SECURITY MANAGEMENT

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

[Student name]

Abstract

This research subject is very close to my heart having many friends that have died whilst carrying out duties in both the Military and commercial world. Whist researching the answer to the question, in hostile environments, Mobile Security Vehicles are prone to hostile action. How can the effects of such attacks be mitigated or avoided? This brought about some very interesting facts; these are worthy of taking note, for all Private security (Security) Companies working in hostile environments and PSCs working in the rest of the world. The research began a little over 18 months ago, whist working in Iraq I stared to collate information on why PSCs were being “hit”. The feature that kept appearing was that most, if not all employ Toyota land cruisers or variants in convoys of three vehicles and drove aggressively, loosing the hearts and minds of the local population and making them a stand out target for insurgents. Therefore, I set about looking for a solution to this; I found that as far as technology is concerned the vehicles have most modern day attachments fitted which in theory mitigates the effects of an attack. Still the PSC are targets and running the gauntlet every day taking clients from A to B, under the impression that they are invincible.

This research combined with a survey/questionnaire has brought about a very basic and logical conclusion, which in military terms this commonly called “camouflage” or blending in with your surroundings. The use of low profile vehicles combined with the same protection and security to mitigate the effects of an attack is the solution, with consideration to other factors. This disguise complemented with planning factors constitutes the fleet of vehicles as a less vociferous target.

Acknowledgements

Office of the British Embassy, Basra: (Dec 2009) The Overseas Security Manager, (OSM), provided invaluable support in allowing one, access to, and references from, “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO), Security Standing Orders”, as well as offering, assistance in providing invaluable information for this study. Big Mike, for allowing me access to future intensions of the style and make up of the FCO fleet. The Interpreter's from the Provisional Reconstruction Team, (PRT) who knowledge on criminal matters in and around Basra has aided with the development of this study.

Control Risks, Basra (HMG) (Dec 2009) The Operations Manager's, (OM) The Team Leader (TL) and Team Members (TM) who's years of security experience in hostile environments ameliorated the way to a varied opportunity in learning and research. (January 2009 became employees of Garda World).

Control Risks, Basra (Commercial) (April 2010) The Fleet Manager's, (FM) The Regional Manager South (RM South), Intelligence Annalist and Team Members (TM) who's have put up with my questioning and interviewing. With out the help of the men on the ground a lot of this research would not have taken place.

Control Risks, Basra (Training Team) (April 2010) the Training Manager, (Stan and Mohammed) who allowed me access to the Local national work force to ascertain their views on ...