Calling out PSD/PMC knowledgable people

[narbilistic]

I'm writing a paper on the career of PSD/PMC. I've read that there is a difference between these two, I'd like to find out what's the difference and also any other information inquiring the requirements such as education, training, pay, benefits and etc. I've already researched on some sites such as Blackwater, Aegis and others. Any legitimate information or sources would be appreciated. Thanks

[James]

In my experience news articles and websites don't reflect reality. I have to say that it's unlikely that you'll get any good information; information from people who actually know isn't generally shared in public. You also say you're writing a paper; what's that all about? Many people have been burned in the past (usually by journalists) asking questions, then writing articles that take their comments completely out of context.

I'd be surprised if anyone in the know here is really inclined to help you.

Sorry.

[Argyll]

The Human resources girls in the offices work in a PMC

The guys pulling "close protection" are PSD

The difference is PSD is a job/task/mission,the other is an orginisation based on situational requirements!

[EvanL]

The Human resources girls in the offices work in a PMC

The guys pulling "close protection" are PSD

The difference is PSD is a job/task/mission,the other is an orginisation based on situational requirements!
Hahaha everytime you make a post. You always end it with an exclamation mark. It reminds me of my buddies dad who is another angry scotsman, and even when not really angry always comes off as angry.

[narbilistic]

Well I'm writing a research paper so I can pass my english class. It's just a straight up informative paper not some persuasion crap.

[Aquatek]

Like James says, people in the know won't help............... too much "writing" has turned around & bitten operators...

Just the way it is.......

T.

[Asheren]

Too much of s..t starting with letter m. Maybe someone will give you few links to some unbiased and objective articles but i wouldn't count on anything else.

[halloweenjack]

In my experience news articles and websites don't reflect reality. I have to say that it's unlikely that you'll get any good information; information from people who actually know isn't generally shared in public. You also say you're writing a paper; what's that all about? Many people have been burned in the past (usually by journalists) asking questions, then writing articles that take their comments completely out of context.

But doesnt that only perpetuate the problem ? If the only views out there are those who are trying to further an anti-pmc agenda then surely it would be in the interest of pmc's to push their pov ?

[James]

But doesnt that only perpetuate the problem ? If the only views out there are those who are trying to further an anti-pmc agenda then surely it would be in the interest of pmc's to push their pov ?

The only "problem" is people desiring to know something that they don't need to know. The media never covers our successes. Pfft.

[halloweenjack]

The only "problem" is people desiring to know something that they don't need to know. The media never covers our successes. Pfft.

How is that a problem ? You are, when employed by the State, working in their name. It seems logical that the public of that State should know what PMC's do, especially if it is their taxes that are paying your wages (Opsec/Persec permitting).

Perhaps if the media did cover the successes of PMC's, instead of putting out crap that is clearly agenda based then the public may have a different pov on them. This can only work in the favour of the PMC.

I personally think PMC's play an important role and will continue to do so in the forseeable future.

[sickofpretenders]

But doesnt that only perpetuate the problem ? If the only views out there are those who are trying to further an anti-pmc agenda then surely it would be in the interest of pmc's to push their pov ?

I have written a fair bit on this forum about PSD and the general situation in Iraq. So has Argyll. All too often we were disbelieved or attacked by knowitalls who think a google search provides more real info than being on the ground. Even things the media reports that someone with the tiniest bit of common sense would question are swallowed up and believed because the BBC said it was true. Its just the nature of the ignorant public and it extends way beyond war reporting. People believe what the want to, not what is real.

[dacanadianbomb]

SOP dude!, I felt for the Aussies in the cup, I was rooting for them.
They were robbed, thieved I say.
How ya doing , stayin safe I hope.

The Media wants to protray PMC's and their IC's in a certain light. How many pieces have you seen that were actually neutral towards the subject.
They will twist and turn, misplace quotes out of context, to push their point.They will interview people who are barely the right people to use as a representative for the entire industry, in its fullest.
To get a halfway decent view, you would have to interview the guys doing static in the GZ, people running convoy's, people doing PSD through baghdad, the Ghurka's working at half pay, the British, the US, Aussies, Canadians, Serbs , Russians,SAs. The project managers, the clients ,the indigs running with them.People who did it right in the end of '03, those inbetween and those doing it now.Those doing WPPS gigs, those doing private gigs etc etc etc.
Im talking about 100's of people here.

No media wants to spend the time or money to do that, they have a story to push out.
Success ?

You dont ever hear about the guys running through the hotzones without getting hit or killed, or having to fire a shot.Whats exciting about a bunch of guys making it home safe and keeping their client alive?
Thats not interesting for the media.No shock and awe there.

Sure theres a story, only if they get hit, lose teammates, and make it home on their last leg.
And the only story there is that they grabbed some poor iraqi's car when theirs was torn to shyte.


Sorry gents I am sure I stepped over my boundaries there .