Military Skills

• Stay professional, stay alert and do your job to the best of your ability.

Risk Assessment §

• Risk management is the very reason why PMCs started and why they continue to grow

• All warzones are high-risk areas. It is critical to know which areas are safe and which should be avoided.

• Know about insurance. For contract work, read the fine print.

• Know the local area if possible.

  • For contract work, know what the contractor is willing to provide in terms of equipment.
  • Communicate with other local allied forces.

• Know the enemy. How do they operate? What risk do they represent?

• The main components of risk assessment are

  • Physical Security
  • Vulnerability Analysis
  • Security Effectiveness
  • Consequence (what if )
  • Likelihood of attack

• In risk assessment, gauge the probability of an undesired event taking place and the severity of such an attack.

• Understanding the problem and providing simple effective solutions is what makes a good risk assessment

• Dynamic Threat Assessment - assessment done in a dynamic environment where everything changes and risk assessments must be done quickly

  • Take note of the people in the immediate environment.
  • Take note of potentially dangerous objects
  • Check the environment
  • Once the primary risks are addressed, look out for more mundane threats.

Combat §

• Double Tap - fire two shots in rapid succession.
• Speed and Aggression play a major role in any successful assault or defense
  • Quickly close in on the enemy in their moment of hesitation.
  • React instantly with no hesitation
• Know how to operate your weapons, what causes any malfunction, and how to resolve these malfunctions quickly
  • Know how to operate the enemy’s weapons as well.
• Martial Arts apply for CQB
  • Deliver a single devastating blow. In a confrontation, aim to incapacitate or kill.
  • The secret is recognizing the precise moment when you should strike that one blow and make it swift, sharp, and accurate
• Know how to act in various scenarios
  • Hostage Rescue (or abduction)
  • Aircraft Assault (i.e., hijacking or counter hijacking)
    • Realistically involves waiting for the aircraft to be grounded. The aircraft is then surrounded and isolated.
    • Will require knowledge of the layout, as well as a distraction plan (for counter-hijacking)
  • Ship Assault. Generally treated the same as a building assault, but with the threat of sinking the ship
  • Road Assault. Involves an assault on something that can move forward (on a road or rail) and may need to be stopped.

Bodyguarding and Personnel Protection §

• The level of protection is proportional to the levels of: the Principal’s importance, the threat they face, and the magnitude of that threat.
  • Full CP teams may provide protection to a Principal throughout a twenty-four hour period.
    • Personal Escort Squad - made up of the more experienced members of the security team. The first line of defense and extra alert for any threat.
    • Security Advance Party - makes recon of the route in advance. They look for signs of an ambush, threats or hostile surveillance
    • Residence Security Team - responsible for the Principal’s security when they are within a building. They evaluate the building’s security systems.
  • Discreet Protection provided using two-man teams with the aim of not standing out.
  • One man, typically very experienced accompanies the Principal.
• Even with a full security detail, protection services can still fail.
• Sometimes the Principal may be the problem (due to ego or ignoring advice). In bodyguarding services, one must be able to adapt to the whims of the Principal.
  • It is patterns that get VIPs killed.
  • It is imperative to know the Principal. Sometimes the Principal doesn’t know what they want. Consider the 7P’s
    • People that surround the client
    • Personality of the client
    • Prejudices against a particular group.
    • Places the Principal will be going to.
    • Personal History including medical history and previous employments
    • Political and Religious Persuasions
    • Private Life away from employment.
• Some tips (from Davies)
  • 230 Rule - a car travelling lest than 35 mph should not be opened more than 2 inches.
  • Bodyguard should ideally be at the drivers seat with the Principal at the rear.
  • Disable the airbags if the bodyguard is at the driver seat
  • Bodyguard should never wear a seatbelt.
  • The maximum number of vehicles should not exceed three. In the case of a convoy, each vehicle must be aware of the other vehicles in support. The lead driver should account for how the support vehicle is driving.
  • Stay alert
  • Understand the situation, and you will understand what protection is required.
  • Take responsibility for your own safety, and make sure that everyone you are operating with does the same
  • Know the likely threats that you will encounter, and plan contingency measures in case they happen, including escape routes. Make sure everyone is aware of these threats
  • If you are aware that violence can take place anywhere and at any time, then your chances of avoiding it are greatly increased. Being aware of danger adds to confidence
• High Profile Protection - rarely used in a war zone because it pinpoints the Principal as a target. In an urban setting, however, the high profile acts as a deterrent.
• Low Profile Protection - requires more skill than high profile protection. The bodyguards are discreet yet still provide protection to the Principal.
• During an attack, the aim is to evacuate the Principal and neutralize the threat if possible. For long range attacks, keep the Principal low

Training §

• Soldiers and mercenaries may be contracted to train other soldiers and police force.
• One important skill set is teaching counter-terrorism.
• Know who you are training (to know their current skill set) and where (to know what facilities are available).
• Soldiers that train others need an in-depth understanding of the subject they are teaching.

Kidnapping Measures §

• Most kidnappings in war are opportune rather than premeditated.
• Once taken captive, most kidnapped people tend to be taken and held in rural areas away from cities
• Consider the following measures when kidnapped
  • Avoid capture at all costs, do whatever it takes to stay free, but do not risk running from armed men in close proximity
  • Be aware of what is happening around you. If possible, check the time and date. Try to estimate the journey time and the direction they are taking you.
  • During the initial capture, the kidnappers will be very excited.
  • Do not talk back. Do not stand out.
  • Do not antagonize your captors or agitate them. Do not look them in the eyes.
  • Do not ask question. Let them ask questions.
  • Do not sign anything if possible
  • Be aware of self-induced pressures — lack of sleep, fear, or loneliness.
  • When questioned, do not show emotion. Try to be strong or appear frightened and confused.
  • Be polite and thank them if they offer food or water
  • When isolated and alone, make yourself as comfortable as possible.
  • When you hear someone approaching, remain calm but mentally alert.
  • If you hear rescue coming, work towards a safe position — on the floor away from entryways and make it apparent you are a hostage.

Security §

• Key Control - make sure someone handles the keys. Have a spare key but
  • Hide the spare key
  • Never tag the keys
  • Change the locks if you lose the keys
  • Check all windows and doors.
• Alarm Systems - prefer more silent alarms to not tip off the intruder. Prefer alarms that are simple but flexible
• Deliveries - handle deliveries properly
  • Make a clear list of expected deliveries — who and at what time
  • Be suspicious of unexpected packets or thick envelopes
  • Check packages that are heavier than normal
  • Check packages that smell like cyanide
  • Check if there’s grease from the package
  • Do not open any suspicious packages
  • For suspicious packages leave it undisturbed, vacate the room and inform the disposal team (bomb or chemical)
• Fires
  • Fit the place with smoke detectors.
  • Remember even mundane things can be fire risks. Keep the smoke detectors active at all times
  • Have a fire extinguisher handy. Use the correct fire extinguisher and be familiar with it
  • Have fire drills.
    • Make an escape plan and practice it
    • Indicate where fire extinguishers are located
    • Give individuals specific tasks
    • Have an assembly point in a safe area outside then check off everyone
    • Do not, under any circumstance, allow anyone back into a building that is on fire.
  • Check for fire hazards wherever they might exist.
    • No overloaded electrical sockets
    • No clothes over heaters
    • Switch off and unplug electrical appliances before exiting or at night
    • Extinguish burning candles
    • No aerosol containers on on top of hot surfaces
    • Do not leave smoking cigarettes
    • Do not smoke in bed or drunk
• Surveillance
  • Consider the methods outlined here.
  • Look for capability and intent
  • Some more examples of surveillance equipment
    • Video cameras
    • Infrared
    • Thermal imaging devices
    • Night vision devices.
    • Wiretapping devices
    • UAVs and unmanned drones
    • Discrete cameras (i.e., those placed in pens)
    • Satellites

Force Protection §

• Involves escorting materials, vehicles, VIPs or other peacekeeping troops.

• Requires knowledge o the following

  • Knowledge of IEDs and how to handle them.
    • Call out any suspicions of any IDEs present. Report to any EOD teams.
    • When you feel there are mines around, retrace your steps.
    • If you step on a mine, freeze in place.
  • RF jamming
  • Finding and sweeping mines
  • Handling ambushes
  • Route planning

• Have a plan ready. Know the lay of the land and have navigation tools prepared.

• The main risk with detonating IDEs is amputation. It is, therefore, imperative to bring the injured to the hospital.

• When it comes to vehicles, make sure to always park in such a way that you can escape quickly.

• Search a vehicle if left unattended for long periods. Start with the perimeter of the vehicle and then check for signs of tampering on the body, wheels and underneath the car. Finally, check the interior, engine and bonnet of the car.

• Force protection also necessitates being ready for ambushes. When ambushed, do not stay in the killzone. Delay the enemy as much as possible. As much as possible, do not engage with the enemy.

  • When an ambush hits, it will be a shock. So the first step to being prepared is to avoid being in the killing zone.
  • Develop anti-ambush driving skills — spot unexpected movement and react accordingly.
  • A static ambush usually involves static roadblocks. A rolling ambush happens on the move, usually with another vehicle driving beside you.
    • Handle roadblocks with care and preparedness.
    • Steer away from vehicles that are driving too close. Try speeding up.
    • Use the vehicle as a weapon against any motorbikes. Beware that ramming is not easy and may damage your own vehicle.
    • Beware of common ambush places. Prepare accordingly with firepower.
  • Generally the enemy will prepare an escape route, usually form where they came from.

• Avoid road rage in the warzone.

  • Drive at a safe speed. Not too slow or too fast
  • Give indications plenty of time ahead.
  • Stay with the traffic flow and on the correct side of the road.
  • Avoid being deliberately obstructive.
  • Avoid cutting in front of other vehicles.
  • If being harassed or followed, distance yourself and do not stop or get out of the car unless safe to do so

• Cat Eyes - a tool used to help friendlies see each other at night but not enough to compromise their positions to the enemy.

Maritime Protection §

• Arises due to the need to counter pirates, especially in areas where important ships (such as trading and cargo ships) pass through.

  • One issue with piracy is the ambiguity in international law on how to deal with them.

• Pirates are typically motivated due to poverty and a need for income.

• Pirates use motherships — captured ships that are used as bases of operations out in the open water. They usually carry fuel, personnel, weapons and smaller boats that pirates use for raids.

• The biggest deterrent for piracy includes means to detect pirates and having security personnel on the shift.

• Pirates generally have to be in range to use their weapons. If the ship can detect them by then, it can perform defensive actions.

  • Notify the pirates they are seen and start taking evasive maneuvers.
  • Pirates will use their weapons to intimidate the vessel. They will also try to board the ship.
  • When possible, steer away from the pirate vessels
  • The captain can also maneuver to expose the incoming pirates to the elements.

• The following are common vulnerabilities of shifts

  • Low speed
  • The ship being in low water due to heavy cargo.
  • Inadequate planning and security procedures
  • Lack of pirate detection measures and repelling measures
  • Ships not heeding piracy warnings
  • Ships stopping when fired upon

• The following are common deterrent measures

  • Using razor wire on the ship’s perimeter. Note that while it will prevent pirates from grabbing onto the side directly, they can still pull the wire off with hooks.
  • Visible deck patrols and watches
  • Evasive and accelerating ship action
  • Using a citadel - a saferoom the captain and crew enter if the ship is boarded where they can call for help and lock the pirates out.
  • Advanced notification of pirate security
  • Use of water cannons to repel boarding. They can be used both to knock away pirates or flood incoming assault boats.
  • Boat Stopping weapons such as those that can fire shots to disable the engines of incoming vessels.
  • Powerful lights for night attacks
  • Antiboarding measures via Citadel design
  • Long Range Acoustic Device to provide early warning
  • Use of armed personnel (even dummies suffice)

Medical Skills §

• Knowledge of first aid is vital in a warzone. This can be the difference between immediate death or not.
• A soldier’s equipment should include some form of medkit. In teams, there should be a designated medic.
• Consider a life support pack for more life threatening injuries.
• After any incident which has produced casualties, the first task is to establish a process of prioritization of the wounded.
  • When taking medical action, do not do so if it puts you in danger — being injured means you cannot help anyone else.
  • Act quickly and carefully. Boost morale and provide encouragement
  • Do not panic.
  • CPR should be performed to the same temp as the song ‘Staying Alive’
  • Treat breathing problems first, then external bleeding and wounds.
  • Leave foreign bodies in place. Do not remove them as this may cause further damage.
  • Be aware of any local infectious diseases — especially those that may be found due to unsanitary conditions.

Others §

• Evasion relies on the following
  • Preparation — where to go and how to get there.
  • Standard Operating Procedures
  • Mental and Physical preparations
  • Having backups and failsafes should something go wrong
  • Having contact with friendlies.

Links §

• Davies
• Weapons