By Odell Robee
We heard the explosion and saw the smoke from our tactical Afghanistan location. It was close, real close. Once again, as a deployed Independent Contractor, you never know when the crap is going to hit the proverbial fan. No matter where you’re deployed, or what unit you’re attached with, you can never underestimate the capability of the very tenacious enemy.
Fortunately, none of the good guys, my friends, who were working in the area, were hurt. A big Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) caused the ear-splitting explosion. Afghan civilians were either hurt or killed. This time the bad guy achieved what he wanted—the creation panic and fear.
I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up on current events, but recent events in Kabul, Afghanistan display what a determined enemy can achieve. The explosion occurred on a road we all thought should be closed to vehicle traffic. But the bad guys did their homework and found a soft spot to exploit—that’s how they operate. It may remind some Vietnam vets of the occasional Vietcong attacks in Saigon, RVN.
War is pretty much the same that way.
As an IC who travels, works, and lives overseas, you must actively keep your guard up and maintain situational awareness—whether pulling static, mobile, or some form of PSD security work. Your head must be in the game when moving about with the local populace.
If you do feel the pucker factor peak—your decisions must be firm and fast.
As a part of a security detail, you’ll be required to perform your duties and live with the consequences. Most places that you work will have established SOPs for you to follow. Also, you should receive some intelligence as to what’s going on.
Most of the time the IC work is routine, but when it goes bad it goes quickly and with deadly results. The reason that you’re paid the big bucks is to be prepared to protect and defend those with whom you’re tasked to protect.
So the next time you hear about an incident in a war zone, know that besides the military, there are other guys out there in the mix, doing a tough job.
