Feral Jundi

Monday, November 21, 2011

Weapons Stuff: The Aimpoint FCS 12 For Recoilless Rifles And Rocket Launchers

Filed under: Weapons Stuff — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 3:10 PM

Thanks to William at the Feral Jundi FB page for finding this optic and sending me the link. Every once in awhile I will get word of a cool little weapons related deal that I think has merit, and let the readership out there know about it. I am also a former 0351 anti-tank guy in the Marines, and I have a special place in my heart for stuff like this. lol

But you are probably wondering why would contractors be interested in a recoilless rifle/rocket launcher optic? lol Well first, many of my readers are not just contractors, but a whole slew of industry and government professionals. They also include military folks from all over the world, and optics like this are a great way to upgrade older weapon systems like the Carl Gustav in the picture below.

Although this optic could conceivably be used on any rocket launcher or recoiless rifle equipped with a picatinny rail or similar.  What I really like about this optic is that it has a integrated laser range finder, and you can set up to ’50 different ballistic algorithms’ so that your optics and weapon can be matched to the munitions.

That is an important feature that I really like, because technically speaking, you could probably ask Aimpoint to send you ballistic algorithms for RPG munitions or SMAW munitions, if you were to mount this optic on those weapons.  Or maybe those ballistics are already in the device?

Here is the other point I wanted to make with this optic. Anything that takes an older weapon or munition, and makes it more accurate, is a good thing. It increases the first round hit probability in a fight, and will allow a unit to efficiently use what little ammunition they are carrying for that weapon platform. There is no such thing as an ‘ammunition fairy’ on the battlefield handing out a steady supply and at all times. Murphy’s Law says otherwise, and a unit should strive to make every round count.

I also like that this optic makes it ‘easier’ for the gunner to get on target and take full advantage of that weapon system in a fight.  Or if that gunner is killed, a team mate could pick up the weapon system plus optic, and get back into the fight knowing they have a simple to use/aim system in their hands. Especially if they are engaging an enemy at some distance, and that is the only weapon that can reach them.

On the downside, I don’t know if that wireless remote is a good idea. If it is wireless, then I tend to think in terms of how it could be hacked or be disrupted?  But maybe it is milspec enough to be a non-issue? I am also interested in the durability of such an optic, and it would be nice to reduce it’s power requirements so you don’t have carry a bunch of AA batteries for the thing. This is a unique deal from Aimpoint, and there is not a lot out there about it. Although I am sure they are getting user feedback and we will see future versions that address those issues.

As to how this applies to contractors directly is pretty much the training angle. If a contractor is tasked with training a foreign military on how to use a Carl Gustav or similar, and the soldiers they are training are limited health wise (vision sucks) or are limited in training time and the amount of available ammo, then a weapon with this optic could be the answer to bring up their capabilities as gunners. Of course you would want to train them on the basic weapon sites that do not require batteries, but if you are wanting to get them to a competent level in a short period of time, then an optic like this could be the answer. The question to ask is does this make a gunner’s life easier, and are they able to get on target fast and with accuracy?

It is a lot like the debate with putting red dot optics on rifles in the US military. Of course you want to train folks to use iron sites, but with the help of a red dot or reflex optic, you are able to reduce training time and make it easier for soldiers to hit targets. Especially targets in different light conditions. And funny enough, Aimpoint has provided quite a few red dot sites to the US military over the years.

So could this optic do the same for other US military weapons, like the M-3 MAAWS (Carl Gustav), or the SMAW?  Or even a picatinny equipped AT-4? Or put this on other support weapons that require ranging capabilities?

On a side note, in the video I posted below, it looks like those are contractors training US military folks in Afghanistan on the use of their Carl Gustav? Check out the range of the weapon in the video and know that this weapon can really reach out there. (about a 1000 meters depending on ammo according to wikipedia). You can also see why a good range finding optic like the FCS 12 might come in handy?  Interesting stuff. –Matt

 

 

 

The Aimpoint FCS12 is a Fire Control System for weapons like the recoilless Carl Gustav and Panzerfaust as well as Automatic Grenade Launchers and other support weapons. The operator aims at the target on a direct line-of-sight, which allows both eyes open. The optical axis between the eye and the target is not broken or linked by use of prisms.The sight contains an eye safe 1550 nm LRF (Laser Range Finder), a ballistic computer with the capability to store up to 50 different ballistic algorithms, and a parallax free optical channel with unlimited eye relief.
The FCS12 compensates automatically for the ballistic drop of projectiles at measured distances, factoring in variables such as: rotational (spin) drift, propellant temperature and terrain angle.
The system consists of two separate modules — the sight and a remote grip interface which transmit commands to the sight via a wireless link. The remote grip interface is designed to control the most important functions for operating the system during combat.

Conception
The Aimpoint FCS12 is the result of many years of intensive studies, research, and state-of-the-art technical design. The system’s solid-state design (no moving parts) ensures reliable operation and sustainability during field use.
Features
• Small and very rugged design.
• No moving parts.
• Compatibility with all generations of Night Vision Devices (NVD). The optical channel is designed to have an optimal eye relief of approximately 180 mm to allow the use of NVD.
• Digital push button interface located on the rear of the sight allows for setting advanced features, as well as providing a backup interface for standalone.
• User-friendly electronic controls and graphical interface displays.
• More than 3 days continuous operations including 100 range findings on one battery pack.
• Quick change battery power packs containing six standard AA batteries (Alkaline or Lithium).
• Manual override controls allow the operator to manually toggle range.
• Selectable language feature.
• Storage of up to 50 different ballistic algorithms.
• A short list of up to 5 different ballistic algorithms (types of ammunition) can be chosen directly from the remote grip interface.
• Terrain angle compensation measured by an integrated inclinometer.
• The LRF measurement button overrides all other functions and returns the system to ready mode from any other point in the menu.
• Selectable weapon feature.

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Kidnap And Ransom: Security Firms Fight Tide Of Kidnappings In Venezuela

Filed under: Kidnap And Ransom,Venezuela — Tags: , , — Matt @ 1:45 PM

This year more than 1,000 traditional ransom kidnappings have been reported in Venezuela. Add to that a spike in the number of so-called secuestros express, or express kidnappings – in which victims are abducted and frog-marched to cash machines – and an unknown number of unreported crimes and the true toll is likely to be far higher. Venezuela’s National Statistics Institute claims that more than 16,000 people were kidnapped in 2009.

Wow, this is quite the problem in Venezuela, and no wonder security firms are busy there? –Matt

 

Security firms fight tide of kidnappings in Venezuela
Security has become a key election issue and private contractors are multiplying in Latin America’s abduction capital
Virginia Lopez in Caracas and Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro
Friday 18 November 2011
When the Venezuelan baseball star Wilson Ramos was freed from his two-day kidnapping ordeal last week he flung his arms around his rescuers and wept in disbelief. It was a desperate embrace that Miguel Dao recognised only too well.
“Rescuing somebody who has been kidnapped is one of those strange situations where the victim is forced to have total trust in a stranger,” said Dao, a 62-year-old Caracas-based kidnap negotiator. “A very special kind of bond arises.”
Once the head of the Technical Investigative Police, Venezuela’s answer to the FBI, Dao is now part of a growing team of negotiators and private security contractors battling to stem a tide of kidnappings in what has become Latin America’s abduction capital.

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Legal News: Reflex Responses Hires Patton Boggs LLP For Lobbying In DC

Filed under: Legal News,Maritime Security,UAE — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 12:05 AM

Every once in awhile, I like to flex my ‘Google Fu’ skills and do some digging around. Low and behold, I found an interesting little tidbit about the UAE’s mercenary army called Reflex Responses Management Consultancy LLC or R2 for short.

They just hired the services of Patton Boggs LLP for lobbying in Washington DC in the ‘trade’ department. So my question here is what does R2 plan on selling to the US? Could they offer training services, or maybe even maritime security services to US flagged vessels? Who knows, but I do know that Patton Boggs LLP is no small potatoes law firm/consultancy. They also have a long history and relationship with the UAE.

It is also interesting that all of this lobbying registration happened on 10/20/2011, which was the same time that a consulting firm registered to lobby for Maersk and International Org/Masters/Mates/Pilots. Now what I speculate is that Maersk is seeing the writing on the wall when it comes to having armed guards on boats, and they need some folks in DC to help clear things up.

Maersk is up against a Jones Act based lawsuit filed by crew members involved in the famous Maersk Alabama pirate attack that happened a few years back. They are claiming that Maersk put them needlessly at risk for not providing armed security on the boat. It would make sense that Maersk would lobby DC to alleviate some of the legal concerns about having armed guards on boats.

So how does this connect with the R2 deal?  I don’t know, and maybe it is just coincidence. But it is also interesting that Secretary Clinton put out her memo in support of armed guards on boats a couple of days after these lobbyists registered. hmmmm

The other thing to note is that the UAE is on a blitz of sorts to promote anti-piracy efforts. The article I posted below lists a pretty extensive effort and strategy to tackle the problem. So does R2 play into that anti-piracy strategy?

Even if they are not connected, I think Maersk, the unions, and R2 are all interested in getting armed guards on boats. Either for capturing market share in the maritime security industry, or for liability reasons so they don’t get sued by the unions and crews for not protecting seafarers out there. Worse yet, if unions strike because vessels are not providing security, then that could have a serious impact on commerce. Hence why it behooves the government to do something about this. –Matt

 

Patton Boggs LLP for Reflex Responses Management Consultancy LLC
Issues: Trade (Domestic/Foreign)
Specific issue: Issues related to security consulting and related licensing matters.
Lobbyists: ?Farber, David J ?Garrett, John C ?McHale, Stephen (covered positions: Acting General Counsel, Treasury, Jan-Jun 2001; ActGCTreasury01 ) ?Oresman, Matthew Scott (covered positions: Sen.E.Kennedy,Intern,99;SenateJuducCom,LawClrck,05 )
Link to report here.
—————————————————————
Turner Pollard Strategies for Maersk Inc.
Issues: Defense; Marine/Maritime/Boating/Fisheries; Taxation/Internal Revenue Code; Trade (Domestic/Foreign); Transportation
Specific issue: All issues relating to the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine, including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, the establishment of a Marine Highway, Cargo Preferences Statutes, the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, the Tonnage Tax, Title XI (the Federal Ship Financing Program), and the protection of U.S. merchant ships from piracy.
Lobbyists: ?Pollard, John J III (covered positions: Staff of Rep Ike Skelton ans HASC ) ?Turner, James T
Link to report here.
—————————————————————-
Turner Pollard Strategies for International Org/Masters/Mates/Pilots
Issues: Defense; Marine/Maritime/Boating/Fisheries; Taxation/Internal Revenue Code; Trade (Domestic/Foreign); Transportation
Specific issue: All issues relating to the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine, including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, the establishment of a Marine Highway, Cargo Preference Statutes, the Harbor Maintenance Trust fund, the Tonnage Tax, Title XI (the Federal Ship Financing Program), and the protection of U.S. merchant ships from piracy.
Lobbyists: ?Pollard, John J III (covered positions: Staff of Rep Ike Skelton ans HASC ) ?Turner, James T
Link to report here.

——————————————————–

UAE renews support to all military operations and critical measures aimed at ending piracy off the Coast of Somalia
Nov 18, 2011
The United Arab Emirates renewed its strong support for all military operations and critical measures aimed at improving the process of pursuing and prosecuting those responsible and involved in piracy acts, considering these measures as a strong deterrent for preventing this phenomenon from continuing.
In an intervention made by Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations Ahmed Al-Jarman before the Meeting of the Contact Group on Combating Piracy off the Coast of Somalia on Thursday at the UN Headquarters, he added : “At the same time, the UAE emphasizes that such measures are not sufficient to eliminate totally and permanently these serious acts at sea, and the international community is required to adopt a comprehensive cooperation strategy that ensures the total elimination of this phenomenon, which constitutes a form of organized crime that threatens countries and is subject to international laws”.

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Film: Ridley Scott And Gerard Butler Team Up For Film About Simon Mann

Filed under: Equatorial Guinea,Film — Tags: , , , , , , — Matt @ 11:04 PM

Wow, this is unexpected?  It is also cool to see Ridley Scott do another Africa/conflict type film. Blackhawk Down was an outstanding war film, and Scott really hit the mark with that one

The other story about this, according to Mann’s twitter, is that he is talking with folks about doing a first person shooter game! Erik Prince has some competition in the gaming world I see? lol  Although I do not know if the game will be part of this movie, but even if it isn’t, it will still benefit from a movie.

Also, I kind of think that Gerard is not exactly the best choice of casting for Simon Mann. He doesn’t look like him, or even talk like him. But Gerard brings the star power, as does Ridley Scott, and I am sure Mann’s book fired up the imagination of both guys.  The question is, can a studio sell a mercenary film about a failed coup attempt?

The other question I have is if Ridley Scott and the writers will listen to what others might have to say about Mann and his book?  Because I am sure there are folks out there who disagree with what was said in the book, and would be very interested in making sure that all sides of this thing are fairly represented. It would also make for a more interesting movie if it had all of those perspectives. Who knows, and chalk up another film that we will track. –Matt

Edit: 11/18/2011– Simon Mann just confirmed in a tweet that the video game is part of the movie deal.

 


Ridley Scott and Gerard Butler Team Up for Fact-Based Mercenary Pic
by Dave Trumbore
November 17th, 2011
Although director Ridley Scott is currently busy with the production of Alien-pseudo-prequel, Prometheus, that doesn’t stop him from taking on new projects. Especially when that project stars Gerard Butler (300) as a former British Army officer who puts together a group of mercenaries to attempt a coup against an African nation’s government. Scott is attached to direct and produce the thriller based on the real-life exploits of Simon Mann. The script, written by Robert Edwards (The Bomb in My Garden) will follow Mann through the failed coup, his imprisonment and eventual pardoning.

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Industry Talk: Picking Sides In Libya–A Cautionary Tale

Filed under: Africa,Industry Talk,Libya — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 2:23 PM

Libya has been a very interesting conflict to follow. From the battle field tactics and strategies of the rebels, to the involvement of the world in trying to help things. We also witnessed R2P becoming a reality, as a means for intervening.

Probably the most interesting aspect of this conflict though is the involvement of foreign volunteers, mercenaries, and security contractors. Of course all three of these classifications have cross overs into one another, and the politics of the conflict have made things even more fuzzier. lol

Either way, I thought I would touch on a key aspect of warfare, in the history of wars, and that is picking the right side in a conflict to work for. Because if you choose wrong, you could very well end up getting executed or imprisoned for life. You could also have your reputation destroyed because of your involvement in a non-sanctioned activity.  If you choose correctly, you could end up being pretty wealthy, or at least have work with a new government.

The thing to remember about picking sides though is that like with stock picking, you need to remove emotion from choosing your sides. You must be pragmatic in your choice, and be willing to accept the reality of your client, if they have gone bad or have become a wanted man to the country you reside in.

Meaning, several years back, Gaddafi was actually an ally of sorts, and the west was doing business with the guy. He was also anti-Al Qaeda, and was certainly taking them to task in Libya.

But then the Arab Spring happened, and all of those years of being a brutal dictator caught up with Gaddafi and the people spoke. The West also took a hint from other countries falling due to this middle eastern revolt, and decided it was best to switch sides and support the people against Gaddafi.  And of course the West also had some bad history with Gaddafi back in the eighties, so it was easy to switch gears and label the guy public enemy number 1.

So what am I getting at here?  Well below I have found numerous individuals and groups highlighted by the media as foreign volunteers, mercenaries, and security contractors in this war. Each individual or groups all had their reasons for picking their side in the conflict, and all of them either benefited or paid the price for that choice. At one time, their relationship with Gaddafi’s regime was a non-issue or even supported. And then one day, that relationship becomes a ‘no go’ and Gaddafi is the bad guy.

The point I wanted to make is that if you plan on entering a conflict like this, you must get educated on the history of the players, know the laws, and know exactly who the good guys are and who the bad guys are, based on what country you are from.

For example, in the US we had several individuals who just volunteered to fight with the rebels. How is this not mercenary? But because the US switched loyalties from Gaddafi’s camp to the rebels, then anyone who fought for the rebels was ‘good to go’. You were not a mercenary in this case, and instead you were a ‘foreign volunteer’ fighting the good fight.

And yet in the US and western media, there was an incredible amount of heart ache and protest about Gaddafi using mercenaries. To Gaddafi and his supporters, these were foreign volunteers or security contractors. Hell, a couple of years back, the west would have called them foreign volunteers and security contractors, helping out an ally. The winds of change…..

Logic being though is that if you wanted to enter this market, and you are a citizen of the west, then now you know what side of the conflict you are on (or should be on). Join Gaddafi, and you are a bad guy mercenary. Join the rebels, and you are a good guy foreign volunteer or security contractor. And doom on you if you haven’t been following the news and doing your research to figure what side your country is on, and what is the current status of the governments and rebels/insurgents in a conflict.

So with that said, I wanted to post a few notable individuals and groups in this conflict that ‘picked sides’. You might agree with their choice, and you might not. But they made their choice based on money, loyalty, or principal–or some combination of all of these. This is nothing new in the history of conflict, but it is interesting to watch it play out in real time and on a world stage. Every aspect of these conflicts are recorded, filmed and talked about, and that is what makes this a unique deal to study and observe. –Matt

 

The Ontario man who helped Muammar Gaddafi’s son flee Libya
Stewart Bell
Oct 29, 2011
A private security contractor and former soldier from Canada has admitted he helped Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saadi flee Libya last month as Tripoli was falling to anti-Gaddafi rebels.
Gary Peters is president of Can/Aus Security & Investigations International Inc. in Cambridge, Ont. He is also Saadi Gaddafi’s longtime bodyguard and admitted he was part of a team that drove the late dictator’s third son across Libya’s southern border to Niger.
The convoy was ambushed after it had crossed back into Libya and Mr. Peters was shot. He returned to Toronto’s Pearson airport in September, bleeding heavily from an untreated bullet wound to his left shoulder.
“I got hurt over there so I come back,” he said when approached this week by a National Post reporter. He said he had been providing security to members of the Gaddafi family since 2004 and had continued to do so throughout the NATO campaign against the dictator. He worked mostly for Saadi but said he had also briefly guarded Col. Gaddafi’s sons Saif al-Islam and Hannibal.

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