About Me

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I saw active service in conventional, clandestine and covert units of the South African Defence Force. I was the founder of the Private Military Company (PMC) Executive Outcomes in 1989 and its chairman until I left in 1997. Until its closure in 1998, EO operated primarily in Africa helping African governments that had been abandoned by the West and were facing threats from insurgencies, terrorism and organised crime. EO also operated in South America and the Far East. I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems. I was appointed Chairman of STTEP International in 2009 and also lecture at military colleges and universities in Africa on defence, intelligence and security issues. Prior to the STTEP International appointment, I served as an independent politico-military advisor to several African governments. Until recently, I was a contributing editor to The Counter Terrorist magazine. All comments in line with the topics on this blog are welcome. As I consider this to be a serious look at military and security matters, foul language and political or religious debates will not be entertained on this blog.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

GONE FOR A FEW DAYS

As I am about to go away for a couple of days, I shall unfortunately not be able to respond to any new comments posted on the blog. However, I shall not be gone for too long and all things being equal, I shall be back on or about 16/17 January.

Please do not stop visiting and/or commenting...I shall respond to every comment upon my return.

Best regards to you all.

Eeben

20 comments:

Kaye said...

You will respond to every comment made while you were away? Mr. Barlow, I see that as a personal challenge...

I'm looking forward to your reactions. Stay safe!

Sincerely,

Kaye.

matt said...

Have a good trip Eeben and take care. -matt

Fabio Di Caro said...

Good evening Eeben,I've been stuck at work this past week,however I was wondering if it is possible to get in touch with you by mobile or landline,you have my number and maybe you may not be too sure of the person I am,all I can say is that a few of my high shool chinas are still in touch with me;we were at K.E.S. and before that at Yeoville Boys;so if you wish and when you have time we can have a five minute chat after having checked my credentials.All the best - Fabio

Sonny Cox said...

Hi Eeben
Maybe the following is of interest to you....
Regards
Billy

Dear All, Please find attached, opportunity received from Jean Oberholzer, SA recruiting consultant for opportunities in Iraq in the Security Environment, which are deemed to include and do not exclude Site/ Static security, Mobile asset protection, Air wing support and mobile VIP protection. Deployment will be to the Middle East (Kuwait, Emirates or Saudi Arabia) and will commence towards the end of January 2010 by private air charter. Deployment will be from Johannesburg.

Unfortunately, I do not have everyone’s emails, so you are more than welcome to contact me on norbert.fuhr@executive-http://www.facebook.com/l/ed93a;resources.co.za and I will send you all the documents that I have received which need to be completed and then sent on to cvjobsco@gmail.com attention Jean Oberholzer. His numbers are +27 79 944 5977 and Mobile roaming +27 82 789 2843 should you wish to speak with him yourselves.

I cannot vouch for this company, nor can I confirm that this is 100% legit. I am merely passing this info on and requesting that you do your own due diligence and I am hoping that those men who are currently in theatre can vouch or verify this.
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1152586228628&mid=1b80947G1f95486bG3b69310G0

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ken borr said...

Eeben,

Have a good trip.

regards,
ken

John said...

Good Evening Mr. Barlow,

Truly appreciate your reading list - I have actually read a few (Reitz being the foremost) of the authors.

I do have your work coming in the mail so I look forward to a very enjoyable read in the near future. I have been looking for a good history of EO and am pleased I went searching for your work after reading your bit in SOF. A lot of the recent items published have been very critical of PMCs (especially in Iraq) so I do need a bit of balance as I read up and collect my thoughts on this transformational industry at the beginning of the 21st century.

Regards,

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I did not think that I would get many comments, Kaye. But, I gladly accept the personal challenge. Although I arrived back on Friday, I have been somewhat caught up on a load of unrelated admin.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks Matt. I had a great trip, made some new friends and overall had a really good time.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Please give me a few days to get my routine settled, Fabio. I have a delegation here to see me and time is a bit limited at the moment. But, I will make contact when things have settled down a bit.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks, Sonny. I do know Norbert and he is a good guy. I am sure that this comment may result in some reaction.

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks, Borr1945!

Rgds,

Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

You are very welcome, John. Obviously, such lists are always very subjective.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to get hold of my book. I hope you enjoy it.

Rgds,

Eeben

John said...

Thanks for the reply Eeben - I will drop out a note once the read comes in.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

You are very welcome, John. I look forward to your comments.

Rgds,

Eeben

John said...

Good Evening Eeben,
Executive Outcomes has shown up and I'll get going on reading...

I do have a business trip coming at the end of next week so I should be finished by early February or sooner.

First impression (always important quite frankly) is that the text is a sturdy, high quality binding, the cover design draws the eye, the back-cover gives a good little teaser to the contents and the typeface is easy on the eyes. So far so good - now for the content.

I look forward to an enjoyable, informative read.

Regards,
John

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I am pleased you received the book John. I do hope you will enjoy it.

Rgds,

Eeben

stephan said...

hi eeben
my name is stephan du toit,and i would really apprciate if you could forward me the application forms for the upcoming job in kuwait

sincere thanks
stephan du toit

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I am sorry, Stephan, but I am not recruiting anyone for work anywhere.

Rgds,

Eeben

Unknown said...

Hi Eeben,

Just to say I've enjoyed your book. I hope Lafras is well.

Paddy

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Patrick, much appreciate your feedback.

Last time I saw Lafras (a few months ago) he was very well.

Rgds,

Eeben