From the monthly archives:

November 2010

PSD: Relax – You Are Not on the Presidents Security Detail in the Congo

by James G · 13 comments

in PSD

I will get you to pizza hut and back alive sir! Get some!

[NOTE: This article is focused towards PSD Agents who work domestic details]

During my once a week email read/reply marathon I came across an email from a buddy of mine back in the states who I used to work with here in Iraq [he is now working on the domestic PSD/EP circuit because his wife forced him to stop working overseas]. He was ranting about how his client would not listen to his security recommendations, would constantly change his plans half-way through the day, and would always tell his detail to stop standing so close.

Basically this guy was the typical nightmare client who only had a PSD team because he was forced to by his company, insurance or situation. For anyone reading this who has done PSD work in the U.S; this is a story they have heard a hundred times from a hundred different guys.

I was sort of curious as to the threat level the client had on him, more specifically if it was an actual threat or a perceived one. So I met my buddy on chat and he immediately launched into a rage filled rant about how his client was a self-absorbed arrogant jerk-off who only had a PSD team because the company he worked for forced him to despite the fact there was pretty much a zero chance of anything happening to him.

Having been in this exact same situation before [I started out in this business doing low-risk details in the U.S.] I told him to just “go with the flow” and there was no need to run his detail like they were escorting a politician through Bagdad or something. You see my buddy had never really worked on a low-threat detail before [having only done HSLD PSD stuff overseas] so he was going mad because he could not run a strict 3rd world “by the book” high-risk style detail.

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TACTICAL GEAR: Zulu RDK Carrier – Field Tested

by James G · 8 comments

in Tactical Gear

The Zulu RDK Carrier on James G uses on his Contractor BOB in Iraq

If you are like me you probably suffer from “CTMSS” or “Carry Too Much Shit Syndrome” when it comes to loading up your kit. One of the more extreme examples of CTMSS in my case is the amount of medical supplies I carry in my IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit).

Over the years it has become ridiculously packed with medical shit I have swapped, acquired or been issued. Its been getting to the point where I probably couldn’t even fit a thermometer into it, and even worse it looked like I had a backpack hooked to the side of my chest rig.

So when the boys over at Zulu Nylon Gear sent over one of their RDK Carriers I figured this was a good a time as any to lighten my load and move some of the stuff in my IFAK into a separate pouch.

The RDK Carrier was made to fit the contents of RSKTKR Medical’s [a tactical school run by an ex-security contractor] “RSKTKR Down Kit” [a kit similar to the Army’s IFAK but with better supplies].

The RDK Carrier is a straight-forward IFAK pouch that does exactly what it is supposed to do – give you quick one handed [via a red pull handle] access to your IFAK Contents.

Click Here to Keep Reading – TACTICAL GEAR: Zulu RDK Carrier – Field Tested >>

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DVM: The DVM U.S. Contractor Survival Knife

by James G · 34 comments

in DVM

The U.S. Contractor Survival Knife – By Knife Maker Spencer Alan Reiter SAR Global Tool

Much props to Spencer Alan Reiter over at SAR Global Tool for throwing his considerable knife making skills behind the DVM U.S. Contractor Survival Knife. We have been tossing ideas back and forth for a while now and what you see above is the pimp-ass result [1% James G and 99% Spencer].

For some time now I felt that there was a void in the knife market for Contractors working overseas – pick-up just about any knife catalog or browse any knife website and you will see dozens of knives for every branch of the military – but not a single one made for the hundreds of thousands of U.S. Contractors who have been supporting the American Military all over the world [for over 200 years].

So thanks to Spencer and his considerable talent with steel we now have our own knife. But just like the K-Bar [made for Marines but used by everyone due to its versatility] you don’t have to be a U.S. Contractor to grab one for your stabbing needs.

This bad-boy is a fixed blade knife with a unique Harpoon Tip, an overall length of 9 1/4″ long,  5″ handle and a 4 1/4″ blade [the top one in the picture has a longer blade], it is made of S30V Steel, has a very cool Pry-Tool handle that is finished off with G10 scales. These turned out so pimp I peed myself when I saw the final picture.

Click Here to Keep Reading – The U.S. Contractor Survival Knife >>>

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SAR GLOBAL TOOL: the DVM U.S. Contractor Survival Knife Build – Complete Build – Day 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6

by Spencer - SAR GLOBAL TOOL · 70 comments

in Knives

This knife just screams “stab someone”

Hey folks – I have been working with Spencer over at SAR Global Tool to make a DVM Contractor Fighting Knife. Below is his work in progress and some notes from him.

~James G

[Spencer from SAR Global Tool] Hey everyone,

I have been working with James for the last few months on a knife for him and possibly become for sale in the DVM store. James gave me some great input on what he was looking for.

Based on what his ideas I put this design to paper. James liked what he saw so I put the design to steel and got rolling, I will take pictures, write comments as I work on these three blades over the next few days.

The design is a fixed blade which is 9 1/4″ long 5″ handle 4 1/4″ blade, the blade features a modified tip sometimes referred as “harpoon”

Click Here to See More Pictures and the Creation Process of the Contractor Fighting Knife >>>

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SEARCH AND RESCUE: The SAR Douchebag – Round II

by Alex S · 17 comments

in Search and Rescue

A SUITABLE HABITAT FOR SAR DOUCHEBAGS, IN THIS AUTHOR’S OPINION

READ PART 1 HERE: SEARCH AND RESCUE: The SAR Douchebag

It’s time once again, for another look at the irritating clowns that plague search & rescue teams everywhere.  In the last SAR Douchebag article we had know-it-all rookies, anti-law enforcement fools and NASCAR wannabes.

In this article, we’re moving up the SAR Douchebag Family Tree to some of the more irritating breeds.  As in the previous article, these examples are not fictional and have been experienced by the author first-hand (unfortunately).

Step right up…

Click Here to Keep Reading – SEARCH AND RESCUE: The SAR Douchebag – Round II >>>

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TACTICAL COMMENTARY: “You Shoot The Wrong Way” – What?

by James G · 39 comments

in COMMENTARY

Give it a few years and this will be the “right” way to shoot a pistol again

I was at the range yesterday doing some boring ass weapons quals for the security contractor I work for here in Iraq when this new guy says to me “you’re not supposed to hold your M-4 that way” and then later “you’re supposed to let your mags fall free” – all said with an arrogant ‘I know everything because I watched a Magpul video’ look on his face [you all know that look].

The “Wrong Way” was: holding my M-4 with my weak hand on/in-front the magazine well [like the way many people grip an AK] and pulling my dry mags free [instead of letting them fall free].

Now besides the fact I can’t stand Range know-it-all Douchebags this kid was so wet behind the ears his shoulders were wet. Instead of the usual James G. berating that has been known to make grown men cry; I just beat his ass like a redheaded stepchild in China on the qual instead. So in the end he had to eat a big can of “shut the fuck up little man” [I still called his mom names].

I understand that the way I shoot an M-4 is not the “accepted” technique currently being taught today – but it works for me. So does be that make me a poor shot or tactically inefficient? No. Would my marksmanship or tactical ability be more accurate/faster if I shoot the way you are “supposed” to? Not for me, I tried other ways of operating my rifle and I just don’t move or shoot as efficiently.

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MORALE PATCHES: Some New-Old Patches

by James G · 45 comments

in MORALE PATCHES

Holy war – holy shit!
CLIMB TO GLORY – FALL OFF THE MOUNTAIN
Terrorist Hunting Permit – No bag limit – Tagging not required

These are some patches that have been floating around the Hajji shops on base here in Iraq for a while. They are clever designs with one problem – the quality isn’t that great because they are made one at a time on sewing machines by bored Indian dudes.

So in the interest of spreading around these funny designs – but with the high quality sewing folks stateside are used to, we wanted to see if you all are interested in picking up a few.

Click Here to Keep Reading – MORALE PATCHES: Some New-Old Patches >>>

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FINANCIAL SURVIVAL: DVM Tips For Tough Times

by Bubba G · 22 comments

in FINANCIAL SURVIVAL

Yo ass is broke fool!
An AK isn’t going to help you here (well, sort of)

T.E.O.T.W.A.W.K.I…. REALITY CHECK

Buildings gutted, cars burning in the streets as lifeless bodies are gnawed at by packs of feral dogs… Zombies, roving bands of motorcycle gangs, cannibals, shotgun-armed Bubbas, and jack-booted thugs.

Take your end of the world pick of popular narratives roaming the public consciousness. It seems we are all worried about a collapse of society, the economy, or the institution of some sort nefarious destruction of culture.

… and why not, Western influence is being tested, banks and wall street are upside down, and larger conflicts and war loom over the use of limited resources and clashes of civilizations that have occurred century after century.

We find ourselves buried under uncertainties as we hurtle forward towards an uncertain future:

- RESOURCE DEPLETION AND ENERGY CRUNCHES
- PRICE HIKES, SHORTAGES, AND DISRUPTED FOOD PRODUCTION
- ECONOMIC FAILURES AND COLLAPSES OF COMMERCE
- CASCADE EFFECTS: STRIKES, FURLOUGHS, AND GOVERNMENTAL FAILURES
- MAN-MADE DISASTERS OF CULTURE, CONFLICTS, AND WARS
- ASSORTED NATURAL CATASTROPHES
- ZOMBIES (JUST KIDDING)

But instead of fearing events, or directly preparing for the day when the rule of law is tested and being part of the steady march and typical rally cry to the most popular political banner of the day screaming for independence or controls, I want to focus on a few other points of view; less of the tactical side to preparedness and more of a strategic viewpoint in a more DVM fashion.

Click Her to Keep Reading – FINANCIAL SURVIVAL: Tips For Tough Times >>>

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3rd WORLD TRAVEL GEAR: The Safari Vest – A Timeless Classic

by James G · 26 comments

in 3rd WORLD TRAVEL GEAR

An old picture of James G in the Middle East wearing Safari vest #2 on one of his first overseas gigs

One of my favorite pieces of adventure gear for when I am traveling around the world chasing fortune and glory is the timeless Adventurers vest. Back when I was a kid looking at pictures of famous explorers one of the things I always took note of was what they were wearing.

I thought the [mostly British] explorers looked Pimp wearing their lapelled safari shirts, leather boots and safari vests posing for photos with spear-wielding natives – sometimes adding a double-barreled Holland and Holland slung over their shoulder just to complete the Professional Adventurer look.

As I got a little older and started following modern day explorers, foreign correspondents, mercenaries and adventurers [both real and fictional] I kept seeing these men of action wearing the same timeless Adventurers Vests.

I imagined the numerous pockets stuffed with wads of foreign currencies, a half drunken flask, packs of Lucky Strike non-filters, a scratched up Leica camera and an inch thick passport while concealing a Browning hi-power.

So when I grew-up and finally started traveling the world seeking the adventure, fortune, glory and women of questionable morals I had always dreamed about one of the first things I bought was a Safari Vest – in khaki of course.

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INFO SECURITY: Why YOU Are a Target

by Norm W. · 23 comments

in Info Security

Ensure that you are on the right end of the e-crosshairs

You log into your favorite social network this morning and see a few requests from people you don’t know.  They look interesting and seem pretty cool, and hey, they’re friends with so and so, so why not.

Guess what, you’ve just been had – You may have just cost someone their life, or the lives of friends and/or family – What’s that you say? I’m being paranoid?

Well, it’s not paranoia if it’s true and just because you may be paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

If you think that I’m a whack-job, you can stop reading right here.  If not, or if you’re unsure, keep reading and I’ll explain to you WHY I’m not a complete nut job that’s drank too much coffee.

If you were going to break in (electronically) to Microsoft or IBM, or Oracle, or Apple, why would you go directly to the company to do it?  You wouldn’t because unless you’ve got one HELL of a background in hacking, you’re not going to get in unless it’s a fluke.

What you’re going to do is start small.  You’ll first find out who all they do business with. Do they do business with a temp agency? If so, they may have some sort of tie in with their network.

Hmmm, let’s look at this, how secure is the temp agency?  Well, they follow the same security rules as Microsoft does; actually, they’re forced to in order to have hooks into Microsoft.

Ok, let’s look who the temp agency does business with: Pitney Bowes, nope, probably just as secure, how about this little mom and pop shop they do business with.  Oh, and look, they have a link into the temp agencies network.  Ok, now we’re getting somewhere.

Click Here to Keep Reading – INFO SECURITY: Why YOU are a Target >>>

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