US Embassy Kabul Static Gig...

[rgrdrew]

For those interested, we received a briefing today about the changeover from the current arrangement with Global Strategies to the new security company taking over this gig. The briefers were from PAE/Louis Berger and answered a few of the pertinent questions asked ie., pay, leave rotations, future advancement opportunities, operability between Global and PAE for advancement, and the bottom line of whether PAE was going to get the contract.

They are claiming a "waiver" for non-US, non-cleared expats to hold their current positions, which are contractually required to be cleared US personnel. Possible? Maybe, but after reading the EODT posts I wonder if that's an acuality. Pay is stated to be same or more for most ex-pats, with paid leave, which is good.

We were told there are 5 companies in the final process (including PAE, whom are claiming to have an advantage), and the 5 year contract award should be announced in the next 2 weeks. Allow another 2 weeks for Q/A, contract refinement, etc. and we should be seeing printed contracts by the end of October.

I'm just posting this because I know there were several guys looking at this project and wanting to know where it stood. I will continue to update as the information becomes available. It's not a bad gig, but after a almost a year, I'm moving on to other things. I will, however, keep in touch with guys staying on and try to let everyone else interested know where it is going.

Admins/Mods, if this is out of line I apologize and your guidance will be followed in future posts, if allowed.

Drew

[GreenMeany 5]

Interesting, Thanks for the info.

[Oldtexan]

I am waiting on this one also. Hope the right company wins.

[rgrdrew]

All,
What I posted earlier is all I know. It's still looking like the 2nd week of October to announce the bid winning company. As soon as I get the info, I'll pass it on. I don't have a specific POC, so you're best bet is to get your stuff into Louis Berger. Any questions about pay, leave rotations, etc. probably won't be out until near the end of October. And remember, it's still not guaranteed LB will win it. Don't bet everything on this one gig/company.

[rgrdrew]

Okay,
I just talked to a friend still there with Global. They were supposed to be told on the 14th, but now are being told it might be towards the end of the month. Welcome to the contract game. As soon as I hear anything, I'll let everyone know.

Andrew

[KS11]

We were told there are 5 companies in the final process (including PAE, whom are claiming to have an advantage)

Don't they all?;)

[JCastro]

Yes they do. But all they can do is wait for the straw to be drawn.

[rgrdrew]

Latest word now is end of November for announcement. Sorry guys, will keep you posted.

[JP_Cool]

Hear a rumor that the award date is mid Nov

Mod Edit

[JCastro]

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors...you have to love those!

[Silverbullet]

I don't want to see any dates posted based on rumors. That kind of thing is for other sites not this one.

If you are in a position to know, giving an estimated time is GTG.

[bryanm]

Hi all
any news on this yet?

B

[SOTB]

Hi all
any news on this yet?

BBryan,

I just got into town today (be here for a month or so). I'll look up rgrdrew as well as some others as I am also curious as to whats up....

[bryanm]

roger that SOTB will be back in Kabul in about 4 days am elsewhere in country now on mission, pm a cell number and will give a call when back in Kabul
B

[JCastro]

Personally, I was holding out for Walmart Security. I know its a long shot but...a guy can dream can't he? :D :D

[Tomusik]

What happend?

[KevinB]

There are a few guys on that contract on this board.
One said Global is sitting on a further bridging contract.

[rgrdrew]

Yup, I'm hearing now the guys on the ground have been told they're good through May 2007. Go figure.

[KevinB]

GroundHog day... ;)

[nofear]

Yup, I'm hearing now the guys on the ground have been told they're good through May 2007. Go figure.

Ah well, at least it's good news for those guys.

[PanaVet]

Any official news yet?

A friend in Kabul told me that it wasn't Global.

[SOTB]

Looks like AG got it....

Article (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/04/03/cnarmor03.xml)

[RAT]

AG is looking for vetted people as well.

RAT OUT!!!

[OZEbullfighter]

is that aegis??

[Massgrunt]

Armor Group.

[Swede-054]

US Embassy calls in ArmorGroup
David Robertson

ArmorGroup, the British private security company, has won a $189 million (£96 million) contract to protect the United States Embassy in Kabul.
The contract is one of the largest awarded to a private security company and confirms Armor as a leader in diplomat protection.
The company already guards the British Embassy and Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff in Afghanistan.
It has other contracts with the American and British governments for embassy protection in Namibia, Jordan, Rwanda, Uganda and Ecuador.
Armor, chaired by Sir Malcolm Rifkind, said that it would use former Gurkha soldiers and other ex-servicemen to guard the US Embassy in Kabul. It said the former soldiers have the operational experience and high standard of training needed to provide guard services in warzones.

[tboy]

Armor, chaired by Sir Malcolm Rifkind, said that it would use former Gurkha soldiers and other ex-servicemen to guard the US Embassy in Kabul. It said the former soldiers have the operational experience and high standard of training needed to provide guard services in warzones.

I wonder if it is going to be a pre-requisite that all the ex pat guards complete Armor CP course??

[johnjones]

Yes AG has got it, and no, no Phoenyix CP course, apparently an 11 week course in the States. A very good buddy of mine on that contract has confirmed the details.
US 93K flat rate with 9 / 3 leave. They are looking at taking over the contract in June. Where are they going to get the manning with US vetting and clearances, when after tax, a bud of mine has said that he would be lucky to clear US 70 K after taxes etc. Who wants to travel for that ?
Good luck to you.
AG = bottom line first, not the men on the ground IMHO. :o

[SOTB]

AG = bottom line first, not the men on the ground IMHO....Sigh.


No one will have a gun placed against their head to take the job.
I have little doubt that your numbers are wrong. You are too general and grouping too many complex positions into one lump category. Its not your fault -- you simply have no knowledge, experience, or ability to comment credibly on the subject -- which leads one to wonder why you tried to.
Once again, the big, bad, evil company is to blame -- before they even begin, this time.
If AG bid this too low, then DOS will pay the price for not doing a better job selecting the contractor. I'll stand to the side, and await their mobilization before making judgements.

[Silverbullet]

Yes AG has got it, and no, no Phoenyix CP course, apparently an 11 week course in the States. A very good buddy of mine on that contract has confirmed the details.
US 93K flat rate with 9 / 3 leave. They are looking at taking over the contract in June. Where are they going to get the manning with US vetting and clearances, when after tax, a bud of mine has said that he would be lucky to clear US 70 K after taxes etc. Who wants to travel for that ?
Good luck to you.
AG = bottom line first, not the men on the ground IMHO.

I see since I didn't post the info you sent me via PM you felt you should.

I won't tear your math apart too much but "your after tax" comment makes no sense since you have no idea what a dude will be able to claim as deductions to mitigate the self employed tax. That's even if you're correct on the figures that a "good buddy" confirmed and I'm not convinced you are correct on them either.

BTW, if any company is running an 11 week crse for their IC's I'd take my hat off to them. Since I find that highly improbable I'll wait for some feed back from the guys who actually take the job vice someone who is only listening to their "good buddy"

[Swede-054]

Hey, I got some more news...


Gentlemen,

We have immediate openings in training for deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Kabul Embassy contract. Please review the attachment and advise if you are qualified and interested. You MUST be sniper trained and experienced. And you MUST be a US citizen!!!

We must have responses back immediately if you would like to be considered for this project.

If you are interested please advise via return email.

I you know of persons who may be interested and qualified, please forward this message.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Please excuse if this is a duplicate email.

Julie Swaggerty
Director, Human Resources
ArmorGroup North America
1420 Spring Hill Rd. Ste 300
McLean, VA. 22102
JSwaggerty@armorgroupamerica.com

[Tam]

AG = bottom line first, not the men on the ground IMHO. :o

Well, that's what the security business is all about, or any other business for that matter. If company doesn't care about "bottom line", it's going to be a very short-lived business venture. Anyway, you are drawing quite large conclusions about AG for a guy that hasn't worked for them.

About salaries in general; lot's of expats (European etc.) get their pay TAXFREE if their work lasts longer than 6 months abroad...so this is one of the reasons why, let's say 100K, is a lot of money for us. But when clearances are required we are naturally out of the picture. But I assume that there are lot of ex-mil in US ready to perform fairly simple guard duties for pay you mentioned. I might be wrong, not so familiar with US salary levels.

Afghanistan is not Iraq. Static is not PSD. TL is not security guard. Salaries vary...and after all everyone has to decide how much they want to get paid for a certain job. If not enough, don't take the job. It's that simple.

Tam

[Silverbullet]

johnjones has been extracted by the socnet helo.

He thought he was clever by registering under 2 user names but used the same email and posted from the same IP address.

Perfectly fitting for a someone who didn't know what he was talking about to start with.

[JCastro]

I thought I heard a helo come in...:D
What an idiot!

[ct_ctu]

Sorry,

Unless the candidate is a current incumbent we are tasked with US only.

Reply from AG regarding the question of job opportunities for non-US Citizens on this gig.

[Argyll 50]

Phoenix have suspended their training anyway.....I was of the understanding it was AG US that are the Prime and not AG UK?....It's a DoS gig, it wouldn't make sense to award it to a Brit Company....would it?

[RAT]

Sorry,

Unless the candidate is a current incumbent we are tasked with US only.

Reply from AG regarding the question of job opportunities for non-US Citizens on this gig.

Again... This is not all together correct.

If you have dual citizenship and can hold a clearance then you will be looked at.

If you do not know what the contract is going to be in detail PLEASE refrain from posting bad information.

There will be a course that you have to pass. It will be run at the Texas facility. (I will not go into that anymore than I have to.)

Right now AGNA (ArmorGroup North America) is looking for Snipers or DM's right now. The course will start next week. Please don't waste AGNA's time sending a CV that will not pass muster. I promise if you slide through the CV with false creds, you will not pass the shooting part if you have not shot long distance before. This course is not for the 1st timer or poser who wants to just get on or get their feet wet in the Contract biz.

I am not saying you should not apply if this is your 1st time to contract and if you can pass muster. What I am saying is that one will be put through the paces and it will go fast and the shooting will be tough, from what I am being told. So be prepared.

RAT OUT!!!

[ct_ctu]

The reply I posted is from : XXXXXXX Director, Human Resources
ArmorGroup North America
1420 Spring Hill Rd. Ste 300
McLean, VA. 22102

Good or bad info, I don't know. I posted nothing more, nothing less than their reply.

[RAT]

The reply I posted is from : XXXXXXX Director, Human Resources
ArmorGroup North America
1420 Spring Hill Rd. Ste 300
McLean, VA. 22102

Good or bad info, I don't know. I posted nothing more, nothing less than their reply.

Like I said you are not all together wrong. If you hold a dual citizenship you will be looked at. If you are a citizenship from another country and can not pass the back ground of the USSD then you will not be concidered.

Good luck everyone.

RAT OUT!!!

[Silverbullet]

The reply I posted is from : XXXXXXX Director, Human Resources
ArmorGroup North America
1420 Spring Hill Rd. Ste 300
McLean, VA. 22102

Good or bad info, I don't know. I posted nothing more, nothing less than their reply.

Their reply doesn't fully support what your stating it says. Rat knows what he is saying.

Why don't you put it in full context and show us the portion of the email that contains what you wrote to them that resulted in the response? Otherwise drop it. We have people working for the company and posting bits of email that have no context is not forwarding the discussion.

My patience with this type of stuff is wearing thin.

[hardknocks]

Hey, if you fellas don't like the pay or contract, let me know. I am sure I can step in give the company more than they need.

[rgrdrew]

I spoke with a buddy of mine (medic on my ERT) when I was there. He seems to be satisfied with what he's being offered. The bottom salary is $93K a year, with higher salaries for additional skills/responsibility. Supervisors are in the $115K neighborhood. 9 weeks on, 3 weeks off (paid), life insurance. Not bad money at all for the type of work being done. It's far better than what was being talked about when I started this thread. My buddy is staying on, but told me many of the Americans are saying they will bail because they will be 1099/reported to IRS, etc. May be nothing more than bluster, but it's still not bad money. They are being interviewed as I type this, and expect to transition in June. Good luck to those applying!

Drew

[ct_ctu]

SB,

The inquiry in full:

Any opportunities for non-US Citizens with 10 yrs of experience running
a 10 man ex-British Military Gurkha Security Team?
Please advice.

Best regards,

XXXXXXXXX

[Silverbullet]

My buddy is staying on, but told me many of the Americans are saying they will bail because they will be 1099/reported to IRS, etc.

This is the part that confuses me. Do people really expect to have a US company not do this?

This is a legal requirement and to expect them to do otherwise is being not realistic. Global was not a US company and could pay off shore. They can't expect a US company to do the same.

I hope the dudes that bail have a job lined up.

[SOTB]

Global was not a US company and could pay off shore. They can't expect a US company to do the same....I was talking to some guys yesterday that were bemoaning the fact that AG got the contract -- what with being a Brit company, and all. Even after talking with them for probably 5 min, they still could not understand that AG N. America was a US company. No amount of examples such as GE, GM, Microsoft, etc. could get through to them -- wow....

[10thvet]

Working for $93,000(for roughly 9 months work) as a static guard still beats $20 an hour as an AC tech in Florida at summer time..
I hope some ppl are still " in touch with reality" when the train I am on comes into the station and I am looking for a job because I have no ego or illusions of what my skill set(which is not a lot compared to some) is worth...

[PSYWAR 1-0]

Im going to go out on a limb here, but Im guessing that during the 3 weeks off you cant just take up residence in Kabul. In fact there might be a policy letter signed by the DCM saying that you have to leave country. Not being a tax lawyer or even staying in a Holiday Inn express last night, but that might impact your tax status and allow you to spend more than 30 days in the states and remain tax free for the first 82 grand that you make.

[glassiam]

Im going to go out on a limb here, but Im guessing that during the 3 weeks off you cant just take up residence in Kabul. In fact there might be a policy letter signed by the DCM saying that you have to leave country. Not being a tax lawyer or even staying in a Holiday Inn express last night, but that might impact your tax status and allow you to spend more than 30 days in the states and remain tax free for the first 82 grand that you make.

Pretty simple fix....you don't have to go to the States every time your leave comes up. Stating the obvious.

[GracieLou]

I was talking to some guys yesterday that were bemoaning the fact that AG got the contract -- what with being a Brit company, and all. Even after talking with them for probably 5 min, they still could not understand that AG N. America was a US company. No amount of examples such as GE, GM, Microsoft, etc. could get through to them -- wow....

Wow...

Even though I worked for a US company, I was paid by a foreign subsidiary. They made sure to send a statement of payments for the calender year AND a W2 soon followed from the US company.

I really do hope those guys think their decision through...

[nofear]

Have been to the Embassy a few times in the last couple of weeks, and have a mate working there for them. After speaking with him and a few others there that seem switched on, (plus some that left and now work with us), I have the following impressions:

- Only do it if you are desperate for work;
- The organisational skills of the people in charge of this contract seem lacking. (I'm being nice with that statement)
- The gig itself is a little "dull".
- Some good guys there, with some decent "off time".

Would I do it? ..................Yes.

I have heard, though I will not say where from, that the company itself has been fined more than once since picking up this contract for being less than truthful in some of its contractual obligations. Some of those obligations include what the guys on the ground are getting paid. The reason I won't say where I heard this is I don't want the source getting sacked / disciplined.

[hardknocks]

From what I see in my daily life, they look like they are outfitted pretty good, the personnel I have been in contact with act professional and earnest in doing their job.

nofear- the middle part of your reply would fit your current job also-correct?

If you need work you don't have much to lose by accepting an offer from them.

[brianc142]

Ok since there is a thread about this gig, theres no need for me to start a new one.

is anyone here on this gig or know about this? I need some info on just general stuff like living conditions, condition, gear, etc.. you know, all that good stuff.
I'd also like to know more about this job. PM if you have any insight; it would be very much appreciated.

[B 2/75]

Just for any interested parties situational awareness: Current weather: clear & moderately dusty. Visibility 3 - 5 miles. Low: 34 High 70.

We're having a bit of a warm snap, but it shan't last long...

[Old_Starlight]

Just for any interested parties situational awareness: Current weather: clear & moderately dusty. Visibility 3 - 5 miles. Low: 34 High 70.

We're having a bit of a warm snap, but it shan't last long...

"moderately" dusty? Doesn't describe Kabul! ;) :p :D

Ohh God, I have to be back there in a few days....I just depressed myself:rolleyes:

AJ

[nofear]

nofear- the middle part of your reply would fit your current job also-correct?

Actually, I think I would be more critical of my current gig, but that's probably more a difference in perceptions. I'm in the middle of it (literally) looking out.

The grass is always greener on the other side. :D

[brianc142]

I will be in the Feb 01 class for this contract. Anyone else gonna be there?

[RGR_Dan]

Although its a bit late in the thread I'd like to share an observation.

There are a shit load of highly qualified people that would love to have that job.
I find that the people that debate pay and other issues about a company are the ones that start all the gossip and BS once onsite. You knew what the pay was when you signed, no sense bitching. You are not doing the company a favor by just being there and taking their money. As for the "experienced" guys, on any given day I hear folks talk about having an offer here and there but nobody ever mans up and leaves. Reminds me of a bunch of kids at the edge of the pool waiting for someone else to jump in first.
70k a year take home isn't bad money. People quickly forget sitting at home "waiting for the call".

BUT to put it all in perspective......There are very few jobs in the US that will pay people with our skill sets 93k a year.

Then again, my opinion and 25cents will get ya a pack of gum :rolleyes:

[brianc142]

Good points, makes alot of sense to me.

[brcannon]

I'm currently on this contract and to me its pretty goddamn good. I get 10 grand a month to be on the ERT for the embassy. Sure things could be better but to me this is more than enough to pay off some bills.

[craftsman]

To all - just an FYI before working with Armor Group in Kabul...just in case you haven't kept up with the news.
P.S. I did a search and couldn't find any of the same info ever being posted, so if this is a rehash....sorry.
Craftsman

http://www.whistleblower.org/content/press_detail.cfm?press_id=1360



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/03/21/cnarmor121.xml

[RAT]

I was talking to some guys yesterday that were bemoaning the fact that AG got the contract -- what with being a Brit company, and all. Even after talking with them for probably 5 min, they still could not understand that AG N. America was a US company. No amount of examples such as GE, GM, Microsoft, etc. could get through to them -- wow....

Dude I tried to hook you up with people there.. LOL They could not even return a simple phone call think they are going to hire people who are going to understand how this is all run. :rolleyes:

You do not have to be a USA company to get the award. Just like P&O for the ports.. Just have to have a US org... I know I am singing to the chior...

Just saying...

RO!!!

[Silverbullet]

To all - just an FYI before working with Armor Group in Kabul...just in case you haven't kept up with the news.
P.S. I did a search and couldn't find any of the same info ever being posted, so if this is a rehash....sorry.
Craftsman

http://www.whistleblower.org/content/press_detail.cfm?press_id=1360



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/03/21/cnarmor121.xml

I'd be very cautious of trusting what either of the 2 "whistleblowers" have to say. Contrary to their claims neither of them appears to have the wonderful backgrounds listed.

[Jong]

Dude I tried to hook you up with people there.. LOL They could not even return a simple phone call think they are going to hire people who are going to understand how this is all run. :rolleyes:

You do not have to be a USA company to get the award. Just like P&O for the ports.. Just have to have a US org... I know I am singing to the chior...

Just saying...

RO!!!

Hey man are you that desperate for a conversation that you have to restart one that is a few months old?:D

[craftsman]

Silver,
While I definitely agree with you on places like the "whistleblower", I don't think you can dispute the fact that these were not one but TWO PROJECT MANAGERS. In my mind that would take out the "sour grapes" factor for the most part that could be played if they were detail members. These guys resumes were not posted, but they were former Marines. Where does their credibility suffer here because they didn't list Recon / Sniper / SF / Ranger / SEAL / CAG as part of their background? They identified some key points and specific items that were lacking. After having seen this stuff from the inside for almost 5 years now I can see all of this being true. Consider this...if only HALF of what they claimed was true wouldn't it still be as wrong as two boys kissing?
IMHO, allowing a foreign BASED company (ally or not) to bid on a WPPS project is a bad deal. We all know that the actual guard slots are staffed with TCN / HCN but the Expats should all be US Citizens.
Do you see any US guys at the British High Commission or Consulates around the world?
*stepping off my soapbox now*
Craftsman

[SOTB]

These guys resumes were not posted, but they were former Marines. Where does their credibility suffer here because they didn't list Recon / Sniper / SF / Ranger / SEAL / CAG as part of their background?Having the title "Marine" on one's resume makes them no more qualified than a CAG/Recon/SEAL/SF/etc. person. Personally, I would be more interested in hiring someone with verifiable commercial security management experience -- preferably in an embassy environment -- and of course, a background in austere locations as well. You are wrong about the comment about "sniper" as there are a couple of positions on that project where DM-type experience is required, and if the manager also brings that experience -- it helps him to relate to the supervision/application of those doing the DM job.

Lastly, I don't think that anyone on this board -- with any credible experience -- believes that you require a SOF background to run static security (or PSD, or convoy protection). You jumped the gun on that perception.IMHO, allowing a foreign BASED company (ally or not) to bid on a WPPS project is a bad deal. We all know that the actual guard slots are staffed with TCN / HCN but the Expats should all be US Citizens.Why would a US firm be any better skilled or organized than a "foreign" firm? At least in the context that you are stating it? Do you have any experience with the static protection of embassies (US) around the globe? Do you want to relate to me the makeup of the companies that protect those embassies? Do you have the ability to show where a US citizen would do the job better than a "foreigner"?Do you see any US guys at the British High Commission or Consulates around the world?OK, NOW you bring forth a decent argument. If the question you propose is should a foreign firm receive the same value of proposal evaluation as a US firm, cool. But then I think you would also know that there is a 10-point advantage given to US firms (or those with a US JV set-up) during proposal evaluations, right? Or you would know that AG of N. America is a US company, right?

I do agree with you that I do not see many US companies protecting British consulates -- and that is something that I would argue could/should be addressed -- but the way you present your points shows that you have not done your homework -- neither of the overall situation or of this board....

[Massgrunt]

I've seen as many scumbag active and former Marines as any other branch of service. Just sayin'.

[Silverbullet]

I know what their resumes and backgrounds are already. I knew before this was posted, here, today.

I'm not defending the company or stating these guys are lying. They may be exactly right. In my opinion what they have to say may need to be taken with a grain of salt. Marines or not, I think some credibility issues could be gained if questions were directed at the 9999 regarding his actual experience in certain units. If one issue is inflated then it stands to reason others may be as well.

It's well known that AG had more than a few problems in Kabul. Many of them came to light before these 2 filed anything. I think the blackball issue is a joke. I find that almost impossible to happen considering all the criminals, phoney's and downright liars who constantly get hired even though companies get directly notified about them.

Company's are in this to make money. Company A doesn't care what company B has to say about someone if they think he can help them make money.

Edited to add. I know Craftsman. While he and I may have difference of opinion on this issue, he's GTG.

[craftsman]

Having the title "Marine" on one's resume makes them no more qualified than a CAG/Recon/SEAL/SF/etc. person. Personally, I would be more interested in hiring someone with verifiable commercial security management experience -- preferably in an embassy environment -- and of course, a background in austere locations as well. You are wrong about the comment about "sniper" as there are a couple of positions on that project where DM-type experience is required, and if the manager also brings that experience -- it helps him to relate to the supervision/application of those doing the DM job.

Lastly, I don't think that anyone on this board -- with any credible experience -- believes that you require a SOF background to run static security (or PSD, or convoy protection). You jumped the gun on that perception.

My reason for making the comparison between SOF operators and normal Marine was to illustrate to Silver what I believed was in the spirit of his statement concerning their background. I believed he was implying that these men didn't have the background necessary to be there by virtue of the article not having any "wonderful backgrond" listed. Instead the article just said "Marine". It now appears he was alluding to something that he might know about these men firsthand. I am with you in that I'll agree that SOF operators from all walks aren't always the best choices for this type of duty.
I'm not a newbie and know firsthand there are turds in every punchbowl. As for your comment on me being wrong on listing Sniper as one of the "Special" types for your reasons.....I AM a former Marine Sniper and I was propositioned by AG on no less than two occaisions to go there and fill one of the DM slots they had. I passed on it...nuff said. I know very well the feeling of being misunderstood and employed improperly by those who THINK they know my business.


Why would a US firm be any better skilled or organized than a "foreign" firm? At least in the context that you are stating it? Do you have any experience with the static protection of embassies (US) around the globe? Do you want to relate to me the makeup of the companies that protect those embassies? Do you have the ability to show where a US citizen would do the job better than a "foreigner"?
First off, show me where I claimed a US firm would be either

Better Skilled
Beter Organized

than a comparable foreign firm.
I also said it was IMHO. Everybody is entitled to their opinions and just because you don't like it, don't try to somehow put my credibility into question. Just for your info I DO have experience with the static protection of an Embassy...how many do you really need for the whole "Round the Globe" endorsement? Once again, I am well aware that the State Department uses other than American firms for the protection of the Consulates / Embassies but does that make it right? It's not about "Better" because that term is all relative and drips in ambiguity. To beat a dead horse some more...it's MY opinion that it is WRONG. Just live with it.


OK, NOW you bring forth a decent argument. If the question you propose is should a foreign firm receive the same value of proposal evaluation as a US firm, cool. But then I think you would also know that there is a 10-point advantage given to US firms (or those with a US JV set-up) during proposal evaluations, right? Or you would know that AG of N. America is a US company, right?
AG of N America is no more a US company than the company I work for(Nameless US company) in Nigeria is a Nigerian company. JV's are just to get your foot in the door for getting the greenbacks....PERIOD.


I do agree with you that I do not see many US companies protecting British consulates -- and that is something that I would argue could/should be addressed -- but the way you present your points shows that you have not done your homework -- neither of the overall situation or of this board....
Thanks for the left handed compliment. Once again...YOU are wrong and I fail to see how your jumping in here and trying to flex on somebody you don't know, and whose cred's you have no clue about is condusive to "the overall situation of this board" or trying to propigate an apthmosphere of brotherhood.
I posted these articles to forewarn prospectivce job seekers about a potentially volatile situation and give them information. You just swoop in and start the headbangers ball on my ass.
Nice job...next time YOU do your homework. I suggest you start by finding out a little more about me before you feel so inclined as to insult my intelligence or experience.

Craftsman

[craftsman]

Edited to add. I know Craftsman. While he and I may have difference of opinion on this issue, he's GTG.

This is the type of exchange that I can really appreciate. Regardless of opinion.
Thanks Silver.

Craftsman

[SOTB]

Thanks for the left handed compliment. Once again...YOU are wrong and I fail to see how your jumping in here and trying to flex on somebody you don't know, and whose cred's you have no clue about is condusive to "the overall situation of this board" or trying to propigate an apthmosphere of brotherhood....Look stud, it wasn't a "left-handed" compliment. I simply felt that in THAT instance, you made a great case. The rest of your comments were open for question -- and I offered you questioning of your rationale. Your response, not at all unexpected, is to take the emotional route and cry foul that someone is questioning your manhood (creds) -- which is not the case at all.

I am not interested in "finding out more about you" before I call something you wrote wrong. Hell, you could be the WPPS PM of the "nameless" company you work for, and if you had written that naive silliness you wrote in your first post (and your next), I would still call you out on it.

You can take this post as some sort of desire to beat a chest or attack you -- but I can only tell you it is not. You write as someone who wants to assist others in regards to working in this industry -- well, I am suggesting that you pull back and gain a little experience about this industry before you throw around hard and fast comments.

This last sentence is not an implication that you are an idiot (I throw that word out there just to make sure you understand I am not using it), but that you write as if you are ignorant or inexperienced of the subject. You can certainly still write those same comments here if you wish, you just run the risk of not having any credibility and someone calling you on them.

If you choose to stay pissed because of this exchange -- well, to use your words -- "just live with it"....

[RAT]

Hey man are you that desperate for a conversation that you have to restart one that is a few months old?:D

Are you still local???? Or you way the hell up North???

RO!!!

[Jong]

Are you still local???? Or you way the hell up North???

RO!!!

40 days and a wakeup. Are you still around? It would be fun to talk with someone as fucked up as I am.

It is Friday tomorrow. If you are still here in the VBC come around for steak dinner. It is usually better than the DFACs.

[craftsman]

Look stud, it wasn't a "left-handed" compliment. I simply felt that in THAT instance, you made a great case. The rest of your comments were open for question -- and I offered you questioning of your rationale. Your response, not at all unexpected, is to take the emotional route and cry foul that someone is questioning your manhood (creds) -- which is not the case at all.

I am not interested in "finding out more about you" before I call something you wrote wrong. Hell, you could be the WPPS PM of the "nameless" company you work for, and if you had written that naive silliness you wrote in your first post (and your next), I would still call you out on it.

You can take this post as some sort of desire to beat a chest or attack you -- but I can only tell you it is not. You write as someone who wants to assist others in regards to working in this industry -- well, I am suggesting that you pull back and gain a little experience about this industry before you throw around hard and fast comments.

This last sentence is not an implication that you are an idiot (I throw that word out there just to make sure you understand I am not using it), but that you write as if you are ignorant or inexperienced of the subject. You can certainly still write those same comments here if you wish, you just run the risk of not having any credibility and someone calling you on them.

If you choose to stay pissed because of this exchange -- well, to use your words -- "just live with it"....

Here's what I'm pissed about "Stud".
You take snippets of a small statement that is my OPINION and try to smear me and make me look foolish and accuse me of writing as if I'm "Ignorant or Inexperienced in the subject". I can assure you that none of this is true. I have my own opinion about non-American companies being able to bid on WPPS. I said absolutely NOTHING about the actual companies abilities, and I did not imply anywhere that I was unaware of what current practices are. I also explained the meaning behind my statement using SOF creds as a comparison to what was in the actual article when it just said "Marine". (If you recall, I thought that was what Silver was implying, but admitted it was not)
Then, somehow you surmise by my lack of diving into the minutiae about using the term SNIPER in my list of SOF types that I don't know what I'm talking about. You continue to give me a lesson in things I already know and tell me that my credibility will suffer for having an opinion that differs from yours.
Awesome...you stay that course.

We could probably continue this until the cows come home, but in the end you'll just find another fight to pick or somone else to "Correct".

Semper Gumby...
Craftsman

*THIS RANT HAS ENDED - I NOW GIVE YOU BACK TO YOUR REGULAR PROGRAMMING*

[RAT]

40 days and a wakeup. Are you still around? It would be fun to talk with someone as fucked up as I am.

It is Friday tomorrow. If you are still here in the VBC come around for steak dinner. It is usually better than the DFACs.

LOL I am still around. LOL I'll PM you tomorrow ans see if I can drag one or two people with me.

RO!!!

[Massgrunt]

Rat rolls with an entourage! :D

[Silverbullet]

Allow me to throw a cold bucket of water.

It is always a waste when 2 dudes who have expertise in certain areas but different perspectives get into it over what appears to be very little. I think that sometimes the nuances are paid too much attention and the fact that the written word can come across a bit harsher than it would in person is overlooked.

[craftsman]

Allow me to throw a cold bucket of water.

It is always a waste when 2 dudes who have expertise in certain areas but different perspectives get into it over what appears to be very little. I think that sometimes the nuances are paid too much attention and the fact that the written word can come across a bit harsher than it would in person is overlooked.

Point taken....as usual from you Silver.
Especially in light of the fact that we are two Jugheads about the same age.
SOTB...Did I piss you off in another life?....LOL.
Old age has it's advangtages...forgiveness comes easily when you can't remember what happened!
Craftsman

[HALO]

Gentlemen:

I have read today’s threads with great amusement, but as Sliverbullet Said “When 2 dudes who have expertise in certain areas but different perspectives, get into it over what appears to be very little.” It about sums it up… It reminds me of being back in the mess hall, enough said on that.

What did grab my attention was Craftmans62 comment “Do you see any US guys at the British High Commission or Consulates around the world?” which I would like to address. In the British Security Industry which is now government licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) http://www.the-sia.org.uk/home (http://www.the-sia.org.uk/home) any individual/company wishing to conduct security both in the commercial and government contract arena are now required to have this piece of plastic especially for the UK Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) contracts. If you have said License, ideally the Close Protection License it will get you through the first part of any selection when applying for positions.

If anyone has further questions please do not hesitate to PM me.
Stay Safe