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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.

Monday, March 3, 2014

ANOTHER “EXECUTIVE OUTCOMES” SURFACES…

They seem to pop up all over the world so it was not too much of a surprise to find that another “Executive Outcomes” has surfaced  - this time in South Africa (again).

This lot call themselves the “Executive Outcomes Group” (http://www.eogroup.biz) and have even claimed the old EO logo for themselves.

I suppose I should be too surprised at this.

It is indeed strange how many folks out there are starting up companies and branding themselves as “Executive Outcomes” and either make use of the old “nudge-nudge, wink-wink” approach or simply just imply that they are “EO reborn”. I suspect this is done to claim a record and success and use the implication to get contracts.

I wish to place on record that this crowd – just like the rest of them out there – were never the real Executive Outcomes – despite using the company logo - and those who fall for their claims do so at their own peril.

What is it with these people who want to be wannabees – or do they simply not have the time to apply original thinking? EO may have closed down several years ago but I shall not allow them to pose as something they never were and are not. In fact, that is fraudulent representation.

Shame on them…

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Holy chicken, I must run off with immediate effect and start up my own company and call it Apple mac Black water Nando's and sell myself as a grilled IT tech specp ops warrior with peri peri hot qualifications!

To call them clowns would be an insult to all self respecting clowns, even though I suffer from coulrophobia.

Lets all face it, there was only one EO and these guys are simply embarrassing themselves. Now they may discombobulate when they read the dismissal you have written but they deserve it.
Best regards: Mike (peri peri weekend grilled chicken IT warrior,,, DELUXE edition (nog al)

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

It is astonishing isn't it, Mike?
It is people like this who have kept the rumour mill on EO going - and many of these fake companies have tried hard to tarnish the name of the real EO.
As for being clowns...their use of the name and log says it all.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I mean "logo" and not "log"

Gatvol said...

Not many contact details other than Secret Agent Siphos Cell number. Should not be hard to find out, it is in South Africa.

I guess using a recognizable names comes with it some kind of bravado.

Either way, out the Person responsible for this and we can all have a laugh at him/her and the cronies.

jobcompany said...

Hello Eeben .... I know of only one company EO ... yours ... I respect you very much, and all the men who served Executive Outcomes .. I support you, Executive Outcomes was a great success. the others are nothing ...Best regards for all authentic warriors EO....Erick Müller.

Unknown said...


Hi Eeben this is a paste from these cakes Face book page in the about section. If they are such consummate professionals you would think they would devote a bit more of the grey stuff before slapping up hideous mistakes.
Prepare to be astounded by foot in mouth at it's best
Regards Mike.

About
The only Ambo servie who respond armed to farm murders and brake ins without waiting that it is safe they believe in safty or the patient comes first, Their motto is "We only fear GOD"
Description
International Hi Risk medical and security service provider,Remote site clinics Local ant international events ,Training of combat medicine we also assist private military companies medicely,and give VIP/medical protection in hi risk areas
Ons Ambulans diens is ook die enigste diens wat gewapend uitgaan na plaasaanvalle en huisbrake,ons wag nie vir beskerming nie
Basic Info
Joined Facebook 01/05/2011
Location International, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Contact Info
Phone 083 668 7632
Email info@execoutcome.com
Website http://www.execoutcome.com

Unknown said...

Found this load of bull schtein on Face Book too.

https://www.facebook.com/search/106052689424998/employees/present

Please let them fall off the planet!
It is so sad to pretend your way through life. What a bunch of strokers!

Mike.

Unknown said...

Dear Mr Barlow

My name is David Pfotenhauer and I am a PhD student studying under the supervision of Dr Deane-Peter Baker at the Australian Defense Force Academy.

My PhD research is primarily focused on contextualizing how acknowledged regional powers (Australia and South Africa will be used as comparative case studies in my thesis)may use PMCs as force multiplies (surge capacity)in the pursuit of regional security. My underlying logic for framing my research from a regional standpoint is the preponderance of academic literature dealing with outsourcing from 1) a US geo-strategic perspective; and 2)Coalition outsourcing. My intention throughout the study is to actively engage with the Private Military/Security Industry so as to gauge, from their position, how they may sustainability engage with regional powers to promote responsive and effective regional security capabilities. I personally feel that, despite the value in academic theorizing of the benefits, pitfalls and obstacles most commonly published about the privatization of force, it is somewhat disingenuous to posit possible roles of PMCs, and the obstacles that they may face, without proactively engaging with members of the industry who have the institutional knowledge that is vital to contextualizing PMCs in the correct light. At the risk of belaboring the point, my thesis aims to argue from an Industry perspective on how it may best assist states in regional stability and security. To my knowledge, this research strategy is largely overlooked or ignored and thus creates a very large literature gap in understanding the current and future importance PMCs have in sustainable security provision.

I intend to approach my thesis from 5 thematic pillars:
a. Capability
b. Command and Control
c. Interoperability
d. Desirability
e. Dependability

These 5 thematic pillars are drawn from the most popular criticisms or concerns relating to embedded PMC personnel within state forces during operations. The issues of legality, accountability, ethics and legitimacy, while important and relevant to the ongoing private force discourse, do not form part of the "practical" appraisal I am hoping to achieve in my thesis.

To this end, I hope to engage with you during the course of my research. Given your extensive experience any comments, insights and recommendations from you will be most welcome.

Sincerely,

David Pfotenhauer

MC said...

Imitation is the best form of flattery isn't it! If anything, you cannot buy experience and they will surely be caught out on over promising and under performing!

Hope you are well?

Best regards

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

We have traced them Gatvol and a foreign businessman actually contact them and then found my info and spoke to me.
Apparently in an email to him, they claimed I once worked for them!
People are indeed strange.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Erick!
However, you would be amazed at how many companies are out there claiming to be EO. I suppose they believe they will never be caught out.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks the this, Mike.
It is almost unbelievable yet sadly some of these “people” have managed to hoodwink governments with disastrous effect. But then again, governments are also to blame as they ought to do some due diligence.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

What Plonkers they are Mike! I was contacted a short while ago by a corporation who stumbled across my blog and told me that they had just contracted "Executive Outcomes". When I explained the situation, they immediately sent that version of EO packing.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I suppose it is MC but it still makes me mad when I find out how some of these con artists have hoodwinked governments.
I am well thanks. Hope same at your side?
Rgds,
Eeben

Unknown said...

Good day Eeben. First of, all my respect to you! I have one question... is there still a means for someone who whould like to join a PMC in South Africa... is there any companies left? Regards Rodz

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I apologise for the late response, David.
Allow me to start off by saying you are fortunate to have Dr Deane-Peter Baker as your supervisor. He has gone through several chapters of my yet-to-be published book and gave some invaluable inputs and advice.
Whereas I believe your thesis has a valuable role to play, I am afraid that I will not be able to assist you due to extensive work commitments. I would however be prepared to read it once you have completed it and give you my comments.
My reason for adopting this attitude is, apart from numerous other commitments, that I have tried to assist students in the past who have tried to use what I commented on as a “weapon” against the entire PMC industry. I am also no longer prepared to have to defend myself/EO or STTEP for working for legitimate governments when foreign powers attempt to exert their influence via proxy forces and insurgencies.
I wish you the best of luck with your thesis.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I can just imagine all the “former Navy SEALS” now running off with their stories, Spec-Ops Medic. Shaming them is the best medicine they can get but usually, even that seems to have no real effect on them. They simply move on to a different unit to boast about.
EO consisted of a lot of good men working to achieve unity of effort. Those who now lie about their involvement are usually caught out.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your kind comment Rodney. However, I am unaware of SA PMCs operating in-country.
As you may recall, foreign governments forced the SA government into an act banning all sorts of foreign activities to allow their own PMCs access into Africa. This resulted in SA PMCs moving their headquarters to outside of SA.
Sorry…
Rgds,
Eeben

Robin said...

Hi Eeben,

Been trying to catch up on reading your blog...been 'off line' for a while for a number of reasons. Really enjoy reading your blogs. Just so everyone knows, I hold a number of web domains that carry the name Executive Outcomes. I have these for the right reasons, Eeben you know this. As long as I hold them, no scum bag can use them, they remain mine and I will only transfer them to Eeben if asked by him for them. They all tie into a bigger picture that will eventually culminate into a true and deserved tribute to not only the company itself, but to the men that gave their lives and the many many lives they saved. My sites will only ever show that they are reserved, no pages appear and when the time comes they will all tie in together in a way to honour this great organisation.

Kind regards
Robin

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Welcome back, Robin!
Thanks for your efforts to preserve the legacy of the many great men who served in EO.
Rgds,
Eeben

Unknown said...

I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems.what a great statement? I am a congolese who always inspire by your ideology Mr Esben. we always take you as our idol and we said your are not an normal person like us you are a great spirit who always inspired those are oppress by dictionaries.

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you for your very kind comment Olivier Kavuanda. I do appreciate it very much.
Maybe one day, we in Africa will find peace with ourselves and eject those who keep trying to create conflict and war.
But, we are the solution to our problems – no one else. I truly believe that.
Take care my Congolese Brother.
Rgds,
Eeben