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, December 17, 2016

A MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL AND A GREAT 2017!


I would like to wish each and every visitor to the blog a blessed and merry festive season. To those who celebrate the meaning of Christmas, I wish you and your families a blessed, happy and joyous festive season.

To those who do not celebrate Christmas for whatever reason I wish you all a time of happiness and peace with your families and friends.

I would also like to wish each and every one of you – and your loved ones - a great 2017. May the coming year be filled with good health, happiness and safety.

Thank you to everyone who read and contributed to the blog throughout the year. Your comments are always appreciated and highly valued as they give me insight and allow me to broaden my own knowledge base.

To everyone who is far from home at this time, and to those who are deployed in the conflict zones around the world, beit as soldiers, sailors, airmen, law enforcement officers, spooks or PMC contractors, keep your heads down, your eyes peeled, your weapons close at hand, stay safe and be ready to do what needs to be done.

Let us also remember those who will not be able to be share this time with those they hold dear as well as those who have lost friends and loved ones. They should never be forgotten. Nor should the sacrifices they have made ever be forgotten.

A very merry Christmas season to all!

12 comments:

Herbert said...

Eeben,

A most appropriate and touching Christmas message you have sent. Well done.

I just received an email that my copies of your "Composite Warfare" book have been shipped. Long wait, but I look forward to the read.

I hope this email finds its way (through) to you.

A most Merry Christmas to you and yours! And of course,

Best regards,
Herbert

Cadet College Fateh Jang | CCF said...

Thanks for posting and sharing really helpful for this articl.Very useful information
Military College in Pakistan

Unknown said...

Thanks, and a Merry Christmas to you too.

Some interesting things in here: http://www.nta.ng/news/security-news/20161225-videos-rise-final-fall-boko-haram/

Natalie said...

Merry Christmas to you too, Eeben!

Unfortunately, my 2017 started off with having my copy of ' Against All Odds' stolen off me �� Any chance you know if a reprint is in the works? Or digital copy?

Best Regards,

Natalie

Feral Jundi said...

Happy New Year Eeben! I think 2017 will be an interesting year... Cheers.

Unknown said...

As someone who is pursuing a life in discretionary warfare operations, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions via email? Any response is greatly appreciated.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

My apologies for the tardy response Herbert.
I hope that you have received your copy of my book. Please let me know.
May 2017 be kind to you.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Cadet College.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Mr Editor. I appreciate you sending me the link.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I am sorry to hear that someone stole your copy of the EO book Natalie! Not a nice way to start a new year by having possessions stolen.
There are currently talks underway to have a revised reprint done but no decision has yet been taken. The book was never published as an e-book. But, I will keep you posted re when and if a reprint is done.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Good to know you are back safely Matt.
May the year be good to you. No doubt, it will be interesting...
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your message Garrett.
It is certainly an interesting field to get involved in. I do not answer questions relating to operations but I cover some of it in my latest book.
Rgds and good luck.
Eeben