Little is talked about the sacrifices that local national private security forces have made. These would be classified as local security folk who often help out local businesses operate in these war environments. I witnessed the same thing in Iraq. They are paid less, and their equipment and resources are minimal. But by local standards, it’s not a bad gig. 300 Dollars a month is probable more than what most locals make per month, and guys line up for these jobs because there is nothing else out there. But you also get what you pay for.
The Taliban know that these convoys are easy pickings as well, hence the reason why the continue to attack them. The one thing I picked up on in this article was the idea that ISAF forces, were not coming to the aid of these companies. It’s nice to know that the Canadians have been helping these guys out when they can. But really, ISAF needs to make it more of a priority to help out these guys. It goes back to winning hearts and minds. These guys are contract security, but they are also the local population. If we make it a point to help them out when they need some assistance, then maybe–just maybe, they might be a little bit more inclined to continue working for the good guys, as opposed to flipping sides. Or worse yet, selling their issued guns and ammo to the other side.(I saw this practice in action in Iraq, and you can blame low pay, mixed loyalties, and poor leadership on that one)
Either way, these men are brothers in arms, and the deserve our respect. An army cannot fight without the supplies provided by these convoys, and these men are very crucial to that process. Even if these guys are not directly protecting Coalition assets, they are still a group that should be recognized as important. We should also be reaching out to these guys and coordinating a little more so accidents do not happen in the future. Or better yet, winning over some of these guys with guns, so they don’t run over to the Taliban. –Head Jundi
Private security guards oversee the departure of a 250-truck NATO supply convoy from Kandahar to Kabul this week. Only some of the security guards wear uniforms and flak vests and none have helmets.
Photograph by : Tom Blackwell/National Post
Private security a necessity in Kandahar province
Tom Blackwell
Canwest News Service
Saturday, October 18, 2008
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – As he girded himself for another shift protecting a massive NATO supply convoy this week, Rozi Mohammed made a frank admission: the work terrifies him.