Interesting news, and I will let you know who picks up what for this. Part of the deal for these contracts is that part of the security has to come from local nationals that live in the area. This can work, if it is done properly and is actually managed well by whatever company has taken this on. The benefits of hiring locally is that guys tend to protect their cash cow, or the job that feeds their family. So it benefits them to know about any bad guys in the area. These local guards can also help to feed the base with any local info about IED’s or bad guys in the area. But that only works when you actually engage with your guards and work with them. If you treat them as if less than, then of course there won’t be any info obtained.
These guards can also identify bad guys within the worker units coming onto the base to do work. They will know who is local and who the foreigners are, so it is smart to really work with these guards and treat them with respect. More than likely though, these guards will first and foremost show loyalty to the local tribal chief, so it is important that the company works with that individual as well. Nothing new, but it all can go pear shape if you don’t be careful. The big one is just stay engaged with everyone.
If you are a guard force supervisor, you should be checking up on your guys often, learn a little language, and apply some Jundism to your connections. Know your stuff, have the courage to do what is right, and most of all, take care of your people. And that goes for the company as well. Do not hamstring your guard force commanders, by not giving them the tools necessary to be good leaders.
The kind of tools I am talking about are disciplinary tools (the ability to fire folks, or punish by withholding pay), or giving them the time and money necessary to train or equip their guard force. You are asking a lot of your guard force commanders, the least you can do is back them up and give them everything they need to succeed. Don’t be marshmallow eaters and take the easy way out by signing on to contracts that don’t allow for that kind of support for your guard force commanders. Or by purchasing crap equipment or weapons. pffft.
These men and women you put in charge of the local national forces, are the backbone of your contract–you should treat them as such, because the security of that FOB rides on their ability to effectively lead. Better yet, take the time to pick guard force commanders that will do a good job for you, and trust-yet verify that they are doing a good job for you, and stay involved with what is going on out there. Or you can pull a AGNA, and watch your company become the embarrassment of the industry. –Matt
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From FedBizOps (click on the blue links)
Air Force-Afghan Security Guards – FOB Lightening
Solicitation Number: W91B4P-10-R-0014
Agency: Department of the Air Force
Office: United States Air Force Europe
Location: 48 CONS/LGC – Lakenheath
Army-Afghan Security Guard Services – FOB Wilderness, Herrera, Zormat (WHZ)
Solicitation Number: W91B4P-10-R-0015
Agency: Department of the Army
Office: Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan
Location: SALERNO RCC