Feral Jundi

Monday, June 8, 2009

Books: Steven Pressfield’s Video Blog on Tribalism

Filed under: Afghanistan,Books — Tags: , , , , , , , — Matt @ 2:12 PM

   Follow the links below, and you can watch Steven speak in depth about tribalism and his thoughts about the war today.  Very interesting stuff, and especially the comparisons of Alexander the Great and his war in Afghanistan, compared to today’s war there. His books are amazing, and I know I am highlighting his Video Blog, but really this about the author himself.  If you notice in the videos, he is an outstanding speaker and story teller, which are key components for influencing others. Check it out and Semper Fi. –Matt

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Steven Pressfield 

Why I’m Doing This

By Steven Pressfield 

June 8, 2009

June 8th I’m posting the first two of five video op-ed pieces on the subject of Afghanistan, U.S. troop involvement, and the nature of the enemy. #3 will be posted on Wednesday, #4 on Friday. #5 will wrap it up next Monday.

Why am I doing this? Not for money. I’ve got no book coming out, no tour, nothing. I just want this information to get out there. We did these videos—I and a group of smart and dedicated young filmmakers—just as concerned citizens, the way one might write an op-ed piece and submit it to a newspaper.

What’s the thesis of the videos? That the enemy today in Afghanistan (and Pakistan and Iraq) is being mischaracterized as “militant Islamist,” “jihadist,” “terrorist,” etc. I don’t think that’s the defining characteristic. I think the single quality that most defines our foes is tribalism and the tribal mind-set.

What does that mean? It means that the qualities common to all tribes at all times and in all places—warrior pride, hostility to outsiders, fidelity to the group, the obligation of revenge, suppression of women, a code of honor rather than a system of laws, extreme conservatism, patience and capacity for hatred—are what characterize the enemy (as well as our potential friends) in Afghanistan and in Pashtunistan, the tribal areas along the Pakistan border.

Our young Marines and soldiers are in harm’s way now, and more will be deploying soon, in this strategically critical and very dangerous part of the globe. It’s imperative, in my view, that these men and women be armed with a full understanding of what they’re up against. I’ve spoken on this subject at West Point, Quantico, Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton and, though our young Marines and soldiers are getting some training in this area, my fear is that it’s not in-depth enough and that it’s not extending far enough down the food chain. Officers of course need a background in this subject, but our enlisted troopers on the ground—the much-talked-about “strategic corporals”–need it just as badly.

It is equally imperative, in my view, that our policymakers in Washington possess this historical and cultural grounding.

That’s why I’m posting these video op-ed pieces.

Tomorrow I’ll write about how this thesis evolved, what the sources are, and on what authority I “submit it for your approval.”

*****

Steven Pressfield is the author of Gates of Fire and four other historical novels set in the ancient world, including The Afghan Campaign. His most recent book is Killing Rommel, a WWII story. He is also the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance and The War of Art.

Mr. Pressfield is a graduate of Duke University and a former Marine. His books are in the curriculum at West Point, Annapolis and the Naval War College, as well as being on the Commandant’s Reading List for the Marine Corps. He lives in Los Angeles.

Steven Pressfield Video Blog Here.

Steven Pressfield’s Homepage Here. 

Find His Books Here at the Jundi Gear Amazon Store. 

Thursday, April 16, 2009

History: 8 US Marines, 500 Mercenaries, and the ‘Shores of Tripoli’

Filed under: Africa,History,Maritime Security — Tags: , , , , — Matt @ 9:47 PM

   Ah yes, more history.  This stuff never slips into the conversation about our early history here in the US, and I thought this little factoid is certainly relevant to today’s discussion.  Using security contractors to defend ships is possible, is not that crazy of an idea, and we even took the concept a little further back in the day when we were dealing the Barbary pirates with this land assault.  I also wrote a Building Snowmobiles deal, that talked about PMCs combined with Special Forces to fight a conflict, and that is worth a look if you are interested in exploring the concept.  So with that said, here is the Battle of Derne and Semper Fi.  –Matt

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The Battle of Derne

The Battle of Derne was a decisive victory of a mercenary army led by a detachment of United States Marines over the forces of the Barbary coast nation of Tripoli during the First Barbary War.

Background

The former Consul to Tunis, William Eaton returned to the Mediterranean with the title of ‘Naval Agent to the Barbary States’ in 1804. Eaton had been granted permission from the United States government to back the claim of Hamet Karamanli, the rightful heir to the throne of Tripoli, who had been deposed by his brother Yussif Karamanli. Upon his return Eaton sought out Hamet, who was in exile in Egypt, and made a proposal to reinstate him on the throne. Hamet agreed to Eaton’s plan.

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Sunday, April 5, 2009

Job Tips: Eleven General Orders for Marine Sentries…And for Contractors

Filed under: Job Tips,Kaizen — Tags: , , , , — Matt @ 9:34 PM

    I got the idea for this post, while reading Eeben’s post on physical security.  It seems like this stuff should be common sense, but for some folks, they just don’t get it.  This will hopefully give the reader a starting point to grow from.  There are tons of resources on how to operate out there, and everyone has an opinion.  For me, I like to keep things basic, and stick to what works.  The Marines still use these 11 General Orders, and every Marine must learn them while at boot camp.  Although, if you don’t have the time to memorize this stuff, just copy them on a 3X5 and put them in your pocket.  Guys do that all the time, with all sorts of information they have to remember.  I also run around with maps, nine line, language stuff, compass, frequencies, POC, etc. I also keep a notebook and pen with me, so I can write stuff down–lots of common sense stuff, and excellent for those of us with a rough memory capability. lol 

   So you’re on your first contract, and you have just arrived in country.  You have your gear and weapon, and you have met your team leader and maybe the site manager, and your all ready to do the job.  And let’s say your job is site security, which most of the gigs these days are just that, and you have just been dropped off at your post.  Of course you read the post orders, and you are told what your specific job is, and what your schedule is, and how long you will be working, and who you will be working with, but after that, you’re on your own.  

   As a contractor, how do you act, now that you are out on your own?  Your a ‘feral jundi’, so what standards do you hold to, now that you are released into the wilds of security contracting?  You might be prior military or law enforcement, retired and/or extremely experienced.  You might be a young guy that did a few combat tours in Iraq with the Army or Marines, and got out after you did your time.  Or, you might be a bouncer or security guy, that knew all the right people and got your foot in the door that way.  You found your way to that contract, with that gun in your hand, and a company and customer are now depending on you to do the job your hired to do.  So what is the proper mindset to have as a contractor on some boring and tedious site security detail?

   How do you act, when you are the new guy, and you’re on post and wanting to do a good job?

   Well for one, read your post orders and ask as many questions as you can so you can fully understand your duties.  Do not assume anything, and really learn the duties of your post.  But what happens when you do not have post orders, or the orders are very light and you really don’t have much direction on how to act?  Believe me, some contracts are like that out there.  So what is the guidance that will help you to do a good job and leave a lasting impression about how you do business?  Or the better question is how do you want to be remembered by your co-workers and managers–the screw off who could care less about doing a good job, or the guy that everyone can depend upon and will do things right when no one is looking?  

   Well if you want to do a good job, and are looking for some guidance on how to do a good job, then here is something that has helped me over the years on gigs.  They are called the 11 General Orders for Sentries and I learned them a long time ago when I was in the Marines.  Although a few of these orders have to be tweaked to be applicable for contracting, the intent is still there.  I have also given an interpretation for each order, on how it could be applied to the contracting scene. Some of these might not apply for where you are at, but most orders will and they are a great check list on how to operate on a post. Some of you might have your own check list on how to operate out there, and it is all good for your personal Kaizen.   So here they are and Semper Fi. –Matt    

 

    General Order 1

    To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

 

*To take charge of this post and all customer property in view.

 

    General Order 2

    To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing   everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

 

*To walk my post in a professional manner, keeping always on alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

 

    General Order 3

    To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

 

*To report all violations of the contract I am instructed to enforce.

 

    General Order 4

    To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

 

*To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

 

    General Order 5

    To quit my post only when properly relieved.

 

*To quit my post only when properly relieved. 

 

    General Order 6

    To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.

 

*To receive, obey and pass on to the guard who relieves me all orders from the project manager, site manager, team leader and any other leaders of the guard shift only.  

 

    General Order 7

    To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

 

*To talk to no one except in the line of duty.(phone calls, internet, iPod, etc.–distractions are not good)

 

    General Order 8

    To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

 

*To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

 

    General Order 9

    To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.

 

*To call the leader of the guard force in any case not covered by instructions.

 

    General Order 10

    To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

 

*To show respect for your leaders, and for the chain of command as per contract.  

 

    General Order 11

    To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority. 

 

*To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority. 

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Military News: Grunts to Rebuild Like SOF, Move Away From Bases-Mattis

Filed under: Military News — Tags: , , , — Matt @ 1:16 AM

   I like it, and I hope Mattis is able get this going soon.  To me, it is all about a division of labor like Mattis said, and we just do not have enough snake eaters to get this done. –Matt

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Speech at FPRI Luncheon 

February 12, 2009

Gen. James Mattis, USMC

Gen. James Mattis is Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command. He was introduced by the Hon. John Hillen, FPRI Trustee.

This presentation was the keynote address at the “Defense Showstoppers” conference sponsored by FPRI’s Program on National Security and the Reserve Officers Association. FPRI thanks its trustees W. W. Keen Butcher, Bruce H. Hooper, John M. Templeton, Jr. for funding the Program on National Security.

(Go to minute 30:37 for the part that relates to the story below) 

Video Link Here

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Grunts to Rebuild Like SOF, Move Away From Bases: Mattis

By Greg Grant 

February 19th, 2009 

Fighting two simultaneous counterinsurgency wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has placed enormous demands on the small number of elite Army Special Forces teams, known as Operational Detachment Alpha. So the Army and Marines plan to restructure and create many more small combat and advisory teams from existing conventional ground forces, says Marine Gen. James Mattis, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command.

The military is dominant in conventional warfare and can best any opponent in high-intensity battle, but it’s not superior in irregular warfare, the types of wars the U.S. is most likely to fight in the future, Mattis said. The requirement for small combat and advisory teams, along the Special Forces model, is now a “national priority.” Mattis recently created a Joint Irregular Warfare Center, headed by a Special Forces officer, to guide the effort “to shift general purpose forces more into a special operations forces approach to fighting, without giving up conventional warfare.” Creating these small, deployable “high performing” teams for irregular warfare will require many more Army and Marines trained as advisors.

“We need more troops who are culturally adept, who are comfortable working outside mother Army, mother Marine Corps and able to work in small teams,” Mattis said, speaking Feb. 12, at a conference sponsored by the Foreign Policy Research Institute, in Washington, DC. Irregular wars are fought amongst the people, requiring American troops, “understand not just of the nature of the conflict, but the ‘human sea,’ to use Mao’s analogy, within which the enemy swims,” according to the “Joint Operating Environment,” a recent Joint Forces Command publication.

Mattis said in future irregular wars, the military must avoid the logistically demanding and often problem causing “heavy footprint,” where large numbers of troops are sent ashore and operate from massive bases, as in Iraq and Afghanistan. He prefers an expeditionary approach, using small advisory teams who live and work among the local people. It will require a “fundamental shift” in the approach to basing in foreign countries, “where not every troop has a big screen TV and eighteen entries on the menu that night and where they’re completely isolated from the local people.” He said the seabasing concept, where troops operate from large naval platforms located offshore, will be an important component of the new irregular warfare operating concept.

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Sunday, November 30, 2008

Maritime Security: To the Shores of Tripoli..

Filed under: Maritime Security,Somalia — Tags: , , — Matt @ 1:11 PM

     A great little article about how we used to do things, when it came to pirates. Send the Marines and some Mercenaries, and attack the land bases of these pirates.  That and stop paying these ransoms, because it only encourages these guys.

     Now do I see an Obama administration sending troops to the shores of Somalia, just like we did in 1804? Or will the memory of our efforts in Somalia in the early nineties kick in, and prevent us from  doing what we need to do?  

     I don’t see us doing anything on land because of the bitter memory of our last venture there, but you never know.  If piracy becomes a money making tactic of the mufsid dorks, then we might see more of an effort to combat it as part of the overall war strategy.  More than likely, it will continue to be treated as a criminal thing, and ships will be on their own and the various navies involved will only have a partial impact on protecting them all.        

     Although, if we are to learn anything from history, we must deal with the land component of piracy as part of an overall strategy, if we are truly serious about combating it.  –Head Jundi

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Shores of Tripoli 

To the Shores of Tripoli . . .

The place to stop pirates is on the beaches.

by Seth Cropsey

12/08/2008, Volume 014, Issue 12

The November 15 hijacking 450 miles east of Mombasa, Kenya, of a thousand-plus foot oil tanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil forced international recognition that the seas have been dramatically added to the world’s list of outlaw space. According to the International Maritime Bureau, recorded attacks by pirates in the Gulf of Aden area have more than tripled–to 92–in the past year. The million square mile swath of the Indian Ocean off, and south of, the Somali coast through which approximately 20,000 ships a year pass between Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere is within hailing distance of smaller, but no less significant, portions of the Middle East and South/Central Asia whose lawlessness has produced important consequences around the world. The prospect of a large-scale meeting of lawless land and lawless sea would be especially troubling even if the possible failed state in the middle–Pakistan–didn’t possess nuclear weaponry.

But for now, the problem is that Somali pirates who use global positioning devices to help identify potential targets, who deploy “mother” ships that can venture out to sea to launch and recover small fast boats, and who have mastered simple but effective tactics for capturing ships have transformed one of the world’s strategic choke points into a watery version of the Cyclops’ island home, a place without law. The consequences transcend what is already happening: spiking maritime insurance rates, significantly increased costs to international consumers as shipping lines reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, and a growing problem of captured ships’ crews held hostage in Somali pirate havens–330 crew members from 25 nations at last count.

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