tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post2603580815553703191..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: MILITARY OPERATIONS IN AFRICAEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-31054533145998644632011-07-19T13:02:25.362+02:002011-07-19T13:02:25.362+02:0030degreessouth seem to run a good ship, John, and ...30degreessouth seem to run a good ship, John, and work at giving their authors the publicity they deserve. <br /><br />Sadly, I never get to attend these things as my schedule is no longer my own. That said, I am pleased that some still want to speak to me so I don’t complain.<br /><br />Yes, I am also pleased to see how the page views is growing. Thanks for your congrats.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-62205550450676105262011-07-18T14:24:58.526+02:002011-07-18T14:24:58.526+02:00Good Morning Eeben,
I received e-mail this mornin...Good Morning Eeben,<br /><br />I received e-mail this morning from these folks about another conversation with authors on the conflicts in southern Africa. Don't know where your travels are taking you but it certainly sounds like an interesting evening. <br /><br />http://www.30degreessouth.co.uk/<br /><br />The event is highlighted on their main page.<br /><br />Regards,<br />John<br /><br />P.S. Congrats on the page views - at the pace your blog is accelerating on views it looks like loads of people are interested in your work.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-72961096934408911812011-06-01T15:32:11.197+02:002011-06-01T15:32:11.197+02:00There have been quite a few books written on 32 Bn...There have been quite a few books written on 32 Bn but Piet’s book is a very straight-to-the-point account, John. <br /><br />Yes, I think that a book about Neall will be quite a read. He was (and still is) an excellent pilot who has saved many, many lives. <br /><br />It would be nice if people order it via Matt’s blog. He works hard at maintaining it so a few pennies in his pot will, I am sure, be appreciated.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-71607124342451421312011-05-29T14:42:40.594+02:002011-05-29T14:42:40.594+02:00Good Morning Eeben,
Many apologies - the "32...Good Morning Eeben,<br /><br />Many apologies - the "32 Battalion" I picked up is by Mr. Nortje. I took a stab and purchased it as a Kindle book. Not a bad idea going forward as I can read it on my phone, I-pad etc. - very portable.<br />The style is very matter of fact - right to the point. The entire section on the battalion colors was quite informative - the items on the side that make an organization really blend together and click.<br />Mr. Venter's next work on Neall Ellis is also out in Matt's store (Jundi Gear). Pretty good way to drop some cash in Matt's tip jar if someone was going to get the book anyway. It is a pre-order so it is not likely to show up till the end of this year.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-32195905200415685982011-05-29T10:23:46.810+02:002011-05-29T10:23:46.810+02:00I am not sure which 32 Bn book you got John. Was i...I am not sure which 32 Bn book you got John. Was it the one written by Piet Nortje? If so, he was the Bn SM and make use of the war diaries during his writing of the book. <br /><br />I watch with some concern at the so-called Arab spring and wonder where it will lead. I do believe the West is mistaken to think that the new governments that take power will view them as “allies”. <br /><br />As for the Israeli’s – I never had contact with them but appreciate the difficult position they are in.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-74535635670750759782011-05-28T20:15:14.374+02:002011-05-28T20:15:14.374+02:00Thanks for the visit and your interest, Simon. I a...Thanks for the visit and your interest, Simon. I am working hard on getting to the end but sometimes work interferes! <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-8669833143023543242011-05-20T04:52:16.142+02:002011-05-20T04:52:16.142+02:00Good Evening Eeben,
Just picked up a copy of &quo...Good Evening Eeben,<br /><br />Just picked up a copy of "32 Battalion" - it is a good read so far. The authors writing style is similar to yours.<br /><br />As the Arab spring races towards its logical conclusion - if you pay attention (surprise, the media is missing it all) - your works will become more and more important. I do hope some of your Isreali contacts are listening to what you are saying here and in other communications.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-45486456819279110152011-05-20T00:17:14.667+02:002011-05-20T00:17:14.667+02:00I've been absent from posting but keeping trac...I've been absent from posting but keeping track and cant wait for your book !simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12145301392411631022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-49031271577262269102011-05-17T18:18:55.278+02:002011-05-17T18:18:55.278+02:00Any theory aimed at preventing the problems we wit...Any theory aimed at preventing the problems we witness cannot simply be discounted, Mike. I was just concerned that our “men in blue” would simply give the protestors more stones and Molotov cocktails. <br /><br />I recall that sickening episode you write about. Sadly, the international community swallowed it hook, line and sinker. <br /><br />As for the New York Times, there has been not a whisper from them but they ought to realise the clock is ticking...<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-19800385880531474782011-05-17T11:00:47.446+02:002011-05-17T11:00:47.446+02:00mmm. i didnt think about our rather laaarge police...mmm. i didnt think about our rather laaarge police force. well there goes my theory. the crowd in the middle east will never produce a winner unfortunately, i guess its just a case of "the cycle of violence". <br />funny thing is , if ever you need a traffic cop its better to phone your local nando`s outlet than to call the emergency number. nando`s has become police HQ.<br />however i digress, back to serious stuff. i recall the 80`s and a"journalist' with a european paper that took pictures of a few black guys lying sleeping in a small park in joburg town when some police were walking by and splashing these pictures in a portuguese daily news paper sensationally claiming that they had been shot by the cops right there in broad daylight. it caused a major stink in portugal among the liberals who were horrified by the seemingly blase attitude of the police men ambling by. it was oppertunistic, corrupt and down right criminal reporting. this wally created his own scoop by photographing sleeping people on their lunch time. . i can only imagine how the dondering you must get when your name is dragged into the news falsely.<br />sue them into the ground and discredit the journ to the point where he gets fired and cant even hand out flyers on the side of the road let alone report.<br /><br />mikemandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11718694486163871137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-63103555353742847432011-05-17T09:34:16.972+02:002011-05-17T09:34:16.972+02:00I have been working so hard at it that I can now t...I have been working so hard at it that I can now type with 2 fingers, controlsaurus. Thanks for the encouragement.<br /><br />Interesting article. When I read things like this, I wonder exactly when they interviewed him? I also wonder what they base their “facts” on relating to South Africans? <br /><br />It is ironic that in our own country, almost every citizen needs to be armed – and many are forced to use their arms due to our out-of-control crime. Of interest too is that crime casualties in SA outstrip those in many war zones. We have private security companies openly carrying semi-auto assault rifles and shotguns on our streets. They are contracted to “protect” police stations...yet woe betide the South African who dares do this for another government. I find it mind boggling to say the least. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-80909075053801604412011-05-17T09:14:14.883+02:002011-05-17T09:14:14.883+02:00Can't wait for the book, Eeben. Keep at it.
T...Can't wait for the book, Eeben. Keep at it.<br /><br />This only FYI:<br />http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-05-17-the-godfather-of-mercenaries-arms-the-uae-wants-south-africansControlsaurushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776577077052758568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-32002065117206408902011-05-17T07:40:17.743+02:002011-05-17T07:40:17.743+02:00The problem with many of these “peaceful protestor...The problem with many of these “peaceful protestors” is that their actions are not peaceful, Mike. Often their intentions are hijacked by others with more sinister intentions and that places the law enforcement/anti-riot/anti-protestor units in a difficult position. Then of course, we all know from the past that there are journalists who encourage the protestors so that they can get a good story or photographs. This irresponsible encouragement often leads to an escalation in mob violence and damage and destruction to private and public property.<br /><br />Of course, not all protests turn violent.<br /><br />Your point on stones vs stones and Molotov cocktail vs Molotov cocktail is an interesting approach. I seem to recall that approach being applied somewhere in the Middle East (Israel?) but for the life of me, I cannot recall the end result.<br /><br />With our police being as unfit and over weight as they are, I can see them having a hard time throwing a stone and getting some distance. I fear they might be “out-stoned”.<br /><br />I think that governments are often caught unprepared (lack of intelligence) and then react in a knee-jerk fashion. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-90558400694820619652011-05-16T17:52:12.071+02:002011-05-16T17:52:12.071+02:00military doctrine and training are paramount to di...military doctrine and training are paramount to discipline. the way i would have it, i would adapt to the situation. if the rowdy mob pelt you with stones, dont return with rubber bullets or sharp point ammo.. chuck stones back at the rioters. if one lobs a molotov cocktail at you, lob one back. if the mob steps up the ante by firing live ammo, then retaliate with superior firepower and light `em up wholesale. for every action there should be a similar reaction. only the mob canm then escalate the situation to when live fire is required and its in self defence then. a screwball idea i know but i would love to see the public order police pelting ill disciplined rioters with stones. it would be funny as hell. the point is training is important but adaptability is even more important and dont adopt the swat the fly with the preverbial hand grenade approach. rioters that throw stones and are then hit with rubber bullets are provoked to escalation believing they are being treated unfairly and heavy handedly by the riot police....<br /> <br />just mental masturbation.<br />mikeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04008570891301616458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-35024438002272663802011-05-15T14:42:19.689+02:002011-05-15T14:42:19.689+02:00As soon as we have confirmed the date of publicati...As soon as we have confirmed the date of publication, I shall be honoured to do so, Obin and Jessica Robinson.<br /><br />Many thanks for your interest thus far.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-53596501043440943482011-05-15T14:40:12.684+02:002011-05-15T14:40:12.684+02:00Thank you for your interest in the book Obin and J...Thank you for your interest in the book Obin and Jessica Robinson. <br /><br />I still have some way to go with it but I shall certainly keep you posted on progress and date of publication.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-21653990057108279792011-05-15T14:37:49.330+02:002011-05-15T14:37:49.330+02:00I don’t regard your comment as a rambling, John – ...I don’t regard your comment as a rambling, John – just valuable insight.<br /><br />I am concerned that Africa has not been able to come to terms with itself and that conflicts still rage as they do. As for lecturing, I do occasionally get asked to address officers and NCOs in Africa on the wars on our continent. But, as you know, soldiers are merely instruments of foreign policy and until the policies change, we will remain at war with ourselves. Living here, I watch the events on a daily basis and shake my head. The majority of these conflicts can be resolved very quickly but as long as other interests are at play, I am afraid Africa will continue to burn. <br /><br />The men and women who tamed the Old West and the Boers had a lot in common. Indeed, the descendants of the Boers shot my forefathers on the field of battle and I became firm friends in the military as we were all in the same pot. I think those who are deployed in Iraq/Afghanistan and elsewhere still have the same blood in their veins. <br /><br />I too like Matt’s revival of the Letter or Marque. Perhaps someone will find a way to take it further.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-9608209618667260202011-05-15T14:28:05.383+02:002011-05-15T14:28:05.383+02:00The raid was a resounding success and well execute...The raid was a resounding success and well executed John. However I believe, as you do, that the media (mis)management did more damage than good as the story kept changing. <br /><br />I recall a commander once telling me that no matter what I thought of the enemy, I was never to rejoice at their deaths. Instead, they remained the “enemy” and their killing simply meant “less enemy”. Of course, we were all relieved to have survived fire fights but that is where it ended. There were no big celebrations. It was simply a mission that was carried out. <br /><br />I think the public rejoicing was a bit uncalled for and in itself may have done some damage to the image – plus it almost overshadowed the success of the mission.<br /><br />To the men who carried it out – well done, guys. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-4894767438294099532011-05-11T12:32:01.426+02:002011-05-11T12:32:01.426+02:00I forgot to add that not only am I interested in t...I forgot to add that not only am I interested in the book but if possible could you contact me via e-mail when the book goes to print? I really don't want to miss out on the possibility of buying this book. As a deployed (and rapidly deployable) military member I believe this book will be valuable reading material for my military career. Thank you.Obin and Jessica Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04009508220967092709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-26563879119753687532011-05-11T12:20:17.858+02:002011-05-11T12:20:17.858+02:00This book will be at the top of my list when it is...This book will be at the top of my list when it is published. It should be mandatory reading material for any Western military person seeking good information on modern operations in Africa. I can't wait for it to be published and would like to be on the short list so I can purchase it when it becomes available.Obin and Jessica Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04009508220967092709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-73460404520570802452011-05-11T04:01:14.493+02:002011-05-11T04:01:14.493+02:00Good Evening Eeben,
As I think on this subject mo...Good Evening Eeben,<br /><br />As I think on this subject more - and how important I think helping resolve the conflicts in Africa will become in the near future - you had mentioned that other militaries in Africa are interested in your work...<br /><br />Any thoughts on taking up the mantle of lecturer - head sage, man who has been there and done that etc. - for these militaries to give them a leg up? I feel that events are accelerating exponentially now. Those groups that have been left behind will have no chance to catch up in their methods - and the populations will suffer accordingly.<br /><br />Of course I will be purchasing the first release - but I am only an interested bystander. If the level of conflict seen in your part of the world reaches the shores of the US we will be in deep. The men who vanquished the US west (they look remarkably like the Boer Commandos) are now only a memory - though the world is much different now and those sacrificing in Iraq/Afghan are certainly cut from the same stone - I believe you know a good number of them. They would be a dang good core to build upon.<br /><br />Regards,<br />John<br /><br />P.S. But with further thought the PMC (w/ a variation of "letters of marque" as Matt espouses) may make the most sense. What rambling message above.....Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-49957112633079251612011-05-11T02:45:07.995+02:002011-05-11T02:45:07.995+02:00Eeben:
With regard to the recent raid at Abbottab...Eeben:<br /><br />With regard to the recent raid at Abbottabad; someone once said "much can be accomplished if we don't mind who gets the credit." The raid, apparently handled by the military, was a success. The post-event media releases which are being handled by our pols is as you might expect, a total cock-up {fiasco}. Am I glad he is gone, yes of course, but I found the celebration surrounding the event disgusting and wrong at levels too numerous to mention here. Strange is it not, the only accomplishment our Kenyan master appears to have to date, involves death. Interesting, but unrelated, was oud Albion's declaration of near termination of payments to the United Nations. I sincerely hope this trend continues, like the hit on Bin Laden... to the death! <br /><br />Regards, AlanAlanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155000096802114856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-38253893865676395602011-05-05T06:36:31.182+02:002011-05-05T06:36:31.182+02:00It is truly amazing how the story gets changed eve...It is truly amazing how the story gets changed every few minutes John, and how critical some in the media are about the action. But, what many people out there seem to forget is just how many innocent lives UBL was responsible for taking. I don’t regard this as a religious conflict – he was a dangerous criminal who never gave his victims an opportunity to defend themselves. People are now critical that he was treated as such and that his human rights were violated. Granted, he would have been an interesting case to question. However, the influence on fog of battle and the situation in which the operative who pulled the trigger needs to be considered. <br /><br />As the spiritual leader of AQ, he was a rallying point for them. I think his demise will make a serious dent in their ability, but, there will always be one vying to take his place. As he was one leg of the trinity of gravity, it will not bring about a speedy end to AQ’s terrorism actions. <br /><br />Good intelligence leads to good plans and when using the correct people to execute those plans, success is highly probable. <br /><br />As you know, the SADF no longer exists. But, there are many who still attend anniversaries of battles and to remember fallen friends. To many, memories are all they have left. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-49436947797027639012011-05-05T06:18:04.449+02:002011-05-05T06:18:04.449+02:00Thanks for the visit, Levi.
It is difficult when ...Thanks for the visit, Levi.<br /><br />It is difficult when one is always on the move – I can sympathise with that. But, when you find the time, you are always welcome to visit us on the blog. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-24838616984267050402011-05-05T06:11:36.839+02:002011-05-05T06:11:36.839+02:00Thanks for the visit to the blog Fred.
I really d...Thanks for the visit to the blog Fred.<br /><br />I really don’t have much time to assist students anymore. However, if you send me your questions via the blog (I won’t post them) I will try to respond to you when I have time.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.com