Iraq « Feral Jundi

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Call To Action: Help Scan Wikileaks For Security Contractor Information

Filed under: Call To Action,Industry Talk — Tags: Call To Action, Industry Talk, Iraq, private military, private security, security contractors, war logs, wikileaks — Matt @ 4:27 PM

This is a simple one, and I need everyone’s help with this. The dork at wikileaks posted more stuff about Iraq, and there are like 54 pages of information dealing with the search input ‘security contractors’. If folks can help me sift through this thing so we can identify what is true and what is false, that would be a big help. These reports are mostly from the military perspective, and just because it is on wikileaks does not make it true or correct. I hate giving wikileaks this kind of attention, but I feel I have no other choice.

The other reason I wanted to get this out there is to see if names have been used of contractors, or if any operational information that could be used to hurt guys was posted. The Pentagon could care less about our safety with these leaks, and have their own issues. So if you find stuff that is of concern, let me know via emails and we can do some damage control. Mostly I just need to know what to prepare for, so I can give everyone a heads up.

Most of the stuff I am seeing so far is pretty basic. Lots of IED or SAF reports where convoys were fired upon by the enemy, Iraqi police/army or the coalition. If anything, it shows how much combat contractors really faced in Iraq, and it definitely showed how dangerous and complex of an environment we operated in. –Matt

*****

Link to Iraq War Logs Explorer here.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Games: Medal Of Honor Tier 1 Interview Series

Filed under: Video — Tags: Afghanistan, Cool Stuff, Games, interview, Iraq, medal of honor Tier 1, military, special forces, Video, war — Matt @ 2:17 PM

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Monday, October 4, 2010

Industry Talk: ManTech Awarded $70 Million Contract To Operate BETSS-C In Iraq

Filed under: Industry Talk,Iraq,Technology — Tags: BETSS-C, contract, CRAM, DOD, Industry Talk, Iraq, ManTech, operation new dawn, private military companies, security contractors, surveillance, Technology — Matt @ 5:46 PM

This is another former military task being handed over to a contractor as the mission continues to change in Iraq. This is a very important job, much like the C-RAM contract I mentioned in the past, and the defenses of these bases will depend upon the job performance of these companies. Good leadership on the ground and team dedication towards doing a good job is critical for this stuff.

It is also critical that these companies take care of their people. Angry and disgruntled contractors in these positions could definitely be a threat to the contract/mission. It is a reality that impacts both the military and private industry, and it is important to treat your people right if you want them to perform. DoD would be greatly served if they maintained a close watch on the performance of these companies and their crucial task, because lives depend upon it. Trust, but verify. –Matt

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USJFCOM contractors use the Base Expeditionary Targeting and Surveillance System – Combined (BETSS-C) to look for suspicious activity on the range during Empire Challenge 10 (EC10). EC10 is an annual USJFCOM-led, multinational intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance demonstration that showcases emerging capabilities and provides lessons learned to improve joint and combined interoperability. (USJFCOM Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Vanessa Valentine)

ManTech Awarded $70 Million Contract to Operate Advanced ISR, Battle Command and Force Protection Systems in Iraq

Oct. 4, 2010

ManTech International Corporation, a leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs, announced today that it has received a task order under its Strategic Services Sourcing (S3) prime contract to provide Base Expeditionary Target Surveillance Systems-Combined (BETSS-C) operators in Iraq. The multiple-award task order, in support of the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Night Vision/Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (PM NV/RSTA), has an initial period of performance of 12 months and two optional six-month extensions. The expected value to ManTech is $70 million if all contract options are exercised.

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Aviation: Department Of State Enters 5 Year IDIQ Agreement For Up To 110 S-61 T Helicopters

Filed under: Afghanistan,Aviation,Iraq — Tags: Afghanistan, Aviation, Blackhawk, contractors, Department of State, helicopters, Iraq, Presidential Airways, S-61 T, security contractors, sikorsky — Matt @ 4:26 PM

Interesting choice of helicopter. This goes back to the idea of trying to be more cost effective by upgrading proven helicopters as opposed to buying brand new and more expensive helicopters. Hell, the first flight of the S-61 was in 1959, so this is definitely an old war horse.

The other piece of news that everyone is waiting on is wether or not the DoD will loan State the Blackhawk helicopters and MRAPs it is requesting? With the purchase of these S-61 T’s, I am wondering if DoS is wanting a faster helicopter like the Blackhawk for QRF or rescue type operations? Who knows, and I will post that information when it comes up. Below I also posted the job ads for pilots and technicians with Presidential Airways. –Matt

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The Sikorsky S-61T Triton helicopter.

New S-61T Helos for the US State Department

20-Sep-2010

First 2 accepted; Another 11 ordered. (Sept 20/10)

In February 2010, Sikorsky announced an indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity agreement with the US Department of State to purchase up to 110 modernized S-61T Sea King helicopters, for “passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations.” The State Department regularly leases helicopters for this purpose; as one example, the helicopter that spirited Rep. Alan Grayson [D-FL] out of Niger during the 2010 coup was flown by Blackwater/Xe’s Presidential Airways.

Because of the current state of helicopter support in Afghanistan, the role of private contractors to fill the gaps has been growing. The initial S-61T delivery order has been followed by more… and Sikorsky is pointedly touting the S-61Ts as an alternative to leased machines.

Story here.

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U.S. State Department Orders 11 More Upgraded S-61 Helicopters for Use in

Iraq & Afghanistan

September 20, 2010

Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced the U.S. State Department has ordered 11 additional upgraded S-61TM utility helicopters for use in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Earlier this year, the State Department entered into a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for up to 110 upgraded S-61 aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations. Under the IDIQ agreement, the first four aircraft purchased in February are currently in completion and are scheduled for deployment in Afghanistan this fall.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Jundism: ‘Have The Courage To Do What Is Right’– Security Contractor Shane Schmidt Rest In Peace

Filed under: Industry Talk,Iraq,Jundism — Tags: courage, Iraq, Jundism, private military, private military company, private security company, security contractor, Shane Schmidt, Triple Canopy — Matt @ 12:56 AM

I wanted to post this story as an example to us all. ‘Have the courage to do what is right’ is a Jundism concept that I have hit on before here on the blog, and Shane Schmidt is a prime example of what this means.

For circumstances like this when a co-worker or leader has crossed the line, it is your responsibility and moral obligation to do what is right and turn that bastard in. If you don’t, who will? And if you don’t, then these heathens will take you, your company, and your customer down with them and everyone in the company and industry suffers.

Do not listen to those in your company who are weak minded and lack that moral standard to do what is right. Listen to your heart and listen to your soul and do what you have to do. That is all.

Bravo to Shane Schmidt (and Charles Sheppard) and Semper Fi. –Matt

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Shane Schmidt

Shane Schmidt, shown in Iraq, and others with Triple Canopy said a colleague fired unprovoked into an occupied taxi and pickup truck. (Courtesy Of Shane Schmidt)

Sued U.S. defense contractor in Iraq

By Emma BrownFriday, September 24, 2010

Shane Schmidt, a private security guard in Iraq who raised questions about lax government oversight of U.S. defense contractors when he accused his boss of randomly shooting at, and perhaps killing, civilians in Baghdad, died Sept. 19 at a hospital in Marshfield, Wis. He was 33.

Mr. Schmidt, a Haymarket resident who was visiting family in Wisconsin, was crossing a road near Marshfield just after midnight when he was struck by a vehicle. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died, according to a news release from the local sheriff’s department. The incident was under investigation.

Mr. Schmidt was a Marine Corps sniper who served two tours in Afghanistan before taking a job in 2004 with Triple Canopy, a Herndon-based company and one of the largest defense contractors working with the U.S. military in Iraq.

For $500 a day, he provided protection for American bases and visiting military personnel and contractors.

On July 8, 2006, the former Marine was one of four Triple Canopy employees traveling in an armored sport-utility vehicle to the Baghdad airport.

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