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.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE...


This past weekend witnessed the solemn commemorations of Remembrance Day around the world.
It was indeed a fitting time to remember the numerous sacrifices made by the many allied and enemy soldiers who went before us. In countless ways, it was both a joyous and sad occasion, but sadly the world has not become what so many had hoped—and died for. The ‘war to end all wars’ was only the start of the conflicts and wars that would follow.


It was also the weekend that my book Composite Warfare was launched in Natal.
My sincerest thanks to everyone who braved the rain and traffic to support my recent discussions and book launch in Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Shelly Beach. I had a great time visiting and chatting to everyone. It was also an honour and a privilege to meet old friends and make new ones.
My apologies to those I was unable to remember from my past…I have to blame ‘old age’.
It is always very difficult to single out specific people, as there are many that played a very prominent role the entire time I was in Natal.
However, I would like to thank the following people by name:
1.    Piet Fourie of Bush War Books for arranging the talks, coordinating matters and making sure I never went hungry or thirsty (Piet and Bush War Books are on Facebook for those who wish to join their circle of friends) and for arranging my overnight stay in Durban
2.    Johan Jonker for his support to both Piet and myself – and of course, his very entertaining stories
3.    Simon and Sarah for their immense kindness and hospitality for feeding me and giving me a warm, cozy bed to sleep in. I am, however, disappointed that they were unable to arrange better weather as it was very cold, misty and wet (I know we need the rain!) where they live, despite it being summer
4.    Brett for taking Sarah, Simon and I to supper on Thursday evening
5.    The Old Bill of the Alan Wilson Shellhole in Pietermaritzburg for allowing the MOTH hall to be used as it was raining and very wet outside
6.    The Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR) in Durban for allowing their facilities to be used on Saturday. Again, the rain was rather pesky but the braai Hilton organised made up for that by far.
7.    Mara Potgieter and her two ladies at Bargain Books, Shelly Beach for their efforts to both promote the book as well as sell it.
A very big thank you to everyone who sacrificed their time to listen to me discuss my new book as well as for the many interesting questions everyone asked.
And of course, a really big thank you to everyone who bought my books.
I truly appreciate your support.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hello Eben,

I would like to get in touch with you.
I am a video and photojournalist and a military in the french army (french legion).

I will be in Cape Town from december the 12th. I don't know how to get in touch with you (I have tried STTEP's website email) so can you please email me at bfl.videoprod@gmail.com ?

Thank you and God bless

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your message Bruno. It was also passed on to me from our website.
I do not speak to the media.
Rgds,
Eeben

Unknown said...

Thank you for your visit, Eeben. It was such an honour to meet you. I'm glad to have your excellent book on thevshelves in our store.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

It is I who owe you thanks Mara. It was a pleasure meeting you and being able to add a face to a name.
Many thanks!
Rgds,
Eeben