Feral Jundi

Monday, August 15, 2011

Publications: 32 CFR Part 159 Private Security Contractors Operating In Contingency Operations

This is important to put out there just because there might be some little tweaks to the way things were usually done. So what I would like to do is put this out there, and if anyone has any commentary on the document, you can say so in the comments section. And because FJ gets top search in Google for stuff like this, I guarantee that folks will read what you have to say if they are interested in the document. Here is a snippet of the Summary:

This Rule establishes policy, assigns responsibilities and provides procedures for the regulation of the selection, accountability, training, equipping, and conduct of personnel performing private security functions under a covered contract during contingency operations, combat operations or other significant military operations. It also assigns responsibilities and establishes procedures for incident reporting, use of and accountability for equipment, rules for the use of force, and a process for administrative action or the removal, as appropriate, of PSCs and PSC personnel. For the Department of Defense, this Rule supplements DoD Instruction 3020.41, “Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the U.S. Armed Forces,” which provides guidance for all DoD contractors operating in contingency operations.Show citation box

This Rule was published as an Interim Final Rule on July 17, 2009 because there was insufficient policy and guidance regulating the actions of DoD and other governmental PSCs and their movements in operational areas. This Rule ensures compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to Inherently Governmental functions, and ensures proper performance by armed contractors.

Check it out and let me know what you think? I thought the comments and answers in this document were interesting. Although my first critique here is that I had no idea about the comments process, and that they would actually answer them in the document? I could have given a heads up here and on Facebook about this document and encouraged them to ask for clarification about rules. After all, it is our industry this thing impacts. As other articles and posts come up about this publication, I will make the edit. –Matt

Edit: 8/11/2011– DOD finalizes requirements for use of private security firms, by Jill Aitoro

 

32 CFR Part 159 Private Security Contractors (PSCs) Operating in Contingency Operations, Combat Operations …

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Industry Talk: Bancroft Global Development Doing Good Things In Somalia

Cool article and this is just an update on what Bancroft Global Development has been up to since I last talked about their contract in Somalia.(you guys still need to build your company website!) I am curious though how this news is a surprise or an ‘exclusive’ story according to the AP? lol I know my readership was informed about the company and what they were up to a long time ago.

Now the updates that I thought were interesting is the designated marksmen stuff that Bancroft is teaching. To get the AU away from using mortars, and more towards using precision fire is a good move. If done correctly, you could create a city dominated by AU snipers.

The other thing that jumped up at me was the use of suicide assaulters and EFP’s. Al Shabab is totally getting some help and taking ideas from the other war zones that Al Qaeda is operating in. Although it sounds like Bancroft is doing a great job at mitigating the IED threats and taking care of the EOD stuff. Very interesting and check it out. –Matt

 

In this Tuesday Aug. 9, 2011 photo, explosives expert Martinus Van Blerk, left, and a team of Ugandan soldiers are seen just after blowing up a hand grenade left behind by Islamist rebels in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Katharine Houreld)

AP Exclusive: US Group Trains Troops in Somalia
By KATHARINE HOURELD
August 10, 2011
On the front lines of Mogadishu’s streets, Islamist militants battle African Union troops. Standing alongside the peacekeepers are members of an American-run team of advisers, former military men who play a little-known but key role in the war against al-Shabab.
Aside from covert raids by special operations forces, the U.S. government has not been involved militarily in Somalia since the intervention almost two decades ago that culminated in the Black Hawk Down battle. But a Washington-based company has been quietly working in one of the world’s most dangerous cities to help an AU peacekeeping force protect the Somali government from al-Qaida-linked Islamist insurgents.

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Industry Talk: Troops Are Replaced By Unity Resources Group At Australia’s Embassy In Iraq

Filed under: Industry Talk,Iraq — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 11:15 AM

Bravo to URG and I hope the contract goes well. I am not familiar with any past issues with the company or this contract, and if anyone has anything to add, feel free to do so in the comments. –Matt

 

Australian troops leave embassy in Iraq
August 10, 2011
Thirty-three Australian soldiers who were guarding the embassy in Iraq have been withdrawn, and a Dubai-based private security firm has taken over, an embassy official says.
“We now have moved to a contractor called Unity Resources Group” to provide embassy security, the official said on Wednesday, adding that the last soldiers left on Saturday.
The soldiers guarding the embassy were the last significant Australian troop presence in the country. Australia once had some 2000 soldiers in Iraq, one of the larger non-US deployments.
Two Australian officers remain as advisers to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, the embassy official said.
According to its website, Unity Resources Group is based in Dubai and was founded by Gordon Conroy, “a former Commander in the Australian SAS (Special Forces) Counter Terrorist Squadron,” who is the firm’s director and CEO.
Story here.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Industry Talk: Indian PSC’s To Shop For Arms With Government Approval

Filed under: India,Industry Talk — Tags: , , , , — Matt @ 4:27 PM

The AK-47 kind of weapons — automatic and semi-automatic — are still out of bounds for the private agencies. The government fears misuse of sophisticated weapons.
“But there are other weapons: pistols, revolvers and other rifles that we can buy once the changes come into effect,” said Kunwar Vikram Singh, chairman of Central Association of Private Security Industry.
He anticipates a demand for about 12,000 gunmen for the cash and transit business — transferring cash by financial institutions to ATMS or bank branches alone.

This is another bit of news from around the world about the PSC market in India. This is great news that they are finally allowing companies to legally buy firearms so guards have a means to defend property, clients, and self. But my question is what took you guys so long? Especially with all of the high profile attacks that India has suffered, you would have thought that this would have been a no brainer awhile back?

The other thing that gets me with this, is the limitation on the types of weapons.  Shotguns and pistols are a nice start, but the enemies of India carry AK-47’s and various other high power modern fire arms. To me, you must at least match or exceed the firepower of your potential threats. If the terrorists in the Mumbai attack were all carrying AK-47’s, then maybe that might be a clue?

This news might also impact the shipping security dilemma that India is trying to overcome. That getting armed guards on boats is a logical step for the security of vessels. But like I mentioned up top, shotguns and pistols are no match against an extremely desperate criminal armed with AK’s, PKM’s, and RPG’s.

My last thoughts on this is that world wide, security for cash transits is going to be big. There is so much financial instability right now, and the global economic woes will produce an increase in crime. So PSC’s will be pretty active in cash transits and other financial related security services, as we see things get worse. This will be particularly true as certain regions are no longer able to pay for sufficient police forces, and unemployment rates are high. If you look at places like Mexico, PSC’s are definitely on the rise. –Matt

 

Pvt security firms to shop for arms?
Aloke Tikku
August 08, 2011
The government is set to allow private security agencies to buy firearms and arm guards to protect high-value assets.
The move comes more than two years after the 26/11 attacks that prompted companies such as software major Infosys to seek permission for guards with automated weapons.
The home ministry’s proposal to allow state governments to issue bulk arms licences to registered private agencies was in final stages, sources said.
In the absence of such a provision, security companies depend on individuals with licensed firearm. This is illegal but the police look the other way as they can’t fill the vacuum.

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Thursday, August 4, 2011

Medical: True Bionics, And Getting Back Into The Fight

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