tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post8435875264038826640..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: CONTROLLING THE AREA OF OPERATIONSEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-46776625579783854462013-12-13T07:52:14.171+02:002013-12-13T07:52:14.171+02:00I’m very glad to found this website because; it ca...I’m very glad to found this website because; it carries awesome and actually good data in favor of readers. <br /><br />clover<br />www.n8fan.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-74755850359399886942011-08-17T05:52:25.887+02:002011-08-17T05:52:25.887+02:00Thanks John – and yes, I am not the world’s fastes...Thanks John – and yes, I am not the world’s fastest typist! <br /><br />That’s good news re the cost of the book. I was really concerned to hear it cost that much as my publisher does not tell me what the books sell for elsewhere. <br /><br />You are very welcome to post the info of the bookstore – I am sure many will appreciate that , as will I.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-19879861977033499502011-08-17T05:22:55.606+02:002011-08-17T05:22:55.606+02:00Good Evening Eeben,
It is good to have your back ...Good Evening Eeben,<br /><br />It is good to have your back commenting - though your fingers must be sore from all the new comments..<br /><br />I noted that some folks are looking for your book. I have personally held three copies in my hand that were priced at $55US here in the states. If OK by you only (don't want to act like a cheap salesman), I can drop a note here on the bookstore that has them. My personal copy was a good bit more than that and worth every cent.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-66758484259121805842011-08-16T15:39:18.323+02:002011-08-16T15:39:18.323+02:00I never knew it was that expensive, bushcraftercz....I never knew it was that expensive, bushcraftercz. <br /><br />Perhaps you should try to order directly from the publisher? See www.galago.co.za<br /><br />Thanks for your interest in the book.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-81695003254450754922011-08-04T15:20:24.931+02:002011-08-04T15:20:24.931+02:00Very interesting blog Sir... is here any chance to...Very interesting blog Sir... is here any chance to get your book (Executive Outcomes) for less than 100 USD?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-1840136919422732882011-05-16T13:22:56.637+02:002011-05-16T13:22:56.637+02:00I agree that we need to show more adaptability and...I agree that we need to show more adaptability and flexibility during operations, Mike. However, the soldier on the ground is expected to follow doctrine and here lies the problem. Despite many armies constantly “updating” their doctrine, I suspect that it is not always done with due recognition of the AO and the threat. Also, many updated doctrines do not contain much new apart from rehashing what has already been written and adding new terms to define old actions.<br /><br />Terrain dictates tactics and I feel that many commanders do not fully appreciate how terrain can alter even the best plans. Add a wily enemy to that who has no respect for life and one is bound to encounter challenges. Being adaptable and flexible will allow us to assess the situation, adapt our approaches, take the fight to the enemy and thus gain the initiative and the momentum needed. <br /><br />Yes, you are correct: wars differ in terms of dynamics, tactics and attitude and although the principles of war are dated, they remain effective and important. We need be however be able to modify them to suit our needs. <br /><br />Thanks for your continued presence on the blog. I remain grateful to you for your role in EO.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />Eeben<br /><br />PS: I am not sure how this happened as your comment was dated 2 April – it only just arrived on the blog!Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-1180640264474324792011-04-26T15:06:03.041+02:002011-04-26T15:06:03.041+02:00You are taking a bit of a chance, recruitmentagenc...You are taking a bit of a chance, recruitmentagency. This blog does not do free advertising for any ex-soldiers or recruitment agencies.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-4165298569670056092011-04-26T14:52:43.139+02:002011-04-26T14:52:43.139+02:00Al Venter has been filming/writing for years about...Al Venter has been filming/writing for years about wars and conflicts in Africa, John, and has done well for himself. The comment that he “has undertaken three military assignments with Executive Outcomes” is however a bit off mark as he reported on EO but certainly was never part of an assault team. <br /><br />He has, nevertheless, carved out quite a reputation for himself and continues to cover a lot of these happenings in especially Africa. <br /><br />30 Degrees South has a very good reputation with their authors and it does not surprise me to see them punting their publications. So good on them and good for Venter. He is fortunate to have a publisher like that. <br /><br />Neal Ellis – what a great gunship pilot. What else can I say? <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-61833382255304462832011-04-23T02:14:26.220+02:002011-04-23T02:14:26.220+02:00Good Evening Eebrn,
Sorry to go way off topic - I...Good Evening Eebrn,<br /><br />Sorry to go way off topic - I realize your aversion to the media - well justified - but here is an interesting event I received in my e-mail this morning. Would like to be a fly on the wall but no plans to be in the UK this year.<br /><br />From: Helion and Company Limited <br />Date: Friday, April 22, 2011<br />Subject: Book signing 'In conversation with Al Venter', <br /><br />In partnership with 30 Degrees South UK, you are warmly invited to this book signing event that will see Al Venter in conversation with journalist John Coster, discussing his experiences of modern African conflicts.War correspondent, documentary filmmaker, and author of more than forty books, of which War Dogs and Barrel of a Gun are bestsellers, Al served as African and Middle East correspondent for Jane's International Defence<br /> Review.He has reported on a number of Africa's bloodiest wars including the Nigerian Civil War, the Ugandan conflict, Rhodesia, the Sudan, Angola, the South African Border War, the Congo as well as Portuguese Guinea and Sierra Leone. In addition he has undertaken three military<br />assignments with Executive Outcomes and a Joint-STAR mission with the United States Air Force over Kosovo.<br /><br />This is a rare and unprecedented opportunity to hear Al speak; expect a searching and revealing evening that will cover blood diamonds, al-Qaeda and the Islamic quest for nuclear weapons. Al will also be talking about his pending new work Neal Ellis - Helicopter Pilot: Mercenary shortly to be published by Casemate.The Frontline Club<br />13 Norfolk Place<br />London<br />W2 1QJBooking Essential - RSVP:steve@30degreessouth.co.<br /><br />I'll get back to more serious thoughts over the weekend.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-11651487855497915752011-04-21T19:31:10.359+02:002011-04-21T19:31:10.359+02:00Thanks for your visit to the blog, Simon.
Howeve...Thanks for your visit to the blog, Simon. <br /><br />However, given the subjectivity of the media, I no longer enter into any dialogue with the media. Although I can understand that you are trying to do your job, I have too often found myself purposely misquoted – or even attributed words I never uttered - by your fellow colleagues. <br /><br />My book covers a significant portion on Sierra Leone and you may wish to visit the relevant chapters. What I wrote there has been undisputed, albeit grudgingly, by the media. The reality is that I can prove what I wrote. <br /><br />So I would ask that before you write anything on EO, you first make sure your facts are correct. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-81067329673065736352011-04-21T16:52:24.953+02:002011-04-21T16:52:24.953+02:00Dear Colonel Barlow,
I am contacting you through...Dear Colonel Barlow, <br /><br />I am contacting you through this post as I cannot find an email address on your site. <br /><br />My name is Simon Akam, and I am a British journalist based in Sierra Leone, where I work as a correspondent for Reuters. I also contribute to publications including the New York Times, the Economist and the Guardian. <br /><br />I am currently working on a substantial profile of Sierra Leone's former ruler Valentine Strasser for the British magazine the New Statesman. I understand that you are the right person to talk to regarding the involvement of Executive Outcomes in the country, and was wondering if it would be possible to speak to you on the telephone?<br /><br />My email address is simon.akam@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. <br /><br />Kind regards,<br /><br />SimonUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15865842605398772414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-86024103740863896152011-04-21T09:33:57.430+02:002011-04-21T09:33:57.430+02:00Libya and Ivory Coast are proving just how dangero...Libya and Ivory Coast are proving just how dangerous and unpredictable the AO can become John. It will be a matter of time before the rebels – or in case of Ivory Coast – turn on one another and then I would like to see how the UN mediates that. Barbaric attacks on civilians will probably increase and internally displaced people will have nowhere to turn to. <br /><br />Information flow in both countries is key but as long as it is subjective information reporting taking place, everyone will be kept in the dark. I still however believe that these conflicts will be exploited by forces bent on destruction of any form of governance. <br /><br />Both countries will find that it will take a long time for any semblance of peace to establish itself and perhaps those who view these approaches to regime-change as good, will need to rethink how to go about it. I suspect that criminal forces in both countries are having a field day - and when confronted with their actions – will say they are doing it for “democracy”. <br /><br />But, both countries have resources and somehow I think the first real shots in the resources wars have now been fired.<br /><br />Thanks for the link. Very interesting indeed but not surprising.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-92005691559419092902011-04-21T04:30:52.259+02:002011-04-21T04:30:52.259+02:00Good Evening Eeben,
Thank you for the good remind...Good Evening Eeben,<br /><br />Thank you for the good reminder on proper training with sleeping weapons. As they become more destructive and readily available to those without the proper basics it looks like the AO will be very deadly in most modern conflicts for decades to come. <br /><br />The points on information flow here are also key. When the US decided to go after Libya the public claim was "days not weeks" - now it has been weeks, we are fighting an unconstitutional war and the information battlefield here is very quiet - almost like the media is denying anything is happening.<br /><br />It is looking like it will be a nasty event there after all:<br /><br />http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/mounting-evidence-of-rebel-atrocities-in-libya/<br /><br />I still can not figure out what our foreign policy is - there is no open info here on the AO in any of its various forms.<br /><br />Regards,<br />John<br /><br />P.S. Been reading with interest the events in the Ivory Coast.. - unsure if this may be a very bad precedent.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-34443765939827370512011-04-19T10:34:46.247+02:002011-04-19T10:34:46.247+02:00Thanks for the link Matt.
This is a good example...Thanks for the link Matt. <br /><br />This is a good example of controlling the AO albeit at a relatively small scale. But, as Herbert also pointed out, control over the informational environment is important and here we witness both sides in a battle vying for this control. Ultimately, one side will win this battle. <br /><br />However, a small pocket of resistance cannot hold position for too long nor become the deciding factor of the current conflict. Control over that position can be negated relatively easily. When that happens, the information environment will change drastically.<br /><br />I suspect that this current exercise in effecting regime change is going to provide more questions than answers.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-57166356704865042192011-04-19T10:08:43.747+02:002011-04-19T10:08:43.747+02:00A very loaded question indeed, Julian.
I refrain ...A very loaded question indeed, Julian.<br /><br />I refrain from discussing politics on my blog as there are very good blogs on politics – and politics falls outside of my domain. <br /><br />What I do know is that there are some that are purposely fuelling racial tension with the hopes of exploiting it to the hilt. This does not bode well for anyone.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-43936944996571797282011-04-18T08:55:44.772+02:002011-04-18T08:55:44.772+02:00Wow, very cool Eeben. The current conflict in Liby...Wow, very cool Eeben. The current conflict in Libya is a prime example of the rules of controlling the Area of Operations. Both sides are fighting for territory, and it is very interesting to see what works and what does not. CJ Chivers has some great reportage on it.<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/world/africa/17misurata.html?partner=rss&emc=rssmatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-34156319047522351512011-04-16T18:59:22.413+02:002011-04-16T18:59:22.413+02:00Mines, IEDs etc are used with control, John and as...Mines, IEDs etc are used with control, John and as such ought to be mapped in terms of position so that they can be rendered safe at the end of hostilities. At least, that is what I was taught. They should never be left in situ due to the casualties they can create amongst the local population. However, the tendency nowadays seems to be to “lay and forget” – especially as far as the opposing forces are concerned. <br /><br />Propaganda with a measure of truth, when used against own forces can cause enormous damage on our ability to influence in a positive manner. Herbert added a good comment on that ability in terms of the informational environment. <br /><br />My slowness in responding has been due to a few factors but I cannot lay the blame purely on work-related matters. Burning the candle at both ends has its disadvantages.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-26006842530509790762011-04-16T18:51:17.808+02:002011-04-16T18:51:17.808+02:00Strategy is the foundation of the game plan and it...Strategy is the foundation of the game plan and it is implemented with sound tactics, refelxivefire. When we substitute both strategy and tactics with technology, I cannot see us achieving the outcome we were hoping for. <br /><br />Technology ought to compliment our tactics as a force multiplier but not over-ride it. It concerns me as we are creating false expectations and this in itself will eventually impact negatively on our national will as technology itself cannot win wars. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-70252697445432590222011-04-16T16:54:19.674+02:002011-04-16T16:54:19.674+02:00I am pleased to hear things are well at your end, ...I am pleased to hear things are well at your end, Private.<br /><br />Ivory Coast has certainly come into the media in a big way but I am sure the end is nowhere near. Only time will tell if it was the correct decision taken by the UN.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-89345835919630642232011-04-16T16:50:42.879+02:002011-04-16T16:50:42.879+02:00Showing force or at the very least some form of pr...Showing force or at the very least some form of presence is very important, Elliot. <br /><br />The locals are always the victims during these types of operations and they will, through necessity, side with the force that maintains its profile and presence in their area. One cannot blame them as all they want is to be left alone and not further victimised. <br /><br />In theory, it may seem contradictory but in practise, own forces elements maintain an offensive posture even if only through listening posts, reconnaissance patrols and ambushes. These types of operations remain unseen by the local population (if they are carried out correctly) whilst other elements of own forces show their presence by means of medical teams, construction teams, visiting village elders, etc – of course, always with protection. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-8034969500334105552011-04-16T14:27:33.167+02:002011-04-16T14:27:33.167+02:00Thanks for the link, Wynne.
It is certainly bein...Thanks for the link, Wynne. <br /><br />It is certainly being hotly debated there but one must remember that it was not the foreign soldiers who decided to intervene but their governments. The troops are merely doing what they were ordered 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-6413071175278839252011-04-16T13:56:33.079+02:002011-04-16T13:56:33.079+02:00Many thanks for your addition to the posting, Herb...Many thanks for your addition to the posting, Herbert. <br /><br />You are absolutely correct in that the information environment needs to be tightly controlled and any enemy propaganda immediately countered. It is after all, this element that changes perceptions whether they are right or wrong. So, whoever controls that environment has the greatest chance to influence the locals. <br /><br />As you mention, being reactive serves no purpose and indeed may serve to actually strengthen the enemy’s propaganda. Remaining behind the cycle is a dangerous place to be.<br /><br />Yes, I have been there...and then even the truth serves no purpose. <br /><br />Thanks again for an important addition.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-27994089536592119092011-04-16T13:42:43.733+02:002011-04-16T13:42:43.733+02:00Thanks for the kind comment as well as for buying ...Thanks for the kind comment as well as for buying and reading the book, Paul.<br /><br />I think what we see happening – and what has happened - in Ivory Coast will still come back to haunt many. There have been many conflicting stories about the situation there and I am not so sure that objective reporting is or has taken place. I know from people I have spoken to, and granted that they will be subjective, the Ivory Coast will not become the peaceful democracy as some claim it will be. I hope I am wrong but there is still a long difficult path that needs to be walked there.<br /><br />Africa’s resources remain its curse. However, when a country with no resources spins out of control, empty words are uttered and no action is taken. The horror stories about Africa are many but few get any media coverage. The AU, regardless of its noble intentions, in not able to resolve these problems and will continue to pay lip service to conflicts and wars as it lacks the financial resources as well as the armed force to effectively intervene anywhere. <br /><br />As for the UN, my thoughts on its performance in Africa are well known. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-391130948591468352011-04-15T00:41:05.120+02:002011-04-15T00:41:05.120+02:00Slightly off-topic, but from one South African to ...Slightly off-topic, but from one South African to another - What's your take on recent developments in South Africa over the past year or so with regards to the racial tension etc.? I know this is a loaded question, but it's something I thought I would ask nonetheless :)<br /><br />Kind Regards,<br />JulianJulian Loxleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18037699607237965262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-90783371785404704342011-04-11T13:54:49.958+02:002011-04-11T13:54:49.958+02:00Very exciting
http://militarypictures.blogspot.com...Very exciting<br />http://militarypictures.blogspot.com/Wynne Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02643197604858722240noreply@blogger.com