SAS fears losing men to Americans

[Gringo]

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/12284.html


BRITAIN'S overstretched special forces could be facing an exodus
because of a new American "mercenary" deal in Iraq offering up to
three times the military's rate of pay for SAS or SBS veterans with
combat experience.

The £58m contract, for a civilianised force of former
soldiers "trained to Nato standards", is for guarding the four-
square-mile Green Zone in central Baghdad which houses coalition
headquarters and the Iraqi governing council offices.

The Pentagon plans to withdraw its own regular troops to six bases
on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital to minimise casualties inside
the city in a US presidential election year, leaving protection of
the vulnerable administrative nerve-centre in the hands of a private
security company.

A UK special forces officer who contacted The Herald yesterday said
the 350-strong SAS was already so over-committed and demoralised
that up to 60 reservists had been drafted in to help in the hunt for
Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.

"We are already on the brink of a manning crisis. About 40 men have
already left the regiment in the last year or are in the process of
doing so. Most are tired of playing second-fiddle to US special
forces in Iraq and fed up with the increasingly penny-pinching
attitude of the Ministry of Defence," he said.

"Quite a few have already signed up with private security firms, who
are just officially-sanctioned mercenaries by another name, or are
earning big bucks as consultants. A contract which offers double or
triple pay and guaranteed action will be an attractive lure for many
more.

"We were already at risk of being a full squadron down by the end of
the year – 25% of our fighting strength – but the numbers opting out
look set to become a haemorrhage."

The SAS commander, a lieutenant-colonel and former Guardsman, can
refuse two requests by members of the unit for premature voluntary
release from the action roster and the army. If a trooper asks a
third time, he must grant the request.

It costs about £2m to train a soldier to the SAS's exacting
standards. A corporal earns about £30,000 a year, plus allowances.
Private security firms seeking their expertise pay anywhere between
£50,000 and £100,000.

[Argyll]

This was posted a couple of months ago........and is a load of bollox p-)

These reservists call up's are nothing new,neither is the bringinig in of the part time soldiers from 21 and 23 SAS

oh and there are no reservists as such either ;) R squadron was done away with ages ago

[TriggerPuller]

This was posted a couple of months ago........and is a load of bollox p-)

These reservists call up's are nothing new,neither is the bringinig in of the part time soldiers from 21 and 23 SAS

oh and there are no reservists as such either ;) R squadron was done away with ages agoHow much in US dollars is 50-100,000 British pounds. Ive been offered anywhere from $400-1000 US dollars a day.Which contract do you think I recently took? :D I also take offense to the notion that peacekeepers and security personnell are mercenaries what a bunch of BS!! BTW I will be on a PSD once I get there I will not be pulling security.The money is in the PSD work!

TP

[Gordon]

100,000 British pounds is about 175,000 US dollars.

[Argyll]

This was posted a couple of months ago........and is a load of bollox p-)

These reservists call up's are nothing new,neither is the bringinig in of the part time soldiers from 21 and 23 SAS

oh and there are no reservists as such either ;) R squadron was done away with ages agoHow much in US dollars is 50-100,000 British pounds. Ive been offered anywhere from $400-1000 US dollars a day.Which contract do you think I recently took? :D I also take offense to the notion that peacekeepers and security personnell are mercenaries what a bunch of BS!! BTW I will be on a PSD once I get there I will not be pulling security.The money is in the PSD work!

TP

I'd say you took the one that paid you nil as you love the job so much bro!! ;)

[EODSGT]

The reservist bull**** may be old hat, but what is interesting is that the green zone contract is being bid on currently. I was reading up on the contract specs, it looks to be quite the job.

There is a large EDD K-9 requirement tied to it which is a real challenge. You can hire the guys you need, but trained dogs with experienced handlers are a bitch to come by. The standard stated that the handler/dog team had to be together for 90 days prior to arrival in country. That is a tricky wicket, especially in the numbers they want.

One more thing - WTF does the author of the article expect? Gee, the SAS operators' skills are in demand at unbeatable prices - and they're actually taking the jobs - the ungrateful, unpatriotic bastards!!! Media types always amuse me.

[ShadowNeo]

Are there any websites that state out the contract specs?

[EODSGT]

You gotta love google:



Coalition Provisional Authority

Personnel and Facility Security Program

Statement of Work

1.0 Project Background

The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is responsible for ensuring the transition of power to a viable government in Iraq by June 30, 2004. In order to fulfill the requirements specified CPA requires secure living and working environments for its personnel, facilities and property in Iraq. The current and projected threat and recent history of attacks directed against coalition forces, and thinly stretched military force requires a commercial security force that is dedicated to provide Force Protection (FP) security service for the CPA HQ and other sites within the Green Zone (see attached list of sites). The Green Zone is a controlled area within Baghdad where the CPA HQ is located. This project will augment coalition military forces and allow coalition military forces to focus on counter-terrorism and the highest priority sites within the Green Zone.

2.0 Objectives

The contractor shall provide program management and security to protect critical CPA personnel and facilities and general security for the CPA operational mission. The contractor will provide security advisors, and planners to facilitate, coordinate and execute security requirements and contingent requirements.

3.0 Definitions

3.1 Force Protection Team-Team consisting of security advisors, planners, coordinators and specialists responsible for security to CPA personnel and facilities.

3.2 Force Protection Officer-Government official responsible for security of CPA personnel and facilities.

3.3 Minor Medical Care- First-Aid, non surgical, non recurring field level care.

3.4 Emergency Medical Care- Immediate medial care required to sustain life during a medical emergency.

3.5 Dog Kennel- A facility suitable to comfortably quarter all required explosive detection dogs, to properly, in a humane manner, care for their health, welfare and veterinary requirements, and training on site. This includes appropriate shelter from extreme heat and cold weather.


4.0 Work Requirements

The services provided by the contractor shall encompass one or more of the following task areas:

4.1 Task: Work Plan

4.1.1 In order to facilitate synchronization of operations and support issues with higher and adjacent commands, the contractor shall base their detailed planning and following tasks on the Joint Services Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (JSIVA) Team’s December 2003 report.

4.1.2 Within five days of contract award the contractor will provide and brief the government site at CPA HQ a detailed work plan to accomplish the tasks outlined below as well as outlining necessary major equipment purchases, subcontractors and other operational issues associated with this effort. The COR and contractor Program Manager shall modify the work plan, as required, to document all activities and purchases under this requirement.

4.2 Task: Project Management

4.2.1 Develop a management structure that will closely manage this effort to ensure efficient and effective accomplishment of all tasks and quality of support.

4.2.2 Provide coordination, management, and integration services, including scheduling meetings, briefings, and effort reviews as required by the Administrative Contracting Officer.

4.2.3 Provide issue tracking, coordination and management.

4.3 Task: Force Protection:

4.3.1 Provide security and protection to CPA, CPA contractor support, and Iraqi government staff and facilities as directed by the ACO 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is initially estimated as 7 sites.

4.3.2 Provide coordination, management and integration of force protection services, including scheduling meetings, briefings, event planning, travel routes, threat assessment and contingency planning for force protection efforts.


4.3.3 Provide the ACO senior, experienced, security analysts to develop and implement a security management plan.

4.4 Task: Explosive Detection Dogs: Contractor shall provide a certified explosive detection dog capability with handlers that will provide twenty-four hour per day, seven day week coverage for all entry control points and other locations, as directed, by the ACO. This will include sufficient dogs and handlers to allow for training, injury, and rest of dogs and their handlers.

4.5 Task: Dog Kennel: Contractor shall provide a humane and suitable all weather kennels to provide housing for all CPA explosive detection dogs; suitable veterinarian services on-site; and fenced exercise yard for the dogs.

4.6 Task: Administration and Technical Support: Provide administration and technical support to include preparing briefings, program reviews, contractor equipment and personnel organization and support.

5.0 Deliverables

5.1 The contractor shall provide to the ACO for review and approval a detailed written plan for all initially designated areas and entry/exit control points to the Green Zone. This plan shall be provided 30 days in advance for review and approval. The plan will include and/or address at a minimum:
5.1.1 Number of personnel required per site
5.1.2 Number and type of weapons and ammunition required
5.1.3 Number and type of any and all sensors, surveillance and explosive and cargo detection equipment utilized.
5.1.4 Numbers and type of all communications equipment employed
5.1.5 Medical emergency lifesaver care plan
5.1.6 Communications plan
5.1.7 Explosive detection dog employment, health and welfare, and training/certification plan for all explosive detection dogs utilized
5.1.8 A contingency plan for the need to shift protection forces to meet new threasts
5.1.9 A detailed plan showing the company’s development plan
5.1.10 A detailed plan showing the transfer of authority, if required, from the prior security company for the Green Zone

This deliverable shall prepare against the threats of Vehicle Bomb Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), Direct Fire and Ground Assault by upwards of 12 personnel with military rifles, machine guns and RPGs, indirect fire by mortars and rockets, individual suicide bombers, and employment of other weapons of mass destruction employment in an unconventional warfare setting


5.2 The contractor shall provide, prior to deployment, acceptable document that certifies in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense standards and professional associations such as the North American Police Dog Association:

5.2.1 The explosive detection capability of each dog
5.2.2 Certification for each dog handler in the use and employment of explosive detection dogs, and
5.2.3 That each dog and its handler have worked, lived and trained together for a minimal period of 90 days prior to deployment from home station in Iraq.

A certified true copy shall be provided to the ACO for approval of each dog and handler team 15 days prior to their deployment.

5.3 The contractor shall provide a plan to conduct sustainment training and for recertification of any and all explosive detection dog teams (each handler and its dog)

5.4 A daily written personnel status report shall be provided to the ACO. This report shall include the number of personnel assigned to each facility, the number of personnel on leave, sick and/or in training, and the number of personnel available for duty at each site.

5.5 A monthly report shall be provided to the COR and Contracting Officer by the 15th of each month. Contractor format is acceptable, but must include at a minimum all major work performed, accountability of all funds spent and costs billed to the government. These costs must be divided into personnel salaries, equipment purchases, overhead and maintenance, and any and all costs incurred and billed or to be billed to the U.S. Government. The report format must be prior approved by the COR.

6.0 Supporting Information:

6.1 Place of Performance: Iraq

6.2 Period of Performance: Base effort: 1 April 2004-30 June 2004.
Option 1: 1 July 2004-31 December 2004
Option 2: 1 January 2005-30 June 2005

6.3 Personnel Qualifications:

6.3.1 Project Management Team: All personnel must have experience in planning, coordinating and implementing large scale force protection for high risk facilities in overseas high risk combat environments such as Iraq.

Additionally, contractor personnel must have prior military experience. All team members must undergo due diligence and positive background checks by the contractor, and U.S. Government Agencies as deemed necessary. A positive U.S. State Department check of criminal history and Secret clearance is required for key members of management. Preferably, a NATO/Secret clearance will already be possessed by such individuals and granted by the U.S. Government, as deemed necessary by the U.S. Government.

6.3.2 All members must have prior military experience and additionally have a variety of skills to include: surveillance techniques, surveillance detection, hand to hand combat, convoy operations, route reconnaissance, set-up of traffic control point, navigation, signals, combat medic, and explosive and detection. All team members must undergo due diligence and positive vetting by the Contractor. A positive US State Department check of criminal history will be conducted by the U.S. Government.

6.3.3 Force Protection: All FP members must be experienced in military services and have operated in U.S., North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or other military organizations compatible with NATO standards. A wide variety of specialist skills must be provided for to include mobile and static security, navigation, signals, medics, dog handlers, evasive driving, surveillance detection, surveillance techniques, convoy operations, route reconnaissance, set up of traffic control points, weapon handling and civil disturbance control. All team members must undergo due diligence and positive vetting by the Contractor. A positive US State Department check of criminal history may be conducted by the U.S. Government.

6.4 Facilities and Equipment:

6.4.1 Government Furnished Services and Equipment

6.4.1.1 Force Protection Teams: Government to supply housing, meals, minor medical care, Anthrax and Small Pox vaccinations.

6.4.1.2 Identification and Weapons Cards: Government to supply appropriate identification and weapons cards suitable to coalition forces.

6.4.1.3 Training aids: For explosive detection dog training

6.4.1.4 Threat updates: Government to provide unclassified and, as deemed appropriate, by the government classified threat information to assist the company in being prepared to address current or projected threats.

6.4.1.5 Site surveys of the facilities and sites that will initially be required to be protected for the company awarded this contract.

6.4.1.6 Access to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities and activities for personnel.

6.4.1.7 Military or commercial transport will be provided for all personnel, animals, and equipment into Iraq from Kuwait, Jordan or Qatar

6.4.1.8 Suitable site will be provided to adequately accommodate all explosive detection dogs.

6.4.1.9 Communications coordination to include development and exchange of communications frequencies and call signs, as deemed necessary, to provide support and prevent fratricide.

6.4.1.10 Government will provide appropriate office space for management

6.4.2 Contractor Provided Equipment and Services

6.4.2.1 Force Protection Team: Contractor to provide armed security personnel, body armor, explosive detection dog teams (one dog and one handler per each team), weapons and personal insurance for Force Protection Teams.

6.4.2.2 Contractor is responsible for acquiring all Passports, VISAS, Country Clearance, and timely submission of all required paperwork for staff requiring national security clearances.

6.4.2.3 Communications equipment compatible with CPA and coalition forces communications equipment.

6.5 Travel: All travel shall be coordinated with ACO

7.0 Price:

Firm Fixed Price (FFP). The contractor shall accomplish the above on a Firm Fixed Price contract with cost type contract line items for material re-supply and insurance.

8.0 Government Point of Contact: Mr. Joseph Bopp, 914.360.4913, boppj@orha.centcom.mil.








SITE LIST

1. Coalition Provisional Authority Headquarters and Trailer Camps
2. Two KBR Compounds within Green Zone directly supporting CPA
3. Rasheed Hotel
4. MMI and Governance Council Facilities
5. Convention Center
6. MP Compound NE of the clock tower; and
7. CPA HQ Support Area
a. Helicopter Landing Zone Washington
b. CPA HQ Parking Areas
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facility

[ShadowNeo]

Thanks! :D

[Nizark]

maybe im just not in the loop, but why are teh SAS demoralized? Is it a in-combat reason or the cheap MoD?

[EODSGT]

they're not demoralized - the author is a pompous ass.

[obd]

Well Argyl, I honestly wouldnt use the term "demoralized" to describe the SAS but I would say "pissed off" about many things but anyway who isnt right?

This artilce is not old hat by the way. I remmember the bruhaha about the last similar post months back. This is a new report about the same thing hehe, not exaclty old news.

Fact is though is that its true. The SAS is in a manning crisis, many SAS men have actually gone and done interviews talking about the pay and manning crisis and it is true.

In the latest Soldier of Fortune magazine, they published a piece, with photos and interviews called "The Guns of Baghdad" about exactly this subject. They took pictures and interviews of American, British, Itlalian, and German forces who are essentially "military civilians" gardiing the Green Zone now so that when they die Bush's re election wont get hurt by reports of "American soldiers down".

You can form your own opinions on that one hehehehe. I personally think its a bit underhanded to hire mercenaries so you can hide whats really going on because you think American media only cares about American troops. Hell it might be true to a degree but its still underhanded and politically motivated crap to me!!!!

Many of these "mercenaries" (call them what you will) are retired special forces from Green Berets, Seals, Marine MEU SOC, Rangers, etc as well as SAS, SBS, Royal Marine, GSG, KSK, Itialian Carribineri etc etc etc......so its not just British troops bing lured by the high pay and exciting work..........

[digrar]

Add SASR to the list. The West Australian newspaper has reported that the boy's are getting AUS $1500 a day offers to work over in Iraq.

[Argyll]

Well Argyl, I honestly wouldnt use the term "demoralized" to describe the SAS but I would say "pissed off" about many things but anyway who isnt right?

This artilce is not old hat by the way. I remmember the bruhaha about the last similar post months back. This is a new report about the same thing hehe, not exaclty old news.

Fact is though is that its true. The SAS is in a manning crisis, many SAS men have actually gone and done interviews talking about the pay and manning crisis and it is true.

In the latest Soldier of Fortune magazine, they published a piece, with photos and interviews called "The Guns of Baghdad" about exactly this subject. They took pictures and interviews of American, British, Itlalian, and German forces who are essentially "military civilians" gardiing the Green Zone now so that when they die Bush's re election wont get hurt by reports of "American soldiers down".

You can form your own opinions on that one hehehehe. I personally think its a bit underhanded to hire mercenaries so you can hide whats really going on because you think American media only cares about American troops. Hell it might be true to a degree but its still underhanded and politically motivated crap to me!!!!

Many of these "mercenaries" (call them what you will) are retired special forces from Green Berets, Seals, Marine MEU SOC, Rangers, etc as well as SAS, SBS, Royal Marine, GSG, KSK, Itialian Carribineri etc etc etc......so its not just British troops bing lured by the high pay and exciting work..........

Well I would take the word of my mate who's just finished 24 years service,3/4 of that in SF over a newspaper article bud ;) .
Many of these guys are infact already at the "end" of their terms within the Regiment,and some are also in this "reservist" band.

These guys are not mercenaries either,they are providing valuable protection for the reconstruction of Iraq,they were not hired by the Iraqi government to fight on their behalf,I'd love to see you tell TP he was a Mercenary to his face


can you provide links and articles to these guys who have told their stories about their pay etc?

The SAS is under strenghthed,so is the SBS so is just about every Regiment in the British army.
SAS selection is tough and if less people pass it and more people leave then of course the arithmatic does not add up,lowering the standards is not on,increasing the pay is also not what the government would do either.
The easisest solutions is to stop starting wars all over the place stretching their resources so thin.In the next 3 weeks I'll be in this position,and I'll be with these very guys you talk about,and I can tell you right now,you have no idea of what the real situation is regarding these "ex" SAS guys......there is a lot more to what's going on than meets the eye ;)

[EODSGT]

Argyll,
If you or Trigger ever need a Tech - drop me a PM.