tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post2114352599456531561..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: IS OUR MILITARY LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS?Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-75745809059211097752009-04-15T07:37:00.000+02:002009-04-15T07:37:00.000+02:00Thanks for the link, Alan. Most interesting...
Rg...Thanks for the link, Alan. Most interesting...<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-40838158326481977622009-04-14T15:59:00.000+02:002009-04-14T15:59:00.000+02:00Eeben:
Excellent article. While none is needed, ...Eeben:<br /><br />Excellent article. While none is needed, some follow-up from our feckless generals to reinforce your point. <br /><br />Cheers, Alan<br /><br />Top US general meets tribes ahead of Afghan surge<br />By Jason Straziuso<br /><br />KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) — The top U.S. general in Afghanistan reached out to influential Afghan tribesmen in regions where U.S. troops will soon deploy, apologizing for past mistakes and saying he is now studying the Quran, the Muslim holy book.<br /><br />http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gunkSrMK4ibAEoKo01Dl4GQlykOAD97FEVGG0Alanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155000096802114856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-74263219382491945902009-03-03T06:17:00.000+02:002009-03-03T06:17:00.000+02:00An important point you raise, Matt. Anyone caught ...An important point you raise, Matt. Anyone caught stealing, regardless of position, was subject to an investigation and if the serious crime was confirmed, he was summarily dismissed from the company. Crimes of whatever nature should never be tolerated – especially when it can endanger the lives of men and the contract of a company. As far as reporting crimes were concerned, yes, there was an open door policy at all times. <BR/><BR/>To protect men who commit criminal actions and poor leadership is in itself a crime and has no excuse and is in itself an example of poor leadership and a lack of discipline, honour and trust. Any action that can jeopardise the men, the company or the client should never be tolerated. <BR/><BR/>A leader could not just fire a member, unless there were really exceptional circumstances that could jeopardise the company, the men or the client’s position. The majority of cases were subject to their own internal investigations and a commander could impose a fine or a punishment that suited the crime. A judgement could however be appealed, but seldom was as those who did wrong, knew they did wrong and usually admitted it. <BR/><BR/>Evaluations were on-going by the client in terms of objectives to be reached and by our own staff as far as discipline, professionalism and such. Evaluations were also attended, for example in Angola, by the Chief of Staff of FAA and his advisors to observe, question and comment. <BR/><BR/>The majority of men knew that their actions and behaviour were a mirror-image of the company and they gave their best shot. Of course, there were those who thought they were there for a free ride but they didn’t last long.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-22935496176983998672009-03-03T06:02:00.000+02:002009-03-03T06:02:00.000+02:00The General was correct, Robby.Rgds,EebenThe General was correct, Robby.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-44574599241673622482009-03-03T00:50:00.000+02:002009-03-03T00:50:00.000+02:00Very interesting, and thanks. Here is another que...Very interesting, and thanks. Here is another question if you don't mind. If a subordinate witnessed a leader doing something wrong, like stealing from the client or endangering the team and mission with reckless decision making, what did you have in place to take care of such activity? Did you have an open door policy, or was there some other method for reporting of this kind of thing within your company?<BR/><BR/>The reason I ask, is that this is a huge problem in American companies operating out there. If a subordinate has an issue with a leader, and there is a consensus amongst the team about what is going on, yet the reporting of such a thing falls on deaf ears, then how do you deal with that? Some of these companies even protect poor leaders, and they know they are doing bad things, yet they do nothing about it. Or worse yet, the common reply of that poor leader is to cry insubordination, and just fire those individuals to insulate themselves.<BR/><BR/>I have seen this scenario played out time and time again over there, and it is what drives my views on leadership. I was just curious about how you were able to navigate this? <BR/><BR/>Obviously a company wants to stand by and support it's leaders, but how would you navigate the kind of scenario I laid out up top? Did you have an open door policy, and did your subordinates have a means of reporting poor leadership or crimes in out in the field? How about evaluations-did you actively evaluate leaders and contractors, to determine the health of the company? <BR/><BR/>You brought up a cool deal about the scouts. I was a Boy Scout myself, and that organization has certainly influenced my philosophies on life and leadership. It was an excellent foundation for a young man, and I certainly grew up respecting my elders during my formative years. Cheers.matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-78266834585876918482009-03-02T20:02:00.000+02:002009-03-02T20:02:00.000+02:00"military and it is centred on trying to impress p..."military and it is centred on trying to impress politicians instead of trying to accomplish missions."<BR/><BR/>Yes my friend what was noble was ruined by politicians and the reason Major General Smedley Butler called war a racket!Robby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-9495433021842101382009-03-02T19:26:00.000+02:002009-03-02T19:26:00.000+02:00I started out as a Cub – the teachings were based ...I started out as a Cub – the teachings were based on fostering respect and obedience and a good smattering of adventure. I suspect that education, both formal and otherwise, as well as extramural activities – there wasn’t any TV in those days – made us appreciate where we were and taught us to become self-reliant. Additionally, we were taught to have confidence in ourselves and our (limited) abilities. A lot of this became very necessary in the army and the subsequent war. <BR/><BR/>I have, however, noticed a trend in the military and it is centred on trying to impress politicians instead of trying to accomplish missions. This is not unique to Africa but to the West as well. The price will be heavy.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-51550602769828883322009-03-02T19:15:00.000+02:002009-03-02T19:15:00.000+02:00Thats so funny start with God Save the Queen end w...Thats so funny start with God Save the Queen end with the Lords Prayer and yes I was also a good Boy Scout :-)Robby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-80743220594810806362009-03-02T16:30:00.000+02:002009-03-02T16:30:00.000+02:00So, you are a Milton-man Robby. John McKenzie Prim...So, you are a Milton-man Robby. <BR/><BR/>John McKenzie Primary, Francistown, Botswana (it was Bechuanaland then). I recall signing “God save the Queen” every morning before school started. Our teachers all came from the “home country” and they tried to turn us all into little English gentlemen. I suspect they failed dismally…<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-89482249436452138172009-03-02T16:20:00.000+02:002009-03-02T16:20:00.000+02:00I went to Milton in Bulawayo :-)....fond memories!...I went to Milton in Bulawayo :-)....fond memories!Robby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-55181143447297370372009-03-02T15:57:00.000+02:002009-03-02T15:57:00.000+02:00You are absolutely correct in what you write, Robb...You are absolutely correct in what you write, Robby. I, too, had a “colonial” upbringing and respect, honour, loyalty and trust were part of that education. Those principles became a way of life to many of us and allowed us to adapt very quickly to a strict discipline. <BR/><BR/>Apart from the problem you point out, another has – in my opinion – been the cultivation of TV/cinema shows as part of reality. In films, the criminals are often depicted as actually being misguided good guys. In war films, subordinates challenge their superiors and often appear to be correct. This has had an influence on how people view real life. I somehow suspect that many officers and men are acting in their own TV shows. <BR/><BR/>As for the global financial crisis – what amazes me is that it was all criminal but as you say, no one wants to mention any of that. Again, I suppose it is for fear of offending the guilty. <BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-51380519128579191372009-03-02T13:42:00.000+02:002009-03-02T13:42:00.000+02:00Eeben...Heres the problem we were born into a diff...Eeben...Heres the problem we were born into a different era where we learned at a young age to respect our elders speak when spoken to and if we got out line getting slapped around was the expected result.....some say those of us (lucky enough)brought up in Rhodesia were more British than the British<BR/><BR/>The break down of discipline in the military and in society in general has been the abandonment of these basic principles of honesty trust and respect.<BR/><BR/>Nothing better illiastrats this than the current global financial crises a complete break down of the above,funny thing no one wants to admit it.Robby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-38426497851084589662009-03-02T10:46:00.000+02:002009-03-02T10:46:00.000+02:00I was very fortunate, Matt. The leader cadre of EO...I was very fortunate, Matt. The leader cadre of EO consisted of men who had seen extensive action in different units and were either known personally or by their reputations. So as far as that was concerned, it made it easy as they knew how to lead men and how to motivate them. <BR/><BR/>The company philosophy was to achieve the best results possible at all times while being an example to everyone who passed through our training or worked under us in combat. As we structured the company along the lines of a military unit, we functioned in much the same manner.<BR/><BR/>But of course, all was not rosy, especially when some men wanted to challenge leaders. Again, a simple motto of “Fit in or F_ off” applied. Furthermore, I had a policy whereby any tale-teller was given the opportunity to tell his story – in front of the person he was willing to slander. If I recall, this only happened twice and then all tale-telling ceased. <BR/><BR/>If a person in a command position was unable to perform according to his appointment, he was either transferred away from that post or in severe cases, fired. <BR/><BR/>If the law was broken in a client-country, they were handed over to that country’s police force.<BR/><BR/>If anyone was caught leaking sensitive company or client information, he was either handed over to that country’s CI people or fined in the company and discharged. <BR/><BR/>We did have a strict code of conduct which we tried to apply at all times. Again, we were not as perfect as I would have liked us to be but no country ever accused us of anything negative, either in our attitude or our work-ethic.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-70152216154721893512009-03-02T08:18:00.000+02:002009-03-02T08:18:00.000+02:00Eeben, I would be curious to hear your thoughts on...Eeben, I would be curious to hear your thoughts on how you organized and influenced your leaders and employees in Executive Outcomes? Obviously you had to pick good people who had leadership experience in the military and in combat, but did you have to impress upon them a EO management and company philosophy so to speak? Also, how did you deal with poor managers and employees?matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-42569597348893912952009-03-02T05:26:00.000+02:002009-03-02T05:26:00.000+02:00I guess you are right, Robby.Rgds,EebenI guess you are right, Robby.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-22574422554687294072009-03-01T21:43:00.000+02:002009-03-01T21:43:00.000+02:00You think things are crazy now wait for the shift ...You think things are crazy now wait for the shift EastRobby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-56544969952003583142009-03-01T17:52:00.000+02:002009-03-01T17:52:00.000+02:00This whole PC thing is rewriting history and under...This whole PC thing is rewriting history and undermining societies, Robby. What was once wrong is now right and visa versa. A strange world we live in.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-82496354924762172232009-03-01T17:38:00.000+02:002009-03-01T17:38:00.000+02:00Don't get me wrong as you said "I also recall the ...Don't get me wrong as you said "I also recall the UN and the US scoffing at the term PMC – until it suited their agendas."<BR/><BR/>Exactly my point all part and parcel of that thing we call PCRobby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-52176617000609878852009-03-01T16:27:00.000+02:002009-03-01T16:27:00.000+02:00I tend to disagree, Robby. In 1993, I referred EO ...I tend to disagree, Robby. In 1993, I referred EO as both a PSC and a PMC. I also referred to our men as “contractors”. At that time, we were considered by some in the media to be a bunch of trigger-happy mercenaries running around destabilising Africa. Of course, the fact that it was untrue and that we were under legitimate contract to those countries were we were working was never going to detract from a good bit of fiction which could be used to bolster sales of newspapers. <BR/><BR/>I also recall the UN and the US scoffing at the term PMC – until it suited their agendas. <BR/><BR/>I don’t think the US soldiers who came out to serve in Rhodesia or SA were part of an organised business entity. I recall those I met came out on their own steam and were not under a legal government contract to assist the armed forces of those two countries. Hence, I cannot term them as having been part of a PMC or a PSC. <BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-83968120948426428792009-03-01T16:04:00.000+02:002009-03-01T16:04:00.000+02:00(interesting how the US started it all?)It is Prav...(interesting how the US started it all?)<BR/><BR/>It is Pravda after all :-)....however I'm sure you know there was a huge US PR effort to lose the term mercenary which the US media used ad nauseum to describe the "evils" of Africa for decades....so saying "The history of private military companies started on June 24, 1997" is technically correct....although we know different for me it brings back memories of how the US regarded the 300 Americans who came to Rhodesia in the 70's to help fight communism... we called them "The Crippled Eagles" the US government called them a bunch of mercenariesRobby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-82949378950377964122009-03-01T15:39:00.000+02:002009-03-01T15:39:00.000+02:00Very interesting indeed, Robby. I agree with the w...Very interesting indeed, Robby. I agree with the writer in many instances (interesting how the US started it all?) but I feel that there should still be a mechanism in place to weed out the “wannabes” and the “posers”. It is those types that tarnish an entire industry.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-16301344701778923262009-03-01T15:16:00.000+02:002009-03-01T15:16:00.000+02:00Interesting ...from PravdaPrivate military compani...Interesting ...from Pravda<BR/><BR/>Private military companies to supersede regular armies<BR/><BR/>Private military companies (PMCs) have become rather popular nowadays in terms of providing specialized expertise or services of a military nature. These units can compete with special services and regular armies. There are such companies in Russia, although they are not so widely spread in the country in comparison with their prototypes in the West. As experience shows, the PMCs will prevail in the future. <BR/><BR/>The history of private military companies started on June 24, 1997, when experts of the US Intelligence Department proclaimed the PMCs as a major tool in the implementation of the military security policy of the United States and its allies in other countries.<BR/><BR/>The professional level of a private military company is its major advantage. Inexperienced military men are not welcome there. A PMC member is usually a man between 35-40 years of age. A human being of this age is resistant to stresses and emergency situations. In addition, a man of this age can also do routine work very well, which can not be said about younger men.<BR/><BR/>Potential fighters of the private military companies possess the required level of experience and have an adequate insight, which allows such units to achieve better results in their activities in comparison with regular armies.<BR/><BR/>A private military company can be very efficient in local conflicts, where the use of regular armies can be complicated for legal reasons. For example, Russia can not send its troops to Nigeria if Nigerian gunmen attack employees of Russian companies – it would be a gross violation of international laws.<BR/><BR/>Russian PMCs – Tiger Top Rent Security and Orel Antiterror - do not lag behind their US or British colleagues. The only difference is that Russian PMC fighters are paid a lot less.<BR/><BR/>Russian PMCs took part in the military actions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Lebanon and Palestine.<BR/><BR/>Russia’s largest companies such as Russian Aluminium (Rusal), Lukoil, Rosneft and Gazprom received a carte blanche to form military structures to protect their interests both inside and outside Russia.<BR/><BR/>Private military companies supply bodyguards for the Afghan president and pilot armed reconnaissance planes and helicopter gunships to destroy Coca crops in Colombia. They are licensed by the State Department; they are contracting with foreign governments, training soldiers and reorganizing militaries in Nigeria, Bulgaria, Taiwan, and Equatorial Guinea. The PMC industry is now worth over $100 billion a year.<BR/><BR/>Viktor Shishkov<BR/>http://english.pravda.ru/world/europe/24-02-2009/107146-private_military_company-0Robby Noelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02532738950466892565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-51018555366048897202009-03-01T08:52:00.000+02:002009-03-01T08:52:00.000+02:00You make some very valid points, Matt. Respect by ...You make some very valid points, Matt. Respect by a nation’s citizens of its military and law-enforcement agencies is paramount to maintaining the safety of its citizens. When that respect is lacking, morale of the nations suffers, crime rises and the enemies of a state become more brazen in their belief that they can force that government to accept terms of “peace” which are detrimental to the rest of the citizens.<BR/><BR/>Whether we like it or not, no country can afford to live in a fantasy world where a highly-trained, motivated, disciplined, well-equipped military and most importantly a well lead military is not required. This leadership is currently, in my opinion, seriously lacking in the West.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-77607714261007486442009-03-01T08:44:00.000+02:002009-03-01T08:44:00.000+02:00Welcome back, Simon. In a perfect world, we would ...Welcome back, Simon. In a perfect world, we would not need to raise and sustain an armed force. Sadly though, we do not live in a perfect world. To add fuel to the fire, most politicians in the West and the East live in their own fantasy-worlds where their positions of power become positions of enrichment and disorder. <BR/><BR/>Currently, the military ought to an indispensible tool for covering up the colossal failures of foreign policy and diplomacy. However, political interference and lack of leadership and direction makes the military vulnerable and unable to perform its missions. It also removes the ability of the military to maintain an apolitical stance instead of acting as an extension of a particular political party. <BR/><BR/>I fear that what we are witnessing is a collapse of the military, sanctioned by the politicians in order to ensure their grip on the citizens of a country. This sadly exposes a nation to the enemies from both within and beyond the borders of 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-58531983935971092222009-03-01T08:34:00.000+02:002009-03-01T08:34:00.000+02:00Words so true and still applicable to our modern s...Words so true and still applicable to our modern society, Robby. In fact, they are more relevant today than ever. <BR/><BR/>When that treachery has infiltrated into the military, it is a sign of a pending collapse of those must protect and defend the nation.<BR/><BR/>Rgds,<BR/><BR/>EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.com