, an official said Monday.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called repeatedly for banning private security companies, saying they undermine government security forces. Contractors perform duties ranging from guarding supply convoys to personal security details for diplomats and businessmen.

A presidential spokesman said last week a deadline to abolish private security contractors was imminent. In his inauguration speech in November, Karzai said he wanted to close down both foreign and domestic security contractors within two years.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Paracargo: GPS-guided Parachutes May Soon Drop Blood, Medical Supplies To Wounded Troops In Afghanistan

Filed under: Afghanistan,Logistics,Medical,Paracargo — Tags: , , , , , , — Matt @ 6:39 PM

     I like this, but I have to think, what took you guys so long to think it up?  I mean they have already been using these types of paracargo systems for years, and just now the military is thinking about using it for medical resupply?

     What really kills me is that they predict they might be up and running with the project by January? I am sorry, but this is ridiculous and so typical of how government operates.  Put the stuff in a box, and drop it out of the airplane like you would with ammo, food, and water. Surround it with as much cushioning as it takes to insure it lands in one piece, but either way, get it done.

     In the smokejumpers, we have been dropping medical paracargo for a long time.  Stuff like oxygen bottles, IV’s and whatever else the mission required. Which is another point to bring up.  If they are going to drop this kind of bundle in any kind of wooded areas, it might be wise to also have a set of tree climbing equipment that you can toss out of the aircraft as well.  Maybe something that you could drop by GPS chute, and then at a certain altitude the tree climbing box is released with a small drogue keeping it straight but still allowing for speed of the bundle.  That way the thing can plow through the trees to the ground.

     Or if the aircraft can do a low pass, they could toss out the thing as well. In the jumpers, this is how we would do it, and those boxes would plow through the trees just so the guys on the ground could get to it for tree climbing operations.   Because getting medical supplies out of a tree requires the right equipment, and you definitely do not want to keep your patient waiting because of a bundle that is hung up.

    The aircraft could also just drop another medical bundle, but if that one gets hung up in the trees or gets lost in a river or destroyed by enemy fire, it will be equally problematic.  So it pays to have some back up tree climbing equipment just to be prepared.  That is how we did it in the smokejumpers. I realize that most of Afghanistan is not that bad tree-wise, but for those areas that guys are operating in where trees are tall enough, it is something to think about.

    Another idea is to use UAV helicopters for the task. If you want to put medical supplies on the ground and with precision, use something like that.  That’s if it is too dangerous or the conditions suck for manned flight into that spot.

     But going back to the time frame for this.  Imagine how many folks have already died, just because this capability was not in place?  I say do a couple of test runs to figure out the right kind of packaging for the load, and start this program immediately. You could get this done in a week or two, and not wait until January of next year.  Lives could be saved because of it. –Matt

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GPS-guided parachutes may soon drop blood, medical supplies to wounded troops in Afghanistan

By MARK PATTON

August 11, 2010

WIESBADEN, Germany — GPS-guided parachutes soon could be dropping blood supplies to medics on the battlefield, cutting down the time life-saving medical supplies reach wounded troops.

The military already uses the technology to deliver food, water and ammunition to U.S. forces in remote parts of Afghanistan. Now, the Armed Services Blood Program is working with an Army research center to put blood and other medical supplies under the parachutes instead.

If testing goes as planned, the system could be up and running by January.

Troops needing blood on the battlefield usually have to be evacuated and transported to the nearest medical facility. But evacuation is not always possible when units are under fire or if the weather prevents an emergency vehicle from traveling.

That’s when the Global Position System-guided parachutes can be a lifesaver and allow a wounded servicemember to receive blood during the critical period following an injury, said Air Force Maj. David Lincoln, Armed Services Blood Program deputy director for operations.

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Industry Talk: NATO Slack Forces US To Send More Soldier And Contractor Trainers To Afghanistan

Filed under: Afghanistan,Industry Talk,Training — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 10:36 PM

     This story is interesting for a couple of reasons.  Awhile back I wrote a post that dealt with this type of problem specifically, and how contractors are the ones who will be taking up the ‘slack’.  Matter of fact, that is part of the title of the post. Afghanistan: So As NATO Falters Or Members Leave, Will Contractors Pick Up The Slack?

     One thing that struck me was the numbers mentioned in this story about how many contractor trainers are over there now.  I think that number is much larger than the 2,000 that is mentioned.  I could be wrong, and I only say this because DoD really hasn’t been that accurate with their contractor accounting.  Still, 2,000 contractor trainers is pretty significant.

     The other part that I wanted to mention, was the idea that it takes NATO so long to spin up the required amount of manpower, and yet there was no mention on how fast it takes contractors to be spun up and sent over.  Of course NPR did not want to minimize the capability of the US military, but in all honesty, private industry is the winner for speed of deployment and quantity needed when it comes to training stuff.  Hell, the only thing that slows down contractor deployments, is the lack of government CORs needed to manage the whole contract to ensure it is properly carried out. lol But in this race, we excel.

     The three month training deployment that the 82nd Airborne finished was pretty cool too.  Three month deployments are nice, and private industry is the king of utilizing short deployment contracts like this.  Could we see the military do more of these types of deployments?  I know the troops would probably dig it.

     I also wanted to give a big thanks and pat on the back to all of those contractors out there who are a part of this massive training effort in the war.  You are an essential part of today’s strategy, and today’s war planners and strategists might not appreciate what you do, but I certainly appreciate the hard work you are doing.

     My guess is that there will be more work coming too, so definitely keep up an eye on all the forums and job boards if you are planning to get into the training side of the business. –Matt

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NATO Slack Forces U.S. To Send Afghanistan Trainers

by Tom Bowman

August 13, 2010

American soldiers — and even private contractors — are spearheading the effort to build an Afghan army and police force, so American and NATO troops can one day leave. But Pentagon officials and military officers say NATO nations still aren’t doing enough.

A few weeks ago, hundreds of artillery troops and air defense artillery soldiers from Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Fort Campbell in Kentucky started heading over to Afghanistan. They weren’t part of the so-called surge in combat troops. Instead, Defense Secretary Robert Gates signed orders for them to work as trainers because European nations were too slow in helping out.

“We’re still not getting NATO able to force-generate and deploy forces in the numbers that we need,” says Army Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, who leads the training effort in Afghanistan. “So Gates said, ‘OK then, I’m going to give you another unit.’ “

It was the second time this year Gates said OK to more American trainers because NATO wasn’t picking up the slack. An 800-soldier battalion from the 82nd Airborne Division just got back from Afghanistan on a three-month training mission, designed to serve as a “bridge” to more NATO troops.

But with the NATO troops still not arriving, the troops from Oklahoma and Kentucky were sent — for a year.

That’s annoying some members of Congress.

“NATO members who for whatever reason do not send additional combat troops or who intend to reduce their combat troop presence in the near future should at least be willing to provide trainers who operate away from the heavy fighting,” Sen. Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat who heads the Armed Services Committee, said at a recent hearing.

NATO is willing — to a point. It has sent about 900 trainers to work with Afghan soldiers and police. The U.S. has sent more than twice that number. American private contractors have sent 2,000.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Jobs: Contingency Special Operations Team, OCONUS

Filed under: Afghanistan,Iraq,Israel,Jobs,Virginia — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 1:17 AM

     Blackice Security put this one out, and I figured I would get on the band wagon and put it out as well.  My guess is that there will be a huge requirement for bodies on this contract, and many companies are looking at those numbers and making their moves.

     As for VxL?  I have never heard of them, so job seekers beware.  They have provided a phone number and email, so feel free to contact them if you have questions.  I would also be curious if any of the readership have some input about the company?

     I am not the POC or recruiter for this company, and please follow the directions and links below to apply.  Good luck and let me know how it goes. –Matt

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Careers with VxL

VxL is always seeking highly qualified, experienced professionals who possess absolute dedication and the will to excel in everything they do.

Our review and screening process is intensive. All candidates are subjected to comprehensive investigations, psychological screenings, and drug tests. All candidates must additionally demonstrate proficiency in their area of expertise, and physical fitness. Certain standards, such as weapons qualifications and physical fitness, have a pass / fail score that must be met, other standards are less empirical. Candidates are not expected to be perfect – but our analysis of your capabilities will be uncompromising. For those candidates who successfully pass all screening requirements, you will find working with VxL to be an experience like no other.TO APPLY FOR ANY POSITION:To apply, you may click on the ‘APPLY NOW’ link following the job description. You may also email us at careers@vxlenterprises.com or call us at 202-449-3824. Be sure to reference the position title and code.

Current Opportunities

Professional Instructors and Operators wanted ISO the Department of State WPS Program:

All VxL operations are based on our ‘Contingency Special Operations Team’ (CSOT) support concept, which maximizes operational readiness and scaleability while promoting a sustainable ‘career path’ for our personnel. As such, our team members are not hired for specific programs – rather, they are hired based on the full scope of their capabilities and integrated into the CSOT program where they are able to support any number of requirements.

Currently, we are accepting applications from highly qualified personnel who, while assigned to a CSOT, have the capability and requirements needed to support various training and operational requirements of the WPS Program (formerly WPPS II). *The WPS program in particular is contingent upon award – however, the CSOT positions in general are NOT. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of WPS award status.

For a more detailed position description, qualifications, and brochure, CLICK HERE.

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