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.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

THE END OF ANOTHER YEAR


2015 is now approaching its end.

As was to be expected, Africa remained a target of destabelisation hidden under the auspices of ‘democracy’, ‘freedom’, and ‘human rights’. Armed conflicts have remained on-going along with foreign covert and overt attempts to ensure they remain on-going.

It was a year in which the blood of innocents was again spilled by Daesh and its many affiliates and supporters. It was also a year in which we had to witness more lies and deception by foreign powers targeting African governments with the ever-present threat of regime change if they do not do as told. Deception, lies and political correctness are providing the threat networks with massive advantages in their quest to spread terror and chaos.  

It was, however, also a year filled with good memories and bad: STTEP’s men made a very positive difference in Nigeria until we were forced to leave but we also lost 3 of our men in Nigeria; we had adrenalin rushes, expectations, waiting, laughter, highs and lows, cheap airlines, rundown airports, meetings, proposals, headshaking, briefings, presentations, bad food, terrible water, long hours, little sleep and some blood, sweat and tears.

On a personal level, I was again privileged to be invited to lecture at the SA Military Academy as well as some other African defence institutions and colleges. I was likewise honoured to have been invited to lecture beyond our shores as well as partake in the workshop on the African Stand-By Force in Stellenbosch.

As for my book: I have become incredibly frustrated by the publishers and the amount of toing-and-froing that has taken place. Contracts have been changed and disputed, publishing dates moved, disagreements and/or threats between different publishers have taken place and so forth. To say I am sick of the lack of professionalism I have had to deal with would be an understatement.  IF this book will ever see the light of day early next year remains to be seen. All I can do is apologise to those who placed orders and who have yet to be advised what the status of publishing is—but I too am equally in the dark.

The last months of this year also saw me being rather ill and it has taken me some time to recover. Making it all the worse, I gave up smoking in late-November 2015 so I am still battling the nicotine withdrawal as well.

My thanks to everyone who read and contributed to the blog throughout the year. I appreciate your comments and views on matters related to security and defence in Africa even if we do not always agree. Your thoughts give me a new perspective, 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 private military and security 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.

I would also like to wish each and every visitor to the blog a blessed 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 2016. May the coming year be filled with good health, happiness and safety.

I look forward to sharing more thoughts with you all next year.

62 comments:

Catholicgauze said...

A good fall back plan could be to self-publish via Amazon Kindle. Also, get well soon!

Herbert said...

Eeben,

The very best to you and yours on this Christmas.

Sorry to hear of your illness. Hang tough--I know you will.

As for the book, it is no doubt frustrating to you. Although I have had my order in for many months, I remain willing to wait for what no doubt will be an illuminating, enjoyable reading experience. I can't speak for others, but I'd bet they feel the same.

Best,
Herbert

Unknown said...

Compliments of the season to you and yours and all the very best for 2016. Well done on giving up and as a former smoker myself I can only sympathize with you and the good news is that the cravings will eventually subside. Once again Colonel thank you for the fatastic and very informative blog and we hope that the long awaited book will eventually hit the shelves. Salute!

Unknown said...

Mr Barlow... Please publish the book any way.... One no long needs publishers any more, merely the Internet ( I'm sure you are aware). Knowledge that you have gained, is too valuable to not be published due to bureaucracy. there are some of us out there who do want what is best for Africa but will never have the opportunities that you have had to learn the knowledge that you have acquired over the years. Personal development needs to be a blend of theory and practice, and the quantity theory of leadership in an African context is lacking...... Liddle hart and Mao is a good start but neither of these are Africa specific. you have stated " I believe that only Africans (Black and White) can truly solve Africa’s problems." and my self ( and im sure many others) are waiting for your book as a fragment of the puzzle.

Secondary to the above, I seek advice, do you have a route you recommend for people to learn the skills of command and also of leadership for those of us who military service is not an option or who have other trades but still seek to be an effective local and regional influence for the betterment of rural/dangerous parts of Africa?

Back ground: Im a (newly) qualified paramedic, I am interested in rescue of child soldiers among other causes.... to run such an operation I could implement just about all of your blog posts, pre-emptive intelligence gathering, COIN, logistics and politics to mention a few. not being able get the experiences that you have had over the years, I have been seeking a path to learn these things and as such i seek your advice on the matter....

None the less, I wish you a happy New Year sir, and I hope that you can forgive the Direct approach rather than the Indirect.
Kind regards
Dan

Unknown said...

I understand you issues with publishers... Most need a slap but... We live in a civilized world! ;-)

Happy New Year!

Orlando

Jeremy said...

Eeben, always look forward to your blog. All the best for 2016 and I hope you can continue to make a difference in Africa.

Sorry to hear about your troubles with your book, I am really looking forward to that making the light of day, just as you are I'm sure.

I'm curious to know what you would consider the correct strategy and tactics for handling the ISIS threat are now that it is rapidly becoming a global threat and the world seems to have no idea on how to proceed.

I hope you get a moment to answer.

Best regards

Jeremy

Unknown said...

The German government is fiercely promoting an aggressive imperialist foreign policy. At the beginning of the year, it declared an end to the previous policy of military restraint. Shortly thereafter, it announced plans to develop a new strategy for Africa.

(later)

Foreign office spokesman Martin Schäfer emphasised that a future focal point of the new foreign policy will be Africa. He added that a new Africa strategy was overdue, but its deliberation and development had been underway in the Interior Ministry for a long time. “Africa is much more than a continent of crises. There are also a lot of opportunities there”, said Schäfer, adding: “Several African countries show growth rates that are significantly higher than those in the European Union.”

Schäfer went on to say that Germany wanted to significantly expand economic cooperation with a number of African countries. He revealed that the German economy is looking to profit from both the market opportunities and natural resources available in Africa. However, the foreign office prefers to keep its own interests in the background, claiming that it is mainly motivated by humanitarian and security concerns. Schäfer said the goals of German “economic support” were to stabilise African countries and avoid further conflicts.


http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/02/17/germ-f17.html

I'm pretty sure you're a bit of a cynic regarding this Mr Barlow, but perhaps them Germans might be more honorable in their conduct in Africa, than the 'entrenched' powers.

I say this because, to the best of my knowledge, the Germans were never castigated for their treatment of POW's in WW2, and if you read up on Ernst Zundel and David Irving, well uhmmmm, ... I find it strange that neither these men were seriously interviewed by any authoritative journalist or news channel ... I wonder why ... it should be easy to refute their (false?)claims after all ...

And now for something from South Africa,

300 tonnes of gold valued at over R300 billion was stolen from the SARB, with the help of insiders as part of a bigger looting exercise valued at a massive R2.25 trillion.

A third of our foreign currency reserves are looked after by a single bank: JP Morgan, a bank who's reputation and skulduggery goes sickeningly deep.

90% of our gold reserves are kept at the Bank of England. When Germany asked the Federal Reserve bank of the US for their gold back, they only returned a very small portion of what was agreed - and it turned out that the gold returned was fake.


- See more at: http://henrymakow.com/2014/11/insider-exposes-south-african-central-bank.html#sthash.5hxR5Xof.dpuf

Unknown said...

Hi Eeben. I have not been online that much but the year ended and a new one started and guess what, it's a case of same old same old. The foreign powers just cannot keep their mitts of Africa, middle east and anywhere else they can poke the coals of war.

It is high time a certain country to our west sort it's own internal dissent out before sending their star and stripes banners to conquer,, oops, free countries.

Under Ghadaffi and even the despot that was Saddam Hussein they had streets with lights that worked, food galore, economies growing even under times of embargo just like South Africa built and grew under embargo in the 70's and 80's. Now there is rubble and pain.

The crusaders created a monster that has now gone rogue on their original deal and they have lost control of their Frankenstein. ISIS is birthed out of dark dealings with the security and clandestine apparatus of the self proclaimed "heroes of the free world". Hell last time I looked the world is not all that free.

Africa buckles easily as it always has under the promise of trinketry and weapons from less than honourable foreign intervention.

The Syrian debacle has exploded and I am quite sure many "refugees" in the hordes of Migrants are ISIS affiliated and this is a kick ass way to get cells up and running in European countries where local yokels can be radicalized to commit acts of terror.

I am starting to think more and more that I was allocated to the wrong planet and I really want to be reposted back to my planet, this one is full of idiots! I will quite literally pay a UFO to abduct me right now.

I hope you have a good 2016 and lets hope humanity can open their eyes and see the forest for the trees.

Regards Mike (bk nr 32)

Unknown said...

Eeben - it's Alex Perry, ex-TIME, now ex-Newsweek, as well. I have a couple of (unrelated) stories to pursue in South Africa and an invitation to the literary festival in Franschhoek on May 13-15 -- and I was wondering whether you'd still be willing to have that coffee you once offered. Completely off-the-record -- I actually have something I want to plot out for you, rather than have you tell me. Also, I hear you on frustrations with publishers -- the lack of professionalism can be astounding -- but it's possible that with three books under my belt with various SA, UK, European and US publishers, that I might be able to pull a contact here and there who could help.

Anyway, let me know.

Best regards,

Alex

Unknown said...

Hello Eeben , please keep me informed about your book .
Stay safe .

Thirdpower said...

Mr. Barlow,

I have been trying to get a copy of your book 'Composite Warfare' but have been unable to locate it through US sources. Are there any copies available that you know of?

Best Regards,
Roy Kubicek
USA
thirdpower@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Mr. Barlow,
any updates on the status of your new book being published?
Thank you for your time,
kind regards,
Jesse Carrillo

Die Stoor said...

Eeben,

When can we get some comment about what is rapidly unfurling locally in SA? It is very clear that there is much more to it than merely grass roots dissatisfaction among students etc that are unhappy because the have to drive Polo Vivo's as opposed to other race groups who are apparently all wealthy a la Julius Malema's recent press conference.

It is clear from what has come out with the hate speech T shirt wearers that are not actually students at these universities that there are agent provocateurs (insurgents)being placed in strategic points to stir up the masses and I believe that it is not primarily something that is being controlled locally. The coinciding timing with Malema's seemingly surprising visit with people in the UK considering his stance as an "African Revolutionary" who are essentially the "Randlords" as well as the virtual wholesale apparently deliberate capitulation by European governments in the face of an overwhelming invasion by third world migrants is just too coincidental.

To me it looks like there are some very sinister forces trying to rile up Political, Tribal and Racial tensions in this country which we absolutely cannot deny is creating a powder keg that is only one or two incidents away from sparking off.

I suppose I'm starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist but I also find it quite strange that the one country in Africa that seems least beset by these destabilizing tensions is also the same country whose Government is in a very cozy 50/50% deal with a large and powerful Corporation.

I might be wrong on all and any of the above. I'd find your input insightful.

Unknown said...

Try publishing via amazon.com, your cut is bigger and they do the marketing for you.

Jr. Williams said...

So I'm 17 and a senior in high school, anyway I have a Instagram about the US Military and it does well, I have about 3000 followers and I just post Badass pictures. Anyway i plan on enlisting in the Army after high school. I have a question, why do people make fun of the military?
veteran

Unknown said...

This article might interest you

http://russia-insider.com/en/west-comforts-itself-russia-winning-syria-only-because-its-evil/ri13213

arnoshk said...

Hi Mr. Barlow:

My name is Arnosh Keswani and I am a big fan of the blog and your work. I am currently studying International Politics in university here in Washington, D.C and would love the chance to chat with you. Additionally, is there any way I could get a copy of your book,"Against All Odds?"

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Arnosh

Unknown said...

Good day Mr Barlow,

How do we go about joining your company?

Unknown said...

Well said! Nice information about military security. Thanks for sharing your excellent blog with us.

Jim Marven said...

Women in the military?
Marines

ltisseau said...

Hello,

Currently studying International Relations in Colombia, i am doing a work about the relation between the mining industry and the private security companies.

I would like to know if it would be posible for you to answer some questions about the subject.

I thank you in advance,

My email : ltisseau[at]gmail.com

The Bulgarian Storyteller said...

Greetings Mr. Barlow ! A short introduction - 25 year old, bulgarian, former military, now entering the PMC industry, working on a contract in Iraq. Been following the situation in Africa, as it is a place I would eventually want to work in the future, and you as the founder of Executive Outcomes, are a man which knows a lot about the current activities of companies working there, including STTEP which i do not know, to what degree you participate in. I would be more than happy to keep contact, share info and discuss all around subjects regarding PMSC's. If you want to keep this conversation private, it is perfectly fine with me. Name is Stefan, kind regards and waiting to hopefully hear from you. My gmail account is StefanKovatchev90@gmail.com Wish you all the best, Sir !

Unknown said...

Dear mr. Barlow
I represent Russian conservative site Katehon.com dedicated to geopolitics and tradition.
http://katehon.com/
We invite you to contribute to our site. We will be very glad to see your articles dedicated to African issues, especially military sphere, and promote your ideas. We are open to the dialogue on technical issues.

shahbaz said...

Nice and informative, today i have read a news about Malware Hits Bank Again after 81$ Million Bangladesh Bank Heist.

Unknown said...

Good day Mr. Barlow

I sincerely hope that you are in good health again, and that you have became a steadfast and dedicated non-smoker since!

I have been waiting for your newest book to become available, and googling it saw this today:
http://www.pictures18.com/composite-warfare-the-conduct-of-successful-ground-forces-operations-in-africa.pdf
Offering a free .pdf download of your book.
I did not attempt the download, as it is most likely a malware trap, since your book have not even became available through Amazon.

Kind regards
And best to you
Danie

Unknown said...

It’s my honour to read an enthusiasm and devotion article from your blog, the problems you mentioned got the same resonance from me even I am in China now. Knowing that you had to quit smoking due to health risk, I hope that everything is alright with you. Due to the depravation of the stability in Nigeria, I believe that you may bear more responsibility, obligation and… contracts. Right now I am working with Chinese state-owned company in the defence industry, as advisor of export. If you or your brother-in-arms have related needs, I hope that I can do more for you, and Nigerian people.

Regards,
Leo

Unknown said...

I'm Louis Pretorius and did the combat commanders course with you. I would like to contact you. I was a member of 6 SAI Bn. I suffer financially and is still very fit and healthy. Greetings. Louis

red beard said...

Dear Eeben! Whats up? Where are you! That is great you quit smoking! I did the same after my 40ths too. I hope you are well. Regarding what you said above: why you were forced outof Nigeria. Your mission was very succesful as you wrote before. But now they, Boko Horam seem to raise their heads again.

Another subject, i would ask you to comment is Eric Prince's operation in Somalia against pirates. I read it in Russian article that Abu Dabi king hired Eric to fight pirates and he succeeded that much better than anyone. I only sorry that you were not invited and were not involved. Also that article which i mention describes very cruel SA instructors of the cobatants. They are said to be notorious with their hard punishments anf even killings of solders they train.

Unknown said...

Dear Sir,
I trust this finds you well and in good spirit.We have not heard from you in a while.
Are you good ?
Kind regards.

Christian said...

I like so much your article, i was born in a city with nights fights everyday and today i understand security sistems are essential to live free

Anonymous said...

Mr. Barlow,

My name is Ryan Pearson and I am a student of political science at Yale University. I am also a veteran of US military special operations who served in Afghanistan. I am conducting research on the strategic value of PMCs in resolving civil wars and counterinsurgencies, and will be using the case of Executive Outcomes for my research. In essence, the purpose of this research project is to gain an understanding of what made EO so successful in Angola and Sierra Leone, and determine if that success is of a nature that is intrinsic to PMCs.

As part of my research, I would like to interview you if would permit me. Having read your book "Executive Outcomes: Against All Odds" and the existing academic research on the firm, I am aware that academia and the press have often been critical and sometimes duplicitous in their interactions with you. To mitigate any concerns you have in this respect I want be as transparent as possible. I can provide you with a copy of my research proposal and any professional references that you may require. I would be more than happy to provide you with a draft of my research prior to publishing it, and would welcome any feedback that you could provide. To be clear, I am not writing an "exposé" nor do I intend to write anything critical of you or EO. I believe that PMCs may be ideally suited to resolving New Wars, and that many lives could be saved if the international community could look beyond the naive stigma of "mercenaries". Unfortunately, as my research grant is very small I would not be able to compensate you with anything other than a couple beers and some Afghan war stories. If that is acceptable, please let me know at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for your time.

Regards,
Ryan Pearson
ryan.pearson@yale.edu

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Herbert, my sincerest apologies to you and all of those who read my blog for the delayed response. However, work, time and travel intervened and although I know it is a poor excuse, it is the best one I have got.
As for the book, it is now with the publisher and I hope to soon give some feedback on publication date.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks Jose. Again, apologies for the delayed response.
The book is in progress with the publishers and hopefully will soon be out.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your wishes Dan.
The book will eventually see the light of day and things are now progressing towards the end – or so I am told. So hopefully soon.
Combat leadership and command and control are sadly only learned through progression in the armed forces and being exposed to numerous different challenging situations. Whereas one can study certain principles of leadership and undergo simulated exercises, all of that falls away when the first shots are fired. It is also about how your men perceive you as a leader – and do they trust you? Do you lead from the front or do you do so behind a bullet-proof desk? There are a good many leaders who opt for the latter option.
There will always be child soldiers in Africa. As long as foreign governments establish their proxy forces to act on their behalf, child soldiers will become more common place. Your wishes to help rescue them, however noble, will therefore always be met by fierce foreign resistance who instead need to feed their proxies with whatever manpower is available to them. I talk from experience on this matter and not wishful thinking.
I wish you well in your endeavours to become positively active in Africa.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Many thanks Orlando!
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your kind words Jeremy. We will continue to make as positive a difference as we can in Africa.
The damn book will eventually see the light of day. I am told we are on the home stretch.
ISIL is becoming a threat because they were allowed to become so. In order to stop any threat, strong political and military will is required. There also needs to be a clear and achievable strategy. As long as that is lacking, all other endeavours – including tactics - will fall by the wayside.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Mike, sadly much of your comments ring true. I still shake my head in amazement at how unworkable and insane so-called ‘strategies’ were even considered, let along implemented. The dismal results speak for themselves.
The collateral fallout has been astronomical and the amount of refugees created on an almost daily basis boggles the mind. It is time sanity overrules greed and destruction.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...


Sorry I missed your window Alex. Maybe next time?
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I will do so Unknown - thanks for the interest.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for the interest Roy. However, it has, as yet, not been published. I will keep all advised on the progress.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Hi Jesse, please see my response to Roy.
Thank you for the interest.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

We are witnessing an enormous change in the geopolitics of Africa and elsewhere Stoor. And as long as governments refuse to be held accountable for their actions, decisions and policies, this shift will continue to grow and will result in ‘wrong’ becoming ‘right’ and ‘right’ becoming ‘wrong’. Divisive and militant politics is being propagated and the minority are now dictating to the majority.
As for the rise of the militant politics, and its large foreign support base, this was reported to the authorities several years ago but was left unheeded and ignored. We are witnessing the result of complacency. And of course, SA – like every other BRICS country – is under enormous attack. Part of this attack is precisely meant to increase tension across the board with the hopes of the powder keg igniting. When it explodes, the ‘free world’ might come and ‘save us’ – or might not.
Ultimately, I believe SA is beset with intelligence and law enforcement failures and these failures have encouraged forces intent on destabelisation from gaining traction.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for that The Buckstops here. I will certainly keep it in mind for the next one.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

It is good to map out your future intentions Jr Williams – and then to stick to them.
The armed forces are an instrument of state. When unworkable political strategies, based on a lack of intelligence are thrust upon the military, they are being set up to fail. This allows the decision-makers to shift blame. Ultimately, the military is blamed for the failure. People then perceive the military as being an expensive organisation that is unable to achieve success.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for the link Unknown. Very interesting indeed.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you for your kind words, Arnosh. Good luck with your studies.
I am led to believe that the EO book is out of print and will, hopefully, enter its eighth reprint. I am afraid you will need to order it off Amazon or direct from the publishers (Galago).
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Hi Leon, We approach people to join us and not visa versa.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Neha Sharma.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

I am not sure what your point is Jim.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your visit to my blog Itisseau.
Unfortunately, I stopped answering questions to students via the blog and Skype as some expected me to actually write their assignments.
Good luck with your studies.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you for your mail, Stefan.
My involvement with STTEP is that I am its chairman.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you for your invitation Александр Бовдунов. I see that you have already placed one of my blog postings on your site. I have no problem with that and you are free to use any one of my posting on Katehon.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Hi Danie. The stop-smoking campaign I have been on has been difficult but seemingly I am over the worst. Thanks for your interest.
The Pdf link is a scam/malware trap as the book is in typesetting phase now and unless my correspondence with the publishers was lifted, it is not genuine.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Leo.
Although we have long left Nigerian, I thank you for your offer. However, we do not trade in defence equipment but if a need arises, I will recommend you to a government.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Combat Team commanders course was a long time ago, Louis (1983) so forgive me for not remembering you.
I am really sorry to hear that you have hit hard times. However, I am told you sent your CV to our Personnel Officer and I am sure that if we require services, he will contact you directly. As you may appreciate, I do not interfere with personnel matters.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Hi Red Beard, Our departure from Nigeria coincided with foreign political pressure. Of course, there was the usual and expected gnashing of teeth and hand-wringing by some in the media as well. Success is a bad thing in Africa when foreign powers want and demand control over governments.
I am aware of EP’s operation to counter piracy. I also read that he had success but as we were not part of it, I cannot comment on the operation.
Cruel instructors are usually the hallmark of cowards. Instruction of troops is a responsibility not to be taken lightly as such much depends on its success. Tough instruction is one thing but cruelty can never be condoned or tolerated.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you for your concern, Munyul Verminard. I am well thank you. I trust you are too?
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thank you Christian.
It is evident that many people walking this earth believe that freedom has no limits.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks for your comment and introduction Ryan.
There are many PMCs running around Africa, wielding large contracts but that are completely useless. It appears that the aim is to keep conflicts going and not to end them. That was the error EO and now STTEP have made. Ending conflicts has a negative ripple effect across foreign interests, NGOs and media stories.
I stopped giving interviews to students several years ago when it became expected of me to write their research papers. Sorry about that.
Good luck with your studies.
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

Thanks Catholicgauze!
Rgds,
Eeben

Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...

That is very interesting Unknown. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Sadly I have become very cynical about foreign ‘military and security assistance’ to Africa as I have witnessed first-hand the catastrophic failures and damage this has wrought upon Africa.
But, on a positive note, African governments are becoming wise to the fact that they are being lied to by foreign help. That is a good start.
As for the piece on SA, I can only shake my head.
Rgds,
Eeben

Unknown said...

Hello Eeben,

I'm writing to you here through my friend Gordon, this is W01 John Barnard. Sorry to hear about about your nicotine affliction, I'm going through the same.
I have been trying to get hold of you for years! No one wants to tell me where you are. I know you like literature and I am a collector of First Editions. I would like you to get hold of me please on my wife's email: valb45@me.com
When I left the army I moved to Botrivier in the Western Cape, and I seem to have fallen off the map where the Engineers are concerned. I know that many people from the old crowd were quite pleased to see me go!

Look forward to hearing from you.

SAPPERS regards,
John