tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post3364004141902967686..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: IS AN IFV AN MPV/MRAP OR VISA VERSA?Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-11339322648409434412010-12-27T18:04:29.846+02:002010-12-27T18:04:29.846+02:00Please send me your email address Black Pearl and ...Please send me your email address Black Pearl and I shall make contact with you via a private means. Also, give me an indication of the reason why you wish to make contact with me.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-54728564039152108172010-12-22T11:04:57.850+02:002010-12-22T11:04:57.850+02:00Mr. Eeben Barlow is there anyway I can contact you...Mr. Eeben Barlow is there anyway I can contact you?Black Pearlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09835793901748156218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-43441752719174568782009-11-09T08:51:47.272+02:002009-11-09T08:51:47.272+02:00Thanks, Tyler, but there is no need for you to apo...Thanks, Tyler, but there is no need for you to apologise for someone else. Obviously, he has his own problems to contend with – I am just not willing to make his problems mine. <br /><br />When we found ourselves isolated, we built up a very good arms industry. A lot of our equipment was unique and highly sought after internationally. Sadly, that industry has been neglected and is not even a shadow of its former self. <br /><br />I was proud to have been a sapper and I had really great troops when I served at different infantry battalions. But, mine warfare was what we did and we accepted it as the infantry and others accepted their jobs. The Special Forces guys were just that – special. Discipline in the entire army was tough but it helped us through difficult times. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-47702939861465640232009-11-09T07:13:43.898+02:002009-11-09T07:13:43.898+02:00That msg could have been a "troll" sir.I...That msg could have been a "troll" sir.If it was not,as a yank let me apologize.Most of my fellow Americans nauseate me.I am curious sir was there not a totally South African arms and materiel industry at one time?Primarily small arms?I always understood the Recces held pretty good sand.Truly battle hardened and ultra disciplined.I was unaware you were a sapper sir.It must have been very stress ful.Mines are ugly they always gave me the willies.The general aftermath was often a man they should have let die only to prolong his suffering for whatever time the Dr.'s hubris allowed.In my experience some mines come out partially broken etctyhz1995https://www.blogger.com/profile/05547474699979686364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-29653510902807443772009-11-08T15:52:00.997+02:002009-11-08T15:52:00.997+02:00Let me think about that, Robby. Thanks for the sug...Let me think about that, Robby. Thanks for the suggestion though.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-48722779834095207302009-11-08T14:00:28.418+02:002009-11-08T14:00:28.418+02:00Without being to forward I would really like it if...Without being to forward I would really like it if you work on doing a article on your take of those events the players and who in "positions of power that will use their powers to stop him talking".....I live for this kind of stuff :-)Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-60513796161833188052009-11-08T13:27:29.567+02:002009-11-08T13:27:29.567+02:00I don’t mind someone challenging me or even being ...I don’t mind someone challenging me or even being misguided Robby, but his comment was full of f-ing and blinding and it was obvious that he had no clue about Africa or anything about me or EO. That is his prerogative but then he ought to refrain from making wild statements based on his own misguided “facts”. <br /><br />I believe there are many people who are concerned about Mann and what he may have to say. Perhaps there are many in positions of power that will use their powers to stop him talking. <br /><br />Thanks for the links.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-28645397141270813512009-11-08T13:13:55.338+02:002009-11-08T13:13:55.338+02:00Sounds like you ran into another "ugly misgui...Sounds like you ran into another "ugly misguided American" they are a dime a dozen over here...pay no attention....that being said looks like you were right the "Mann" thing is getting nasty real fast....<br /><br />Sir Mark Thatcher said he was a spy for South Africans<br />Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Jon Swain<br /><br />Sir Mark Thatcher became an informer to the South African secret services in an attempt to avoid prosecution for his role in a botched coup in central Africa.Thatcher met South African intelligence officials in 2004 to discuss the attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea.“I was told I was a nominated SASS [South African Secret Service] source,” <br /><br />http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article6907989.ece<br /><br />Foreign Office warns Mann to 'keep quiet'<br /><br /><br />Plenty of powerful people have an interest in the mercenary behind the 'Wonga Coup' keeping his own counsel<br />By Brian Brady and David Randall<br /><br />Simon Mann has been urged by Foreign Office officials to remain silent about the coup attempt that left him languishing in an African prison, and settle for a "quiet life" with his wife and family in the UK, The Independent on Sunday has learnt.<br /><br />http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/foreign-office-warns-mann-to-keep-quiet-1816864.htmlRobbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-31638759817509654022009-11-08T12:15:24.292+02:002009-11-08T12:15:24.292+02:00Due to your language (vulgar and blasphemous) I ha...Due to your language (vulgar and blasphemous) I have deleted your comment, Loyal US Soldier. However, I shall answer your questions/comments thus:<br /><br />1. My blog is a reflection of my own thoughts/experience on warfare and security.<br />2. I think I am somewhat qualified to discuss these issues.<br />3. I served in conventional, unconventional/clandestine and covert units in numerous theatres and countries across the world.<br />4. I know and understand IEDs as I was a member of the SADFs EOD/IED teams.<br />5. I was initially a sapper and swept for mines along with my troops so I do understand landmines.<br />6. I was in a vehicle that got blown up by a landmine and yes, it was a South African “Buffel” MPV.<br />7. I think I am somewhat qualified to discuss “espionage” as I worked in that field for several years.<br />8. The fact that my company assisted the Angolans and the Sierra Leoneans does not make me a “bloody communist”. <br />9. The South African soldier was disciplined to the extreme, had very little to fight with (thanks to sanctions by the West) but did exceptionally well in combat against numerically superior forces. <br />10. If my country was ever under threat and I was called to duty, I would accept, regardless of whether it be conventional, unconventional or covert.<br />11. EO is the only PMC that ended 2 wars, conducted a successful hostage-release operation and gave advice to numerous governments.<br />12. I am an African and despite my skin colour, will always wish for the best for Africa, despite its problems. <br /><br />If you do not like reading my blog, please do not visit it. <br /><br />Enjoy your life.<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-42929885479420846152009-11-08T09:50:53.119+02:002009-11-08T09:50:53.119+02:00The governments seem reluctant to provide their me...The governments seem reluctant to provide their men with the correct equipment to get the job done in relative safety, WCHM. Part of the deployment drills of units is to ensure the correct men at the correct time and place, correctly equipped to do battle with the enemy. The equipment part in the drill is sadly lacking.<br /><br />Whereas there is NO MPV/MRAP or IFV that can withstand the blast of any and every IED, there are MPVs and MRAPs that provide the best operational safety possible. But, by developing their own, I suspect the aim is to continue feeding industry with money at the expense of the troops.<br /><br />In terms of job hunting: I would suggest you contact www.feraljundi.com or www.privatemilitaryherald.com as I no longer recruit people for jobs.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-18760666109783426722009-11-07T19:28:32.030+02:002009-11-07T19:28:32.030+02:00Having read this post and comparing the vehicles u...Having read this post and comparing the vehicles used, I cannot help but agree with what you've said, Eeben. Even I, as a military lay-person, so to speak, can appreciate the different 'hull' design would greatly improve the odds for armed forces in areas of operation such as Iraq where IEDs are the device of choice for insurgents in attacks against American, British, and other militaries. Why the military does not adopt these MRAPs instead of developing the next HUMVEE is beyond me. Surely the point is not lost on top brass. Do you have an email to which I can send an email regarding a job hunting inquiry, as opposed to fettering the comments section with material unrelated to your posts? Appreciate it. WCHMW.C.H. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09170821196875567006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-73927220301700683482009-11-07T18:57:48.771+02:002009-11-07T18:57:48.771+02:00Thank you, Tango. I recall that he always spoke we...Thank you, Tango. I recall that he always spoke well of those he served with.<br /><br />James would have been proud to read the words you wrote. He was a great brother and good friend to me. Thank you too for giving me a copy of the letter he wrote you when his days were getting less. It is truly appreciated. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-50582784650483601432009-11-07T18:28:51.502+02:002009-11-07T18:28:51.502+02:00Eeben
Little did I know after all these years we ...Eeben<br /><br />Little did I know after all these years we would meet again and me asking for your signature in the book you wrote and titled.<br />“Executive Outcomes <br />Against all odds.”<br /><br />An unbelievable story<br /><br />All of us took part in some kind of a war or did border duties ,but this book tells a different story<br /><br />We Salute you and all your Brave men.<br /><br />It was an honour and privilege to have stood and come to attention once again with Old Soldiers, and veterans of World War 11. Listening to them talk and asking questions. All and some aged 94 still proudly displaying their medals and looking for recognition after all these years…”Old soldiers never die…they simply fade away”<br /><br />Extract from your book:<br />From this day to the ending world,<br />We in it shal be remebered,<br />We few,we happy few,we band of brothers:<br />For he to-day that sheds his bloodwith me<br />Shall be my brother.<br /><br />King Henry V:William Shakespeare<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Billy for inviting me to the function as well…This one is for James<br /><br /><br />There are heroes who walk among us never looking for glory or praise They don't seek recognition for their thoughtful, caring ways. Living lives of deep commitment providing for those they hold dear. Steadfast with a quiet strength through times of laughter and tears. James was a person like that to us the most selfless man by far. James was a heroe in a different way..a man with no fear <br /><br />In memory of our Buddy ....... James RIP <br /><br />Ns:My son said it is a pleasureTangohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12651381316753084396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-11803893352413683502009-11-07T15:41:45.899+02:002009-11-07T15:41:45.899+02:00It was great meeting you again after all these yea...It was great meeting you again after all these years, Tango. Many thanks for the DVD you gave me at the Bridge 14 dinner. That, along with the letter from James means a lot to me. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />Eeben<br /><br />PS: The DVD plays just fine. Pse thank you son for the efforts.Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-13772192626873945042009-11-07T12:15:19.420+02:002009-11-07T12:15:19.420+02:00Absolutely, Robby. The SA sappers walked the dista...Absolutely, Robby. The SA sappers walked the distance to the moon and back clearing roads in just a few years. Countless mines were lifted and lives saved. It can be done but it requires a drastic change of tactics.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-41088300479894737172009-11-07T04:13:36.139+02:002009-11-07T04:13:36.139+02:00there are ways to clear the road. .....only a sapp...there are ways to clear the road. .....only a sapper with conviction could say that :-)Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-17632841722364106732009-11-05T14:40:16.420+02:002009-11-05T14:40:16.420+02:00They will never allow the truth to get in the way ...They will never allow the truth to get in the way of a good story, Tyler. <br /><br />It wasn’t just the IMF who wanted us out of Sierra Leone but also the UN, the World Bank, the US and the UK. <br /><br />I somehow suspect that you may be correct as regards the 900kg IED – but it also revolves around drills – and keeping off roads that pose a threat. If one is forced to use a road for logistical purposes or troop deployments, there are ways to clear the road. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-38395942768998361902009-11-05T14:33:34.867+02:002009-11-05T14:33:34.867+02:00Thanks for the note, MS. I have written them but I...Thanks for the note, MS. I have written them but I doubt they will even bother getting their facts straight.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-18013655655671177792009-11-05T03:50:22.281+02:002009-11-05T03:50:22.281+02:00Good evening,sir I thought that it was you sir and...Good evening,sir I thought that it was you sir and your wife that started EO.I also understood it was the IMF that caused you to leave Sierra Leone.With regard to earlier post:How in god's name could someone position a 900 kilo bomb?Intel must be nonexistant,and that is disgraceful and evident of almost total collapse.I also agree quite strongly with you sir in regards to morale,when it is lost things can get ugly very quickly and once lost almost impossible to regain.Spot on sir.tyhz1995https://www.blogger.com/profile/05547474699979686364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-14528692096786622142009-11-04T15:43:53.180+02:002009-11-04T15:43:53.180+02:00Quite, Robby. Although I never agreed with Mann (n...Quite, Robby. Although I never agreed with Mann (nor he with me), he had no reason to make such a claim if it were not so. But, the fall our after his release will certainly be interesting to watch. I believe that there are many people who would have preferred him staying behind bars. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-49023333657134261472009-11-04T14:41:00.382+02:002009-11-04T14:41:00.382+02:00It's the Mark Thatcher thing that makes me scr...It's the Mark Thatcher thing that makes me scratch my head or said another way...what was he thinking!...Heres a small piece from Dallas Morning News<br /><br />Coup plotter freed in Africa<br /><br />JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Equatorial Guinea freed a British coup plotter and four South African mercenaries Tuesday after a presidential pardon for their conspiracy to overthrow the government and take over the country's oil riches.<br /><br />In a trial last year, plotter Simon Mann testified that U.S. and European governments knew of the plan in advance and that Mark Thatcher, son of former British Premier Margaret Thatcher, was chief bankroller, which Thatcher denied.Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-22581523461330480452009-11-04T13:29:53.880+02:002009-11-04T13:29:53.880+02:00I had absolutely nothing to do with it, Robby. Thi...I had absolutely nothing to do with it, Robby. This was all due to politicking behind the scenes. Whereas I am happy for them – and especially their families – they also, through bad planning, poor security and gross stupidity ruined the lives of some very good men. <br /><br />However, I note that many in the media still claim that Mann and Du Toit set up EO. Something that I find really upsetting is the shoddy journalism nowadays. Some journos are too lazy to get off their bums and do their research correctly. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-65895373284882413722009-11-04T11:32:16.739+02:002009-11-04T11:32:16.739+02:00You have anything to do with this ? :-)
Beer, bil...You have anything to do with this ? :-)<br /><br />Beer, biltong for freed Guinea plotter<br /><br />Beer, biltong and a Chevrolet. This is what convicted South African mercenary Niek du Toit is looking forward to when he returns home to South Africa this week.<br /><br />http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20091104042800520C326665Robbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11931478965831757376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-45563319318870972112009-11-04T06:01:15.224+02:002009-11-04T06:01:15.224+02:00This was both hilarious and embarrassing, Alan. Bu...This was both hilarious and embarrassing, Alan. But, I am sure the passenger will have even more stories to tell...<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-8205935922722470322009-11-04T06:00:02.682+02:002009-11-04T06:00:02.682+02:00What a brave and selfless man he was, Alan. When ...What a brave and selfless man he was, Alan. When I read the article I could not other than think that a great loss his family and friends have suffered.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.com