This is a great opportunity to get on a gig that would look pretty good on your resume. I have watched this contract over the years, and it seems to have gone through a lot of growing pains with different companies covering it.
Another point I wanted to make, that kind of bugs me, is the fact that Afghanistan has gotten increasingly more dangerous. 2008 has so far been the most deadly year on record for the troops and contractors over there, and Iraq is moving to second place.
The reason I mention the risk, is that I have not seen the salary adjust accordingly for this job. I think the salary is an good amount in general terms, but 250 to 280 dollars a day is about what you can make here in the US on standard security assignments. For hurricane work, I have seen between 250 to 300 dollars a day. Money is money, and I am not going to complain too much, but I wanted to point out that there has not been an adjustment that has matched the increasing risk.
Because there is no industry standard for what security contractors are really worth, or a standard scale that reflects the risk in such places as Afghanistan or Iraq, then we will continue to see companies pay whatever they think we are worth. If anything, that scale should be tied in with what insurance companies come up with for war zones. Lloyds would be a good place to start. Another question to ask, is who would regulate these companies to insure fair salaries? Unions or government, or should we let the market dictate?
I kind of look towards air traffic controllers here in the US as an example of how important we are. We provide life saving services to clients that depend on us, just like pilots depend on air traffic controllers for direction. If we are not happy do to pay issues or management issues, we could walk at any time. But for us to walk, could severely impact the war effort on some of these contracts. For that reason, we almost have to have a government agency or military office get involved. Because like I was saying in my earlier posts, we in the private industry should be enhancing COIN operations and not give headaches to local commanders, not pissing off everyone and screwing up COIN operations.
John Nagl has been pumping up the idea of an Advisory Corps for the military, to help with the COIN operations out there and have a command post that is more permanent. Possibly he could have a position or office within the Advisory Corps that can regulate and look out for security contractors? Partly to make sure that security contractors are happy and not getting screwed over by the companies , and partly to make sure the private military companies and employees are not screwing up any COIN operations out there. Just thinking out loud. –Head Jundi
Company Overview
ArmorGroup North America has had an established presence and reputation in North America for over 25 years, ensuring the US Government and its agencies, Fortune 500 corporations and international peace and security organizations are able to operate securely and confidently. We assist our clients by identifying and mitigating risks to their people, assets and interests and specialize in supporting contingency operations, crisis response and business continuity planning and implementation, both within North America and overseas.
Job Description
ArmorGroup North America is looking for Embassy Security Force and Embassy Response Team candidates for our Kabul Embassy Security Force program in Afghanistan.What is the ArmorGroup Embassy Security Force Program?The primary mission of ArmorGroup North America in Afghanistan is to provide protection for United States personnel and U.S. Government employees and to protect the U.S. Embassy and diplomatic facilities and equipment from damage or loss.ArmorGroup North America is looking for Embassy Security Force personnel who possess a sense of pride in what they do and are looking for an opportunity to be part of history in the making. The Embassy Security Force Program is an opportunity to advance your career and to join an elite group of those who have taken the next steps in supporting the mission of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan.Life in Afghanistan is challenging and is not for all; however, for those who have what it takes to operate in a combat region, it can be one of the most personal and professionally rewarding experiences in a lifetime.What do we offer?