I do not have anything to say about CSS Global Inc., and maybe a reader or two can chime in about this company? I think it is great they got the contract, and hopefully guys will get a few jobs out of this. I will not endorse them though, because I have never heard anything good or bad.
One other thing. I have no idea if they are hiring either, so please do not send me resumes for this. Go through their website that I posted below, to find out more.
On an initial search in the career section, I did not see anything posted, and the hiring could be all going on through back channels. My guess is they have everyone they need, but you never know and it wouldn’t hurt to send them a resume for this anyway. –Matt
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Ada company wins contract to protect Somali government from terrorism, pirates
By Ted Roelofs
The Grand Rapids Press
October 15, 2009
A Grand Rapids-based security firm is taking on a job few would envy: Protect the transitional government of Somalia, a failed state and breeding ground for terrorism and international piracy.
According to the Somali government, CSS Global Inc. has been contracted to provide security consulting services and training for government forces.
In a statement released Wednesday, Somali special envoy H.E. Ali Hassan Gulaid said he is “confident the expertise of the CSS Global senior staff will prove to be a valuable asset to us in our efforts to establish a safe and secure Somalia for our citizens.”
CSS Global, an affiliate of Ada-based CSS Alliance, has furnished counterterrorism services in other African nations and provided security and logistics in Iraq. Its operations team comprises former military and law enforcement personnel, including Special Forces.“It is going to be a huge challenge,” said Chris Frain, chief executive officer and co-owner of CSS Alliance. “This is a brand-new government being stood up with the help of the international community.”
Frain said he is optimistic CSS can get the job done.
“Our protective operations team has the experience and focus to provide strategic security services and support operations in any situation,” he said.
But in a landscape that some analysts warn could be a virtual Petri dish for al-Qaida, the challenges are daunting. Most of Somalia has remained lawless or in the hands of rival clans and warlords since the central government collapse of 1991.
The country is remembered by Americans for the 1993 battle of Mogadishu, depicted in the film “Black Hawk Down,” in which 18 U.S. soldiers died and defiant Somalis dragged the corpses of several through city streets.
More recently, Somali pirates have hijacked dozens of ships off the coast, including the brief takeover in April of a U.S. cargo ship that ended when Navy snipers killed three pirates and rescued the captain.
There is hope the contract could help the government crack down on pirate attacks, which have threatened international shipping since the 1990s.
One expert in African security issues called the political environment in Somalia “extremely difficult.”
“Somalia has been a failed state for more than 15 years,” said Fabienne Hara, vice president of the International Crisis Group, an independent nonprofit conflict resolution advocacy group. Hara served as acting chief of the United Nations mission in Sudan in 2007 and as central Africa project director for the International Crisis Group.
As clans and various Islamic factions continue to vie for power, the potential threat from al-Qaida is a “growing concern,” Hara said.
“There are foreign elements among the Islamic factions,” Hara said.
In September, U.S. special forces attacked a car in southern Somalia, killing one of Africa’s most wanted al-Qaida militants. Kenyan-born Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan was suspected of constructing the truck bomb that killed 15 people at a Kenyan hotel in 2002.
The moderate Islamic government of Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, who became president in February, is regarded by many as the country’s best chance for stability in years.
Frain and his brother, Tim, have built CSS from a small detective and corporate security agency in the 1990s to a player in international security.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it contracted with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to protect commercial buildings and trailer parks. At its peak, it had 600 employees in the New Orleans area.
In Iraq, the firm won a Department of Defense contract in 2007 to provide personal security and convoy security as it set up a compound about a mile outside the heavily fortified Green Zone. It later won contracts to build and transport cement barriers and modular housing used by the military.
The work was not without danger: Three CSS operatives were killed in 2007 by roadside bombs while escorting convoys, two in an incident near the border with Iran and the other in northern Iraq.
Hara noted that Somalia has already undergone more than a dozen peace initiatives since the early 1990s.
Frain said he could not comment on the size of the contract or number of security forces CSS would employ because the new government is “very sensitive” to the impact that publication of that information might have on opposition forces. He said funding for the transition government comes from the Arab League and other members of the international community.
Despite the obstacles to stability, Frain insisted that it might not be as tough as the environment the firm faced in Iraq.
“As important as this is to the world that this transitional government succeed, our opinion is that maybe this would be a little bit easier,” he said.
E-mail the author of this story: localnews@grpress.com
Story here.
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CSS Global (and Alliance) website here.
This Company is a FEMA Emergency Managment company experienced only in Post DIsaster cleanup and support worl (engineers construction of toilets shelters food managment convoy common guarding making blast wakk concrete blocks and placing them etc.
They have never done any tactical ops no Counter Terrorism Mission anywhere for any government, they are not qualified forthe Mission in Somalia unless we can solve the problem by offering extra toilet facilities in the Market at Mogadishu.
They are a small detective agency that got Bush Era Contracts for FEMA in New Orleans and are trying to gain guard work at the AIrport in Florida and other Places.
They will either make an embarrasment or have casulties sue to their lack of any tactical experience. Or they will have to hire out all the work to someone elese that knows what to do
Just my viws based on public information
Comment by Major Richard Dixon — Sunday, October 18, 2009 @ 10:17 AM
Hey, thanks for your input. Do you have a source for this information? I have heard of the guys working the hurricane circuit, but that is about it and would like to read about past performance if it is out there.
In fairness to the company, they do have experience conducting security operations in Iraq. That’s according to the article.
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In Iraq, the firm won a Department of Defense contract in 2007 to provide personal security and convoy security as it set up a compound about a mile outside the heavily fortified Green Zone. It later won contracts to build and transport cement barriers and modular housing used by the military.
The work was not without danger: Three CSS operatives were killed in 2007 by roadside bombs while escorting convoys, two in an incident near the border with Iran and the other in northern Iraq.
Comment by headjundi — Sunday, October 18, 2009 @ 10:53 AM
That is EXACTLY my point their experience is NOT the type of experience required to solve any problems in Somalia the AOR is Low Intensity Urban Warfare and requires TACTICAL EXPERIENCE, Counter Terrorism Experience (they DO NOT HAVE CT experience and NEVER had a Mission for CT work anywhere); Turning a group loose in Somalia such as this unless they are purely a support role such as they have always played (guarding, Concrete pouring for blast wall and barrier blocks etc) then it would be a disaster, and they would have more than 4 Casualties per day !) Good lock to them I say, But they should report honestly when something as serious as Somalia and the entire HOA is Involved, and funding sources never fund operations that are not honest in their representations of previous work experience and capacity.
Comment by Major Richard Dixon — Monday, October 19, 2009 @ 12:24 PM
I think you would appreciate my latest post. I too am wondering why the Somalis went with CSS Global, when there were other companies with proven capability. Is this purely a matter of cost, or connections, or a really good sales job?
The other thing that strikes me, is the total lack of reportage on this in the media. CSS Global will be the ‘American Foreigners’ running around protecting Somali assets. Why there is no discussion about the implications of this action is perplexing. I would have though more folks would have latched onto this one. Contractors have an impact on strategy, yet you never hear any of the strategists pipe up about it.
I guess we will see, and I really hope that they can pull it off. By the way Major Dixon, are you active duty or retired? Just curious. Take care. -matt
Comment by headjundi — Monday, October 19, 2009 @ 1:23 PM
Thought you all might be interested in the press release from CSS announcing this contract. I would point to the second paragraph, which lays out the mission of this contract.
CSS Global to provide security services to transitional government of Somalia
Somali program is company’s latest assignment for African nations
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Oct. 15, 2009) – CSS Global Inc. announced today that its experienced international protective operations team will provide security consulting services and training to the transitional government of Somalia.
Under a contract recently approved by Somalia government leaders, CSS Global will assist the government’s security, dignitary protection and counterterrorism programs. CSS Global’s protective operations instructors will train a significant portion of the government’s new security force.
In September and October, CSS Global executives met with the leadership of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia in Nairobi, Kenya and in Washington, D.C.
“On behalf of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, I am happy to announce that CSS Global has been awarded a long-term contract to provide security and training services in the areas of Dignitary Protection and Counterterrorism,” said H.E. Ali Hassan Gulaid, Ambassador and Special Envoy of the Transitional Federal Government. “I am confident the expertise of the CSS Global senior staff will prove to be a valuable asset to us in our efforts to establish a safe and secure Somalia for our citizens.”
CSS Global, an affiliate of Ada, Michigan-based CSS Alliance, has provided counterterrorism, security and logistics services in emerging markets. The CSS Global protective operations team is comprised of former military and law enforcement personnel, including former Special Forces members.
“We’re honored and proud to work with the Transitional Federal Government to improve security services in Somalia,” said Chris Frain, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of CSS Alliance. “Our protective operations team has the experience and focus to provide strategic security services and support operations in any situation. Our focus on providing exceptional service doesn’t change based on where our teams are deployed.”
CSS Alliance provides a broad range of security, market development, business continuity and emergency response services throughout the United States and the world. Its clients include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was in need of emergency response services following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008 to set up and manage temporary shelters, feeding stations and mobile medical units.
About CSS Alliance
CSS Alliance is a service-driven organization managed by an executive team that has built a reputation based on hard work and integrity. Since 1969, dedication to quality, service and value has driven their success. They have helped businesses, individuals and government entities achieve strategic goals by providing innovative solutions enhanced by a premium level of service.
CSS Alliance provides specially trained staff for expert protection services, emergency response and mass care disaster planning, market development, business continuity, operations support and hospitality needs throughout the U.S. and abroad. In the past 16 years, they have expanded operations outside of the U.S. to provide services in hostile and austere environments in emerging markets.
CSS Alliance and its affiliates are privately owned and headquartered in Ada, Michigan. Their world-class team of experts comprised of professionals with military and law enforcement backgrounds is strengthened through strategic partnerships and complemented by international success.
Comment by TruscottGroup — Wednesday, October 21, 2009 @ 7:51 AM
The Somalia Deputy AMB to the UN has denied the contract. Says Gulaid is a poser. I imagine required USG approval for export of this type of security service to a failed state would be slightly problematic. Sounds hokey.
http://www1.voanews.com/somali/news/news-makers-i…
Comment by Marina — Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 11:17 AM
Interesting, and thanks for the link. The last paragraphs of that story stated this below. So there is an actual contract signed, according to CSS. Perhaps Gulaid was the insulation to something like this? If he arranged the deal, and all went well, then no harm no foul. But if things went pear shaped, they could easily say Gulaid is a 'poser', that does not represent the Somali government and deny they knew anything about this. My guess is that they knew everything that was going on. We are talking about a lot of money flying around on this one, and no one is ever blind to business like this.
Also, CSS Global is not the only company who is involved with Somalia. Bancroft Global Development has been working there since 2008, providing weapons training and counter-IED training services. BGD is out of Virginia, and is one of the few non-profit 503c companies out there that are PMC's.
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CSS Global Inc. seemed unfazed by the apparent confusion surrounding the veracity of the person who supposedly signed the deal for the Somali government.
“I know that there had been meetings with the president and the prime minister involved,” said Truscott, the spokesman. “So, they’re aware of the contract.”
Asked about the amount of money and the number of personnel involved in the deal, Truscott said the Somali government asked them to not divulge details of the deal. Doing so might compromise the safety of our people, he said.
Comment by headjundi — Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 5:44 PM
BGD was contracted by AMISOM donors, not the Somalians. The Arab League is attempting to broker a deal between UN-backed transitional government and al-Shabaab militants. Sounds like they (the Arabs) may wish to fund protection of Somalia President Ahmed.
There has been a UN arms embargo since 1992. Indirect sale and supply of weapons, technical advice and military training is banned. An American company would need UN exemption as well as USG approval to export paramilitary training for Somalia's security force. Given their alleged human rights abuses and ongoing armed conflict, it is unlikely that the USG would approve commercial sale of security service to the transitional government of Somalia.
At least 11 people were killed today in clashes between government forces and Hizbul Islam around the presidential palace in Mogadishu. Captured contractors would be viewed as mercenaries. Do you think the US would risk having American hostages exploited as propaganda by al-Shabaab? Remember Black Hawn Down?
I don't know what CSS is thinking or why anyone would take their claim seriously.
Comment by Alex — Tuesday, November 24, 2009 @ 10:55 AM
Hey Alex (or Marina), thanks for taking the time to add to the record. Perhaps the company or a rep for Gulaid or the Somalis can come in and make a statement to clear this up once and for all?
I know Jody, the Truscott Group and a slew of other journalists are reading this stuff, and now would be a great time to get the story right and clear this up.
Comment by headjundi — Tuesday, November 24, 2009 @ 5:13 PM
I guess I am a little late to the party. Just thought I'd let the MAJ know that these guys are in fact experienced in tactical operations. They have been supporting the USG operations in Iraq for several years. I know from firsthand experience that they are skilled and professional.
Comment by Zack — Monday, December 14, 2009 @ 11:10 AM
Hey Zack,
Thanks for your input. The company has not responded to the questions and concerns Jody Bennett raised in his article about this deal. Nor have they since come onto the blog to answer for this newer stuff, even though they sent out a PR firm to advertise the whole thing within the first days of receiving the supposed contract.(please read the comment from Truscott) Here is the other article you should check out. -matt
https://feraljundi.com/2009/11/24/industry-talk-so…
Comment by headjundi — Monday, December 14, 2009 @ 5:35 PM