tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post1273848860061586981..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: JUST HOW “PRIVATE” ARE PMCs?Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-24409365327293675022010-07-19T08:47:56.303+02:002010-07-19T08:47:56.303+02:00The gap appeared for numerous reasons – especially...The gap appeared for numerous reasons – especially in Africa – Виктор. I still maintain that African governments ought to have a choice when it comes to deciding who should help them. But, this help should be based on achieving positive goals in a short time. Unfortunately there are private companies that wish to keep the problem going – as long as it continues, they make money. <br /><br />The situation as it is at present also shows that the UNDPK wish to keep things going as long as possible, which negates them in many ways as a positive force. <br /><br />I realise that many of these contracts are awarded by simply “ticking the boxes” but that in itself does not imply competence – or even ability. Many of these so-called PMCs have established their own “front companies” who they in turn subcontract – and the money keeps pouring in whilst their success reduce. <br /><br />Personally, I think neutral, professional and successful PMCs are few and far between. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-9695004511651113982010-07-17T09:50:22.500+02:002010-07-17T09:50:22.500+02:00Hi Eeben,
This is a great tip guide for those who...Hi Eeben,<br /><br />This is a great tip guide for those who are interested on how these corporative entities are founded, actually, it has been a great starting point how to describe the evolution of the private military complex nowadays in my research, definition of the concept is the problem that the media are criticizing so feverly. This "phenomenon" as many people call it, is the response of a gap in the defense infrastructure of todays military around the globe. Truly, private military delivers results in short time, due to the freedom given as a corporation but that doesnt means it lacks of regulation, but what troubles me is the operation of PMC's in domestic territory of the host government and how the media focuses it. See, people are way off to look into details of the contractual clauses were each and every point is covered, I think this change is positive for those governments who are abandoned by international community (that is another topic of discussion); and a neutral, professional and successful actor as for the private military corporations are a must in modern policymaking, when no one else answers the plea of help?<br /><br />Indiference of foreing problems are overrated.<br /><br />Keep on Eeben!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-11964703612538214962010-06-21T17:56:10.771+02:002010-06-21T17:56:10.771+02:00Thanks for the kind words, Tim. I remain very prou...Thanks for the kind words, Tim. I remain very proud of what those men achieved under very difficult conditions. You are so right on those who dabble in politics. <br /><br />EO never considered such an action for obvious reasons most notably that we were contracted by governments to work for them and not against them. It certainly makes for some interesting thoughts but I doubt whether a PMC could ever do such a thing. <br /><br />Whereas all governments do eventually come to an end, that end is usually brought about by the people via the ballot box. As for people in the US being fed up, I am afraid I cannot comment...<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-32019357358826596942010-06-13T01:51:10.300+02:002010-06-13T01:51:10.300+02:00I was watching the History channel the other day a...I was watching the History channel the other day and the topic was PMC's. I never knew.<br /><br />Congratulations on the work you and your fine employees have done. Rarely have have so few helped so many so quickly. Unfortunately politics gets in the way and dooms hundreds of thousands to death for reasons that make sense to few of the modern inteligencia. Many of whom have never had to work let alone suffer a day in their lives.<br /><br />This is probably not the forum, but I can't help but to ask ... In theory is it plausible to imagine that a company like EO could capture the government of the United States, put all of the elected officials on a boat to Guantanamo and effectively rule the country for a limited period of time? <br /><br />ALL governments and nations end at some point. History shows us as much. In my opinion there are enough people suficiently fed up in the USA that they could raise enough $$$ to hire a corporation similar to EO to take over and rule for a while.<br /><br />Would love to hear your thoughts.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />TimEarth2Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05050427795331929075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-75297072748478389282010-05-30T10:18:14.974+02:002010-05-30T10:18:14.974+02:00Steve, I am overwhelmed with people from especiall...Steve, I am overwhelmed with people from especially the US doing “dissertations” on EO and some of them use what I tell them to imply that I am trying to mislead them. Obviously I have my own idea on whose agendas they are trying to propagate and I am not implying that you are from the same bale of hay as they are but this has made me somewhat weary and suspicious of especially students from the US. I appreciate you are keen to further your studies and wish you well in that endeavour. However, before I am willing to attempt to assist you, let me see what it is that you want from me. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-27146403199126247102010-05-29T21:27:54.047+02:002010-05-29T21:27:54.047+02:00Mr. Barlow, my name is Steve Gibson and I am worki...Mr. Barlow, my name is Steve Gibson and I am working on a disertation on exactly this topic. Have just finished reading you book on EO with your bio. I would love to establish independent contact with you on this matter. For your info, I beleave that EO was hosed but there are several questions that I need to pose. Thank you. Please use steve_gibson01@yahoo.com if you care to reply.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16864697109108887231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-8784276146763162662010-03-27T15:22:18.070+02:002010-03-27T15:22:18.070+02:00That was the case in both Angola and Sierra Leone,...That was the case in both Angola and Sierra Leone, Lindsey, but of course, there were several Western governments that were not happy with that arrangement at all. <br /><br />Most African governments are very realistic about the problems they face as well as the false “help” they have been given by others. Ironically, African governments are frowned on when they want to really resolve their problems. The government’s we worked for accepted us and allowed us to help where it was necessary. They knew that we had the interests of Africa at heart. It was however largely the UN that saw us as a great threat to their duplicity in Africa - so great that they established an entire committee to “investigate” EO. I think it is high time PMCs get together and establish a committee to investigate the UN and expose all of the fraud and duplicity that takes place in that organisation. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-31298828805652332862010-03-26T11:22:26.995+02:002010-03-26T11:22:26.995+02:00Thanks for an interesting post. Of course, one way...Thanks for an interesting post. Of course, one way in which under the law they would not be 'private' is if the individuals engaged in a specific operation were incorporated into the armed forces of the country contracting them. I have read conflicting reports on whether that was the case in Angola and Sierra Leone for EO. Can you clarify? How reticent are governments to give any kind of status in their forces? Or do the companies themselves resist? It sounds from your post like it is more the government that would resist. Thanks for any insight you can provide!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16828240351266778947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-60216462005576505462010-03-07T18:48:09.099+02:002010-03-07T18:48:09.099+02:00Good point on the premise of nation-state, John. I...Good point on the premise of nation-state, John. I suspect you are correct in that assumption.<br /><br />Yes, I see the role of the PMC as supporting – and at times being supported by the legit host government. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-55741023753351983282010-03-07T17:06:10.260+02:002010-03-07T17:06:10.260+02:00Eeben,
Excellent point on the cost of R&D (ti...Eeben,<br /><br />Excellent point on the cost of R&D (timing would also cripple even the largest of companies if something goes wrong in development). If a PMC would be able to truly fund robust R&D for the modern weapon system, with maybe the premise of nation-state warfare in lieu of COIN, they would become the nation state.<br /><br />The role as support to a legitimate host government in various ways seems to be an ideal niche for the modern PMC to fill.<br /><br />I see you have dropped another posting over. I'll cut this thread and drop in.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-50166706357831442602010-03-07T09:49:35.620+02:002010-03-07T09:49:35.620+02:00R & D is a very costly process and I doubt if ...R & D is a very costly process and I doubt if a real PMC could finance such a venture, John. If one looks at the type of weaponry and other developments that come out of R & D, I don’t think it would be feasible. <br /><br />Personally, I see a PMC as a private company that is contracted by a government to provide support and other services to its armed forces. This support can cover the spectrum from military strategy, grand tactics, logistics and tactics – extending from Chief of Staff level down to section leader level. <br /><br />Whereas there are many companies that develop products that are later accepted by the armed forces as assets, I rather view them as armament development companies and not as PMCs. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-12645797663562768812010-03-07T04:43:30.608+02:002010-03-07T04:43:30.608+02:00Eeben,
I wonder if one point that would make a PM...Eeben,<br /><br />I wonder if one point that would make a PMC truly private would would be the company having a robust R&D program - building on one of your previous replies.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-12299135893171660112010-03-06T14:58:13.987+02:002010-03-06T14:58:13.987+02:00Thanks for the article, Matt. Of course they would...Thanks for the article, Matt. Of course they would never discuss their failings – had they attempted that, they might need a few years to hold a single meeting. <br /><br />You need to remember that the UN’s peacekeeping dept views PMCs as a massive threat to their activities. They cannot afford to have a PMC achieve what they are unable of achieving, at less cost and quicker. That would upset the UN’s gravy train completely. These meetings are held to ensure they can bamboozle Africa states in order to keep the UN in business.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-18772179065918304602010-03-06T14:54:05.191+02:002010-03-06T14:54:05.191+02:00Getting to the US is a massive pain for us from So...Getting to the US is a massive pain for us from South Africa, John, as we are subject to such a bureaucratic procedure to get a visa. Whereas we also need visas to visit most countries on earth, the procedure with Europe and the Far East is much more palatable – and slick. <br /><br />So short answer: No, I do not travel to the US to speak there. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-58314767192641909182010-03-06T14:46:52.156+02:002010-03-06T14:46:52.156+02:00Some of them have come to me Robby but we differ i...Some of them have come to me Robby but we differ in terms of quality of personnel. The casinos are pretty much on top of things and frankly, they operate in an area of hi-tech surveillance at the tables. The problem with casinos is of course that they are soft targets to armed criminal gangs – as are the cash in transit guys. <br /><br />Part of this problem lies with the selection and training of people, the other with salary. We all know the saying “If you pay peanuts...” <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-77467265083778826102010-03-06T10:31:49.952+02:002010-03-06T10:31:49.952+02:00And I guess there was no discussion in this meetin...And I guess there was no discussion in this meeting on how the UN is withdrawing from the Congo because of it's criminal activity and poor performance, or that Chad wants the UN to leave as well. <br />------------<br /><br />Africa aims to regulate 'mercenary' industry<br /><br />By Emmanuel Goujon (AFP) – 15 hours ago<br /><br />ADDIS ABABA — Twenty-five African states agreed Friday to step up efforts to regulate mercenary activity on the continent amid an explosion of private security companies on the continent.<br /><br />The nations decided at the end of a two-day meeting with a UN working group in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to propose regulations at the September meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, participants said.<br /><br />"Clearly a consensus has emerged, a willingness of the participating states to regulate more the activities of the PMSCs (private military and security companies)," one delegate told AFP.<br /><br />Jose Luis Gomez del Prado, from the UN committee on mercenaries, told the meeting the largely US- and British-based industry, worth many billions of dollars a year, had boomed in African and across the world.<br /><br />"With the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we have seen this embryonic industry explode. There is a new dimension with the piracy in Somalia," he said.<br /><br />Private security "multinationals", 70-80 percent of which were based in the United States or Britain, were recruiting around the world, he said, adding there was an "osmosis" between these groups and typical mercenaries.<br /><br />"This market represents between 20 and 100 billion dollars a year," Del Prado said, adding that these guns for hire posed a "great danger" to fragile governments.<br /><br />In Africa there was "resentment towards private armies mainly because of the involvement of mercenaries in regime change in a number of African countries," said African Union security expert Norman Lambo.<br /><br />In one example, British-led mercenaries led a foiled coup in 2004 against the government of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea.<br /><br />"It is unfortunate that of late some groups have decided to move their mercenary activities to hide them under private security activities," he told the meeting.<br /><br />Nine African states are among 32 countries that have ratified a 1989 UN Convention against the recruitment, use, financing and training of mercenaries.<br /><br />The Organisation of African Unity, predecessor of the African Union, adopted in 1977 a convention on the elimination of mercenaries which was in turn adopted by 30 African countries.<br /><br />However there were a number of loopholes in the document and it needed to be strengthened, del Prado said.<br /><br />The head of the UN group, Shaista Shameem, said the current regulations were "largely inadequate".<br /><br />"Africa is also becoming an important market for the security industry as well as a supplier of personnel for the industry."<br /><br />"This new phenomenon is largely unregulated and has led to a situation which has impacted negatively on human rights," she said, adding that these groups were "rarely held accountable" of they committed abuses.matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-36039755840269988722010-03-06T03:50:29.481+02:002010-03-06T03:50:29.481+02:00Eeben,
Do you ever come to the USA to speak? I no...Eeben,<br /><br />Do you ever come to the USA to speak? I noticed you were speaking in Europe recently.<br /><br />Don't take it wrong - I am not a stalker freak - it's just if I am on travel for business I do get a little leeway to wander over to see what I want to see when I head for home. Your written thoughts on this blog are quite lucid which in my experience tends to lean towards even better interaction in a "seminar" style session with an interested crowd.<br /><br />Just wondering is all.<br /><br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-50294851426848633212010-03-05T12:17:20.362+02:002010-03-05T12:17:20.362+02:00Here's a off the wall question...although I kn...Here's a off the wall question...although I know the restrictions against PMC'c in SA how is it that casinos and and cash delivery companies are not beating down your door asking for advice?...one would assume there is a difference between what you define as a PMC and corporate security ...Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-60104959762583001942010-03-04T20:05:10.803+02:002010-03-04T20:05:10.803+02:00Well now, should we really be surprised at this “i...Well now, should we really be surprised at this “investigation”, Alan? I think that like me, you knew all along that most of this money usually goes to those who are fighting against the government in a country. This is where my gripe lies with many of these NGOs. Although well meaning, they have no clue of what is actually going on and fall for even the simplest of tricks. This is just further proof of the gross stupidity that takes place on this continent all under the guise of doing good. <br /><br />Thanks for the link!<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-55473606138917021282010-03-04T19:57:40.034+02:002010-03-04T19:57:40.034+02:00Thanks for the link, Robby. This is precisely what...Thanks for the link, Robby. This is precisely what I meant when I asked just how “private” are these PMCs. I suppose this answers my question.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-72549349572716049652010-03-04T19:54:24.699+02:002010-03-04T19:54:24.699+02:00Apparently it was arranged with my publisher, John...Apparently it was arranged with my publisher, John. I just got a Pdf copy of it and noticed that they used photos of people who had nothing to do with EO except work against it. Sad indeed as far as I am concerned. <br /><br />However, I am pleased that it led you here....<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-51146756738077012332010-03-04T19:52:13.740+02:002010-03-04T19:52:13.740+02:00A sad tale indeed re the G5/G6, John. Gerald Bull ...A sad tale indeed re the G5/G6, John. Gerald Bull certainly knew his stuff. Too bad others didn’t like that too much but as you say, “If you chose poorly in your line of chosen work you may have to pay the ultimate price”. After he worked on SA’s artillery pieces, he was certainly on the list of “most wanted”. Nevertheless, he developed a great gun for us. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-14735929343026387712010-03-04T19:52:10.958+02:002010-03-04T19:52:10.958+02:00A sad tale indeed re the G5/G6, John. Gerald Bull ...A sad tale indeed re the G5/G6, John. Gerald Bull certainly knew his stuff. Too bad others didn’t like that too much but as you say, “If you chose poorly in your line of chosen work you may have to pay the ultimate price”. After he worked on SA’s artillery pieces, he was certainly on the list of “most wanted”. Nevertheless, he developed a great gun for us. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-5104750498827474602010-03-04T19:47:53.145+02:002010-03-04T19:47:53.145+02:00Looks as though it could be a nice bash, Alan. But...Looks as though it could be a nice bash, Alan. But, I am not too sure if we will be too welcome there. However, I am sure some of 44 Paras boys will try to make it. Thanks for passing on the info to us.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-60014991764144566182010-03-04T19:42:26.912+02:002010-03-04T19:42:26.912+02:00Thanks for the info, Private. Yes, we face problem...Thanks for the info, Private. Yes, we face problems but sadly, these were brought on by others. But, through all of this, we try to stay positive. Only time will tell if our beliefs were misplaced. I shall pass your info on to some people I know.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.com