Private Security Remains in Afghanistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has abandoned plans to scrap private security firms in the country by mid-December, the interior ministry says.

Fifty-four private security firms have been dissolved in recent weeks in a drive to clamp down on the industry.

But interior ministry officials said most of the 52 mainly Afghan firms remaining would retain their licences.

Private security firms provide guards at everything from diplomatic missions, aid agencies and supply convoys.

…In August, President Karzai gave private security companies four months to end operations in Afghanistan following concerns that some contractors empowered warlords and power brokers operating outside government control.

But recently aides to the president have advised him that the move to disband the network completely was ill-advised, as the security forces could not fill the gap.

“Their future operations will continue in accordance with the law and regulations in place,” an interior minister told a news conference in Kabul.

He said some of the 52 firms still operating remained under criminal investigation and could face closure; a list of banned companies would be announced on 17 December.

Mr Farahi said that those which remained would have to follow tighter rules. They would have to wear uniforms and would not be allowed to stop vehicles or block roads for security reasons.

For the full story, click HERE.

See previous:  Ban for Afghan Private Security Contractors

SO first the crackdown, and then the reshuffle.  It will be interesting to see how this continues to play out both through official and back channels.  ~ES

Tom Taylor’s Armored Men Hits Bookstores

So a new book that dives into the world of Executive Protection is hitting the market soon.  Tom Taylor’s “Armored Men”, is a fictional story centered on Lieutenant David Armstrong and his team from the Governor’s Security Division as they return to find themselves and their protectee — Missouri Governor William Ulysses Stovall — in harm’s way.

So how do you know it will be any good?  Here’s a quote from Industry Guru Tony Scotti from his Security Driver News Blog:  “I received an advance copy of Tom’s new book “Armored Men”, and it has exceeded my expectations. Although a fictional account of a Governors Protection Detail Tom has found a way to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, to the point where the book is hard to put down. The realism of the team’s motorcade operations could be used in a classroom environment. The book could and should be used as a textbook.”

Sounds like an excellent endorsement for a good read to me.

This is what some of the leaders in the industry have to say about Tom’s book -

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, bestselling author of On Killing and On Combat:

“As the world may generate those who would slay and destroy, so too does our world raise up protectors, heroes who can and do stop the assassin. Tom Taylor’s book puts us inside the minds and the lives of these Armored Men, this elite order of a modern knighthood who forms the bodyguard of democracy.”

John Farnam, author of The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning:

“Taylor’s writing style is engaging and suspenseful, and the knowledge-base is impressive. I couldn’t put it down.”

John Rose, Holston International Training & Consulting:

“Taylor has done it again! Strap in for a wild heart-pounding story that will have you cheering for the good guys and wishing you could join the fight against the villains.  You ask where all the heroes have gone. They are here in Armored Men!”

Bob Duggan, President of Executive Security International (ESI), Ltd:

“Seldom do close protection professionals ever get their story told by someone who knows the business better than most who are in it.  Tom Taylor knows this story well because he has spent a long career protecting others and he is exceedingly good at it.  The fictional elements of Armored Men are riveting and describe a fear and foreboding that we will live with for a generation. It is a story of our times.  At ESI, we gift new students this book and urge them to read it and pass it to friends. ”

Dr. James P. McGee, Director of Psychology and Forensic Services Sheppard Pratt Hospital (1983 – 2002):

“Taylor is a legendary figure in the world of executive protection and Armored Men tells what that world is really like. His novel is so authentic it should be classified TOP SECRET!”

Hans van Beuge, CEO of Savior Protective Services:

“Armored Men is total High-Speed, Low-Drag infotainment. For anyone in protective operations or wishing to be thoroughly entertained, Rule No. 1 is read everything written by Tom Taylor. The book is sensational.”

Robin Barratt – author, journalist, and founder of British Bodyguard Association:

“Tom never fails to deliver! Armored Men is yet another fast-paced, action-packed dive into the uncompromising world of executive protection from one of the most professional and respected protectors in the world today.”

You can click HERE for more info or to purchase.

“Caption This” Part VII

The reality is this photo depicts a German Shepard working with a British Soldier doing some very serious work. — Parachuting into Afghanistan on a covert mission to sniff out insurgents.    Seriously, read more about it HERE.

However putting that aside, you have to admit that this photo is begging for the “Caption This” treatment.

woof.

Previously:  Caption This part VI

Americans Warned of Increased Threats with Travel to Europe

The U.S. warned Americans traveling in Europe to be vigilant following weeks of discussion within the Obama administration about threats of an attack by an al- Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, officials said.

The advisory isn’t related to threats against the U.S. and is intended to raise awareness among Americans traveling or living in Europe , White House press secretary Robert Gibbssaid today.

The alert “is based on information about potential threats in Europe,” Gibbs said. “We certainly know that al-Qaeda and its affiliates seek to do us harm” and “we remain vigilant.”

Gibbs and State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley said the government isn’t advising Americans to cancel travel plans.

**And while they are not advising canceling travel plans, the use of personal security during international trips should be considered an option.  ~ES **

For the full story, click HERE.

Terrorism Dry Run?

Authorities in the Netherlands arrested two U.S. residents who arrived in Amsterdam on a flight from Chicago, after U.S. authorities raised concerns about items they considered suspicious in their luggage.

The two were passengers aboard United Airlines flight 908 on Sunday night and aroused suspicion because of items found in their checked luggage, the Homeland Security department said. “The items were not deemed to be dangerous in and of themselves, and as we share information with our international partners, Dutch authorities were notified of the suspicious items. This matter continues to be under investigation,” the department said.

A law enforcement official said investigators haven’t determined whether the items in the luggage, which included cell phones apparently attached to bottles of liquid, were an attempt at a dry run for a possible plot, or if the items were packed in that manner inadvertently. The men traveled to Chicago on flights from Birmingham, Ala., and Memphis, Tenn., then changed their flights, which prompted further scrutiny, the official said.

– Something was definitely up, and to me this sounds like a “dry run” to test the system.  Items found in one of the individuals checked luggage:

• Cellphone taped to Peto-Bismol Bottle
• Several watches taped togeter
• 3 large knives
• 3 Cellphones taped together

For the full (developing) story click HERE.

** UPDATE:  The men may not be charged as the items may have just been bundled GIFTS for relatives?

Blackwater Founder Relocates to Middle East

Erik Prince owner of Blackwater (now Xe) has reportedly left the United States to relocate to The Abu Dahubi.  Prince, left the country after a string of civil lawsuits, criminal charges and Congressional investigations singled out Blackwater or its former executives and other personnel.  While fighting these, his enterprises have amassed hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts, mostly relating to the war on terror.   Current and former colleagues said Mr. Prince hoped to focus on security work from governments in Africa and the Middle East. They also said he was bitter about the legal scrutiny and negative publicity his company had received.

For the full story, click HERE.

See Related:  CIA Awards Blackwater 100 Million to Protect

See Related:  Blackwater Receives Afghan Contract

See Related:  Former Blackwater President Indicted

So what’s your take on this.  Is Mr. Prince on the run or just implementing a new strategy?

Afghan Government to Ban Private Security Contractors

Now this is interesting…

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai issued a decree Tuesday disbanding all private security firms within four months.

The decree involves international and national private security companies and the security employees of those companies are able to join the Afghan national police with their weapons.

“In order to protect Afghan life and property, avoid corruption, security irregularities and the misuse of military weapons, ammunition and uniforms by the private security companies which have caused tragic incidents, and after the required assessment, I approve shutting down all private security companies within four months, including both domestic and foreign,” the decree said.

…The move spotlights the issue of the role and conduct of U.S. security contractors, who protect embassies and companies, perform training, and help convoys move through dangerous areas. Violent incidents involving such
contractors have enraged Afghans.  U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters on Monday that U.S. officials will study the decree, which was expected to be issued.

If US, Afghan relations weren’t icy before.   It’s no secret that private security contracting in war zones is now big business.  Can’t see these companies going quietly into the night.  Developing…

For the full story, click HERE.

Surveillance Detection Training Course

ICON & MULTI TIER SOLUTIONS

Surveillance Detection Course

July 28th – August 1st, 2010 (Minneapolis, MN)

Proactive Surveillance Detection for Executive Protection, Security Managers & Counter-Terror Professionals

Icon Services Corporation together with Multi Tier Solutions Ltd. are proud to present a unique 5-day course focusing on detecting stalkers, potential kidnappers and  pre-attack surveillance, thus stopping a hostile act in the planning stages.  This course greatly benefits those in the corporate and law enforcement sectors with special emphasis placed on detecting terrorist activities and crime across all environments.

As global pioneers in the field of defending against terror, Israel based Multi Tier Solutions, CEO Ivor Terret has teamed with security expert Elijah Shaw and Icon Services Corporation to deliver a realistic course tailored to counter threats faced by security and law enforcement organizations worldwide.

This is an advanced course for protection managers, security consultants and field personnel.

For more information or to attend click:  SURVEILLANCE DETECTION COURSE

CIA Awards Blackwater 100 Million to Protect

The Central Intelligence Agency has retained Xe (Blackwater) to provide security services in Afghanistan, the agency’s director confirmed.

CIA Director Leon Panetta, appearing on ABC News’s “This Week” on Sunday, said the agency had awarded Xe Services LLC a contract to protect its installations in Afghanistan. The contract, reported by the Washington Post to be worth $100 million, is in addition to a separate contract Xe has with the State Department to protect U.S. officials in the country.

In short: Meet the new boss.  Same as the old boss.

Full Story: CIA Hires Blackwater

See related:  Blackwater Receives Afghan Contract

Blackwater Receives Afghan Contract

Mr. Prince strikes again.  This guy, plays chess not checkers at the grandmaster level.

CNN Reports:

Blackwater (Xe) security company has been awarded a contract to provide protection to U.S. consulates and diplomats in the Afghan cities of Herat and Mazar-e Sharif, a U.S. State Department official confirmed on Saturday.

The Highlights:

The deal is a one-year contract with an option to extend up to 18 months. If the contract is fulfilled for that entire period, it would be more than $120 million.

The Big Question:

The State Department official, insisting on anonymity, said past history with Blackwater did not prevent U.S. Training Center from bidding on contracts and that in this case the company was the best qualified for the work in Afghanistan.

For the full story, click HERE.

Wait, wasn’t it just reported that the company was up for sale?

See related- Blackwater For Sale?