tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post8434381395854496688..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: THE DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY STRATEGYEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-87114081805838813922009-09-11T11:26:28.724+02:002009-09-11T11:26:28.724+02:00Thanks for visiting as well as your kind comment, ...Thanks for visiting as well as your kind comment, Agha H Amin.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-84248598039120854542009-09-11T08:33:39.517+02:002009-09-11T08:33:39.517+02:00good bloggood blogStrategicushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01572595170538342875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-65103184150007007912009-08-07T12:27:29.434+02:002009-08-07T12:27:29.434+02:00This is certainly getting interesting, Robby. Than...This is certainly getting interesting, Robby. Thanks for the link.<br /><br />As I said in a previous post – let’s see what happens when it reaches the courts.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-88246546252632308642009-08-07T12:24:30.470+02:002009-08-07T12:24:30.470+02:00My pleasure, Matt.
As you correctly point out, th...My pleasure, Matt.<br /><br />As you correctly point out, this is chess not checkers. A PMC can most certainly taint and even wreck a grand strategy if there is no channel of communication making it very clear what is allowed and what not allowed. Stupid acts or unplanned, unthought-out and undisciplined acts by a single PMC is most certainly going to taint the entire industry. That, coupled to poor command and control is a disaster in the making. But it is also indicative of what can happen when a PMC is given a contract on a platter – without having to “earn” it. <br /><br />Any COIN strategy needs to take the demographics of the area into account, as well the ethnic distribution in the area of operations. Just because someone lives in an area, it does not imply that he shares all beliefs and customs of that specific area. Again, the importance of intelligence. <br /><br />You cannot win a COIN conflict without popular support, and there lies the key. PMCs should view themselves as guests in the country they operate in and not as if they own the country. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-15489623967416357352009-08-07T12:10:55.407+02:002009-08-07T12:10:55.407+02:00In the “old days”, the SADF was largely a conscrip...In the “old days”, the SADF was largely a conscript army consisting of National Servicemen who, in the end, did a 2-year stint in the armed forces. Whereas the regular army element was relatively small, it made up the back-bone of the army as far as leadership and command and control was concerned. <br /><br />The role of black soldiers was never really documented, apart from a few books but they played a huge role in the SADF. Units such as 32 Bn, 31 Bn, 101 Bn, Special Forces and so on were very reliant on our black soldiers. These units were known for their aggression and ferociousness in combat. Then of course there were units composed of ethnic groups such as the Zulus and so on. <br /><br />The regular army “whites” who served in those units knew their men and trusted them. It was a bond forged between men who had seen extreme combat and who had shared many hardships, pain and fear. In general this relationship was outstanding as we viewed our men not as “blacks” but as fellow-soldiers. The white national service units that came into contact with these mainly “black” units had great admiration for them and viewed them with a certain amount of awe. <br /><br />In the early days, the majority of black soldiers were simply infantrymen. Over time, those with leadership potential were recognised and promoted within their units – after they had done the necessary courses. Some of them ended their careers in the SADF (about 1993/4) as officers. When they got to those ranks (senior NCOs/Officers) they were well capable. <br /><br />Of course, there were some elements (whites) who were racist but they never served in the top combat units. These were in the minority. <br /><br />Unfortunately, the SADF had been so badly (and unfairly) maligned in the foreign and local media as an “apartheid army” that many of these men were axed as soon as there was a change in government. Many were transferred to units where they soon became frustrated and left. Some later joined EO.<br /><br />In retrospect, I look back with fondness at the “black” troops who served with me. I think many of my fellow-soldiers do likewise. <br /><br />The book…thanks Alex, but there is still quite a slog ahead.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-85629614216392417262009-08-07T10:05:01.123+02:002009-08-07T10:05:01.123+02:00Response from BW...
The proper place for this cas...Response from BW...<br /><br />The proper place for this case to be litigated is in the Court, and we will respond fully in our reply brief (which will be filed on August 17) to the anonymous unsubstantiated and offensive assertions put forward by the plaintiffs. Because the plaintiffs have chosen inappropriately to argue their case in the media, however, we will also say this:<br /><br />- The brief filed by Plaintiff includes two anonymous affidavits state that their “information” has been provided to the Justice Department — we can gauge the credence given to those statements – which hold no water. When the indictments were announced, the United States Attorney the United States Attorney made a point of stating that “[t]he indictment does not charge or implicate Blackwater Worldwide”; “[i]t charges only the actions of certain employees for their roles in the September 16 shooting.” He emphasized that the indictment was “very narrow in its allegations”: “Six individual Blackwater guards have been charged with unjustified shootings . . . not the entire Blackwater organization in Baghdad. There were 19 Blackwater guards on the . . . team that day . . . . Most acted professionally, responsibly and honorably. Indeed, this indictment should not be read as accusation against any of those brave men and women who risk their lives as Blackwater security contractors.”<br /><br />- It is obvious that Plaintiffs have chosen to slander Mr. Prince rather than raise legal arguments or actual facts that will be considered by a court of law. We are happy to engage them there.<br /><br />‘Prince’ of War Going Down?<br />http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2009/08/05/prince-of-war-going-down/Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-89820056185214164902009-08-07T08:34:03.036+02:002009-08-07T08:34:03.036+02:00I've refrained from commenting on this post so...I've refrained from commenting on this post so far as I have little to add, whereas some of the comments, and your responses, have been quite fascinating. However, catching up last night I was reminded by your account of the post-ambush incident of a question I have, Eeben. What was the dynamic and structure in the SADF like regarding black and white soldiers? I know little of the history of Apartheid-era South Africa but I'm guessing there must have been a lot of black personnel and I'm curious as to how they were officially integrated into the forces; did they ever rise through the ranks to any degree or did politics and ideology keep them as just 'the men'? I remember you mentioning in your book that EO's black members outnumbered your white about five to one so I'm wondering if that was representative of the SADF mix as well, and how 'enlightened' the forces were regarding race at that time.<br /><br />Again, thanks to both you and all the other posters, I've learnt a lot from this one! Looking forward to the new book as well; count another copy sold.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />AlexAlexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00570878230707886483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-22523562583585312282009-08-07T08:31:55.643+02:002009-08-07T08:31:55.643+02:00Ultimately, one needs to decide if:
1. You can ab...Ultimately, one needs to decide if:<br /><br />1. You can absorb the pressure<br />2. Are comfortable with your client’s end goals<br /><br />We were comfortable with them and continued with our work until the West’s pressure ended our involvement in those countries.<br /><br />I hope this answers the question?<br /><br />Eeben, that summed it up beautifully. Thanks for taking the time to clarify, and making heads or tails of my questions. <br />What is interesting with the BW thing, is that operations out in the field ended up impacting the customers strategy in Iraq negatively. Perhaps if there was better monitoring and leadership in the field, and better understanding of the negative strategic implications of reckless actions, then maybe BW would never have gotten into their mess. <br /><br />I also explored this topic on a grand scale with the current war effort. There are over 246,000 contractors in the war (security and non-security), and I have yet to hear any talk of getting us all in line with a grand strategy in the war. And with COIN, many of us are interacting with the local populations, and therefore we are all somewhat at risk of endangering the strategy with stupid acts. <br /><br />When a contractor rolls down a street, and is rough with other drivers do to an overly aggressive operational convoy or PSD plan, then how is that helping with the grand strategy of convincing the local populations that we are a good idea? It takes leadership at the top to hammer this through, and it takes leadership in the companies to recognize that their actions certainly do impact strategy in the region.<br /><br />And because BW did not think in these terms, adjust their posture and procedures, implement quality control measures and insure good leaders were out in the field to manage this stuff, a nisour square incident happens. Then the whole world takes a crap on them, the enemy and the Iraqis take advantage of this hatred and amplifies it for personal gain, and BW loses a major contract in Iraq and completely brands the industry as a pariah. They also embarrassed the customer, which is a big 'no no' in any industry. <br /><br />I also put some blame on the state department for not caring about how BW was operating. They were involved to some degree, but not enough in my book, nor was the contracts written to protect the strategy of the region. If anything, State was very one dimensional with this, and that is too bad. Maybe if they clued into the fact that it is the 'population stupid', in terms of combating insurgencies, and that the way you use your protective details requires a little more oversight to ensure the populations are not harmed by your defensive PSD teams. And if civilians are harmed, to treat it with the utmost of attention and respect, so the enemy does not have that much to work with in terms of propaganda. This is chess, not checkers.matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-77519327015636466042009-08-06T19:26:48.378+02:002009-08-06T19:26:48.378+02:00To someone on the outside, I must confess that the...To someone on the outside, I must confess that the strategy appeared flawed from the beginning, Robby. When I witnessed the shock-and-awe of the opening shots in Iraq, I said as much to some people. <br /><br />Deciding any strategy on emotions rather than intelligence can be a very dangerous gamble. It becomes even more dangerous when an enemy can exploit this. The situation is made worse when the common-soldier is then called upon to mend the strategy as he goes along – something he should never have to do. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-39645847898695350972009-08-06T19:06:58.589+02:002009-08-06T19:06:58.589+02:00I think one failing many people make is to let fai...I think one failing many people make is to let faith or political beliefs dictate the military strategy.<br /><br />That's the reason the Iraq war has lasted longer than any other war and Afghanistan will destroy another super power....I swear these people have s##t for brainsRobbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-51151431570708182302009-08-06T19:01:57.047+02:002009-08-06T19:01:57.047+02:00When I initially read that some time ago, I was ve...When I initially read that some time ago, I was very surprised, Robby. <br /><br />I think one failing many people make is to let faith or political beliefs dictate the military strategy. When it becomes an emotional issue before the start of war, we miss the clear picture and believe we become bullet-proof. We must NEVER underestimate the opposing forces but we should also not over-estimate them – hence the need for good intelligence. There is a fine balance between the two. But all too often we allow ourselves to become over confident – and lose sight of the end goal – as well as our own vulnerabilities, all because of what we believe. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-38206970475993358422009-08-06T18:51:37.598+02:002009-08-06T18:51:37.598+02:00A wonderful story I can fully relate to Hardnose. ...A wonderful story I can fully relate to Hardnose. Thanks for sharing it with us. <br /><br />Once, after an ambush we had sprung, we were sweeping the area when one of my men jumped sideways, knocking me off balance whilst opening up with his PKM. He had seen a wounded Angolan soldier in the grass (I didn’t see him) who was taking aim at me and he put himself in the line of fire to protect me. He was black. But as a young soldier I learnt early on that there is no colour bar amongst soldiers. <br /><br />I like your quote – too often we are quick to blame others for our failings. <br /><br />A hint if I may: Never take a slingshot to a gun fight.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-19684144112134000032009-08-06T18:43:10.078+02:002009-08-06T18:43:10.078+02:00Connect the dots on the reason BW got huge defense...Connect the dots on the reason BW got huge defense contracts....this was reported by James A. Haught<br /><br />George W. Bush told French President Jacques Chirac in early 2003 that Iraq must be invaded to thwart Gog and Magog, the Bible’s satanic agents of the Apocalypse.<br /><br />Honest. This isn’t a joke. The president of the United States, in a top-secret phone call to a major European ally, asked for French troops to join American soldiers in attacking Iraq as a mission from God.<br /><br />Now out of office, Chirac recounts that the American leader appealed to their “common faith” (Christianity) and told him: “Gog and Magog are at work in the Middle East…. The biblical prophecies are being fulfilled…. This confrontation is willed by God, who wants to use this conflict to erase his people’s enemies before a New Age begins.”<br /><br />This bizarre episode occurred while the White House was assembling its “coalition of the willing” to unleash the Iraq invasion. Chirac says he was boggled by Bush’s call and “wondered how someone could be so superficial and fanatical in their beliefs.” <br /><br /> Recently, GQ magazine revealed that former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld attached warlike Bible verses and Iraq battle photos to war reports he hand-delivered to Bush. One declared: “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”<br /><br />It’s awkward to say openly, but now-departed President Bush is a religious crackpot, an ex-drunk of small intellect who “got saved.” He never should have been entrusted with the power to start wars.Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-90270032300853405062009-08-06T18:40:50.051+02:002009-08-06T18:40:50.051+02:00Eeben,
Agreed, whole heartedly as far as developin...Eeben,<br />Agreed, whole heartedly as far as developing realtime ROE, and Operational Methodology. Though I need to relate a story from my own past regarding attitudes and learning curves. During AIT prior to deployment my shelter-half buddy was a former motorcycle gang member who was given the choice of joining up or hard labor (it was common in those days). He decided to sign up. After a hard slog, while setting up camp he related to me how he "hated, niggers, jews, and indians (his words not mine). I started laughing which got the discussion going for the night, ..."we're in America..., in the modern military,... bill of rights, etc...." Several months later , my gang member friend had his life saved by an African American while their squad was in heavy contact while sweeping through a village. Though severely wounded he survived. Unfortunately several days later the African American paid the ultimate price with his life in a continuation of the same action. Years later I visited my gang member tent mate, and for most of the weekend as we rememberd and reminisced he kept telling me how he has spent his life doing everything he could to repay the guy who saved his life, and how he wished he'd been able to thank the man. My point here that the learning curve is often very steep (Human lives are often at stake). While we need to be firm in setting standards it pays to remember what the cost of being a winner really means. I don't give free passes to anyone, and I have several close friends at Blackwater/Xe, but I also remember where I came from to get here. My first rule is "never punsih a man for what you havn't tought him". After that all bets are off. Hmmm... if the worlds' decending into choas I guess better find my slingshot.hardnosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06665351843041365727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-41870981621250807102009-08-06T18:29:08.708+02:002009-08-06T18:29:08.708+02:00It is difficult for me to really comment sensibly ...It is difficult for me to really comment sensibly on the BW story Robby, but I see that it has now hit the UK’s Daily Mail, so I am sure there is some inkling of truth in it. <br /><br />There are many differences between BW and WO, I agree. We were never “given” a contract on a plate – we had to earn it. No one supported us except the govt’s that contracted us. We were subject to a massive disinformation onslaught…and more.<br /><br />We won every war for our clients. I don’t think BW can say the same.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-50543784513674419352009-08-06T17:32:16.372+02:002009-08-06T17:32:16.372+02:00Eeben with all due respect there is no comparison ...Eeben with all due respect there is no comparison between BW and EO.<br /><br />BW is made up of wannabe Rambo's who could give a crap about doing what is right rather pushing a misguided foreign policy for cash.If Chuck Prince goes down and he should I will be the first to celebrate.Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-42096305735197616622009-08-06T15:06:34.525+02:002009-08-06T15:06:34.525+02:00Indeed, Hardnose, hence my comments on the subject...Indeed, Hardnose, hence my comments on the subject. <br /><br />The sad reality is that currently Blackwater/Xe are the hunted game by the media. A few years ago it was EO, so I have an idea of what they are going through. So I agree with your comment. However, PMCs/PSCs need to know and realise that the media will do anything and everything to be able to report negatively on them. For that reason, PMCs/PSCs ought to keep their own houses in order and their noses clean. Anyone who acts contrary to such policies should be gotten rid of as soon as possible.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-37573787304384431482009-08-06T14:31:01.074+02:002009-08-06T14:31:01.074+02:00The recent comments regarding Blackwater/Xe PMC se...The recent comments regarding Blackwater/Xe PMC seem to reflect a rather narrow view of what is actually possible in the real world. On the corporate stage they are a small player (though admittedly they take up a lot of news space). Whatever the personal beliefs of the founder, to go to war single handedly against the roughly six billion people in the world would be quite a feat. The modern PMC/PSC's have been around since the early sixties and hopefully will continue as they have in many cases proven their value vis a vis their peacekeeping counterparts. Unfortunately stalwarts exixt in the extremes of both left and right politics, fortunately most of us ( the majority of the six billion) just want to live well and be treated with everyday common courtesy, otherwise it would just be a free for all with every man for himself.hardnosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06665351843041365727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-90250498976812587522009-08-06T14:03:55.416+02:002009-08-06T14:03:55.416+02:00There have been some very good comments on this po...There have been some very good comments on this post, Matt. <br /><br />One needs to pay particular attention to the strategy if it exists. If it does not exist, one needs to determine the political aims and objectives of the government – as they see them to be. This will give you an idea of what its national strategy ought to be. Based on the ought-to-be strategy of the government, the military strategy is devised. <br /><br />As no two countries are similar, the transference of the military strategy to tactics through doctrine needs to be very carefully assessed as the operational environments are so vastly different. What works in Angola will not necessarily work in Sierra Leone. In such scenarios, bad tactics can cost the government its power-base and lead to its demise. <br /><br />EO was fortunate that the governments we worked with and for were very explicit about their goals and what they wanted to achieve. To be successful and achieve these goals, one needs to analyse the operational environment in depth and then look at the transnational implications, both militarily and politically. Thereafter follows the international (read “the West”) political implications and how that can impact on the military strategy. From my own experience, the West wanted EO out of all countries we worked in as there was so much to lose if the rebels lost control. Plus, there were of course the mining interests, the trade, the cheap resources and so forth. But, ironically, when EO left, the bigger losers were initially the West. <br /><br />Added to the mix is of course those who closely follow conflict for their pockets, ie many NGOs and the UN’s Peacekeeping efforts. So, it does get quite complex.<br /><br />Ultimately, one needs to decide if:<br /><br />1. You can absorb the pressure<br />2. Are comfortable with your client’s end goals<br /><br />We were comfortable with them and continued with our work until the West’s pressure ended our involvement in those countries.<br /><br />I hope this answers the question?<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-23210865163173490932009-08-06T09:50:47.417+02:002009-08-06T09:50:47.417+02:00I have waited a bit, before commenting on this won...I have waited a bit, before commenting on this wonderful post, just so I can absorb all the discussions. Bravo to everyone that has participated.<br />So getting back to the meat and potatoes of this entry, as it equates to the private military company, I think it behooves a company to pay strict attention to the various strategies of that nation. Arguably, your tactics and objectives could totally screw up a nation's grand strategy, or that country's military strategy, and to me, this seems like a very fine balancing act that a company must play. I am sure your experiences in Sierra Leone or Angola required an examination of all the various regional strategies and politics, along with the strategies of your client, all with the idea of protecting company and not embarrassing or worse, harming your client. Also, to not get into trouble with surrounding countries with motives of their own. Lots of geopolitical complexities to navigate.<br /> Which leads me to a question Eeben. With EO, did you deal with countries that were forth coming about their true intentions, or did you guys depend more on what you found out through independent research? Did countries give you the run down about their strategies, both politically and militarily? Or was it mostly a lot of your own research because either you did not trust them, or that they just didn't have advanced strategies like that? (you did mention that most African Nations neglected this, but what of those that didn't) <br />I also mention the grand strategies of the region, and then there are the global strategies of countries (like the US) that impact strategies in these African countries. I imagine any company that wants to do business these days in Africa, has to look at the big picture and continue to adapt, or potentially get caught up in some trouble. For that reason, that is why I really think it is important for companies to pay heed to what you are talking about here. Thanks.matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-62117005528785527882009-08-05T18:53:28.044+02:002009-08-05T18:53:28.044+02:00That is somewhat disconcerting, Robby. It will be ...That is somewhat disconcerting, Robby. It will be interesting to see what Erik Prince does about this or how he responds. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-17046542641361577652009-08-05T15:52:31.084+02:002009-08-05T15:52:31.084+02:00The part that is very disturbing is this
"P...The part that is very disturbing is this<br /><br /> "Prince "views himself as a Christian crusader tasked with eliminating Muslims"<br /><br />Reason I say that is because it is no secret that the US Military has been taken over by a evangelical movement during the past 8 years as I have mentioned beforeRobbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-50746456927740477722009-08-05T12:59:04.432+02:002009-08-05T12:59:04.432+02:00Indeed one should read everything, Robby. If not, ...Indeed one should read everything, Robby. If not, how can a decision really be taken?<br /><br />An interesting article – one wonders how much substance is in it? If it is true, then it is a really bad story for PMCs. But, they certainly won’t get away with that in Africa – where they (Blackwater/Xe/Graystone) are angling for work. <br /><br />But, given Jeremy Scahill’s book on BW – which had some errors in it, I do wonder about this. Let’s see what happens if and when it reaches the courts.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-28600400239354835182009-08-05T10:34:10.885+02:002009-08-05T10:34:10.885+02:00FYI...CommonDreams.org is a left of center website...FYI...CommonDreams.org is a left of center website(I read everything) but thought you would find this of interest <br /><br />Blackwater Founder Implicated in Murder<br /><br />by Jeremy Scahill<br />A former Blackwater employee and an ex-US Marine who has worked as a security operative for the company have made a series of explosive allegations in sworn statements filed on August 3 in federal court in Virginia. The two men claim that the company's owner, Erik Prince, may have murdered or facilitated the murder of individuals who were cooperating with federal authorities investigating the company. The former employee also alleges that Prince "views himself as a Christian crusader tasked with eliminating Muslims and the Islamic faith from the globe," and that Prince's companies "encouraged and rewarded the destruction of Iraqi life." <br /><br />http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/08/04-8Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-73706068988006118632009-08-02T12:46:37.798+02:002009-08-02T12:46:37.798+02:00It is indeed sad, Robby, but also a disgrace. Howe...It is indeed sad, Robby, but also a disgrace. However, this is but one of the many dangers of politicising the armed forces, as is when politicising the intelligence services. <br /><br />The destruction of the “old” SADF was something the West actively encouraged the SA government to do - that and of course making political appointments. What could have been a feather in the cap of BMATT training the “new” SANDF instead showed their utter lack of understanding of what was really going on in South Africa. Instead, they dismantled the SADF, a highly-effective fighting force with unparalleled experience and in its turn, created a bloated, incompetent, undisciplined force. Regardless of what the propaganda said, it was not a politicised force but served the government of the day. It would still have served the government had it not been so unfairly maligned by all and sundry. Of course, there were people in the SADF whose political sympathies lay with the then government but that didn’t make us a political force. <br /><br />Again, this reflects on a poor current national strategy. The unravelling of the army is symptomatic of a lack of foresight, planning and a wayward strategy.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />Eeben<br /><br />PS: I would love to be given the opportunity to “fix” the SANDF but I am afraid that will never happen.Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.com