Check this book out if you want to become fluent in reading body language.  This thing is informative and extremely relevant to our industry.  Most of us have had to communicate non-verbally anyways when we are out in the field.  We are constantly having to read the faces of those that we are talking with, and be expressive with our own, because we can’t understand a word they are saying.  I don’t know how many times I have had to play ’sand theater’ with some Jundis, when there was no interpreter around.  Or trying to figure out some dude I am talking with through my interpreter.  

     A couple of things to mention about this book, just to stir up some interest.  Joe mentions that the legs are one of the best indicators of non-verbal body communication.  He describes how the legs kind of follow what the limbic brain tells them.  So if a person is uncomfortable, lets say from telling a lie, then you might see that lack of comfort exhibited in their leg movements.  

     What is neat about the book, is you really get a sense of why you do certain things.  It is all built around trying to protect ourselves. We cover our face or neck with our hands, to hide or protect ourselves when we think we are being threatened.  And what is cool, is that Joe references a ton of interesting books, like Gaven de Becker’s book, ‘Gift of Fear’  to emphasize his points. Very cool stuff.  

     Probably the best story in the book, was when Joe described how he was able to read a spy with non-verbal techniques.  They had the guy read the names of all of those that he worked with, and Joe was able to pick up on when the guy’s eyes dilated and then focused on certain names.  They investigated those suspects, and low and behold, busted the spy ring wide open!  

     Overall, you will not be disappointed with this book.  It is a ‘How to’ in terms of reading body language, complete with lots of pictures.  And if you are dealing with a lot of people at a gate that do not speak english, or patrolling and observing, then this book will help you to zero in on those threats out there.  Or if you are involved with questioning someone who you think is lying, then the techniques that this book discusses will certainly help you make some determinations.  

     Matter of fact, it is actually kind of fun to observe people after reading this book, because it will open a whole new world of ‘communication through body language’ that most of us are not aware of.  -Head Jundi

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What Every BODY is Saying:  An Ex-FBI Angent’s Guide to Speed-reading People

By Joe Navarro 

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

    He says that’s his best offer. Is it?

    She says she agrees. Does she?

    The interview went great—or did it?

    He said he’d never do it again. But he did.

Read this book and send your nonverbal intelligence soaring. Joe Navarro, a former FBI counterintelligence officer and a recognized expert on nonverbal behavior, explains how to “speed-read” people: decode sentiments and behaviors, avoid hidden pitfalls, and look for deceptive behaviors. You’ll also learn how your body language can influence what your boss, family, friends, and strangers think of you. You will discover:

    * The ancient survival instincts that drive body language

    * Why the face is the least likely place to gauge a person’s true feelings

    * What thumbs, feet, and eyelids reveal about moods and motives

    * The most powerful behaviors that reveal our confidence and true sentiments

    * Simple nonverbals that instantly establish trust

    * Simple nonverbals that instantly communicate authority

Filled with examples from Navarro’s professional experience, this definitive book offers a powerful new way to navigate your world.

About the Author

For twenty-five years, Joe Navarro was an FBI counterintelligence special agent and supervisor specializing in nonverbal communications. A frequent lecturer, he serves on the adjunct faculty at Saint Leo University and the FBI.

     Could you imagine if they actually captured or killed OBL with these raids?  Politically speaking, something like that would totally help out the Bush legacy.  

     As for pissing off Pakistan?  I think the only ones mad would be the pro-Taliban and pro-Al Qaeda folks who are in pretty large numbers in Pakistan.  Obviously these groups will frame these raids as an attack on Pakistan and Islam.  

     To me, we are damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.  I tend to lean towards doing what we have to do, in order to shut down the FATA region.  That area has been a safe haven for far too long.  And to me, that safe haven equates to Coalition deaths in Afghanistan.  

     The Taliban has enjoyed way too much security and safety in that region.  They train there, get weapons there, and recruit more guys there.  It stinks, and this safe haven must be shut down in order to save lives in Afghanistan.  That is the reality.  

     The other thing that is important to note, is that now that Russia has shut down transportation routes for NATO, that Pakistan will be even more important to the war effort in Afghanistan.  So either we do nothing in Pakistan, and expect to have our logistics convoys be attacked, or we are pro-active and stick it to the Taliban and the other Islamic extremists there that certainly plan on attacking those convoys. -Head Jundi

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Pakistan raid may signal more U.S. attacks

Thu Sep 4, 2008 4:32pm BST

By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. commandos entered Pakistan this week to attack an al Qaeda target near the Afghan border in a move that could signal more intense American efforts to thwart cross-border attacks, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

The Bush administration has not officially acknowledged any involvement in the attack on Wednesday on the South Waziristan village of Angor Adda that killed up to 20 people, including women and children, according to Pakistani officials.

Pentagon officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the raid by special operations forces targeted suspected al Qaeda operatives and signalled a possible intensification of American efforts to disrupt militant safe havens in Pakistan.

In a separate incident on Thursday, a missile attack by a suspected U.S. drone killed four Islamist militants and wounded five other in nearby North Waziristan, Pakistani security officials and witnesses said.

The commando raid spawned a furious response from the Pakistan government, which opposes any action by U.S. troops on its soil. Foreign Minister Shah Memood Qureshi said it was a shameful violation of the rules of engagement.

But officials and analysts said the raid appeared to be part of an increased U.S. effort to disrupt al Qaeda and Taliban safe havens in Pakistan that are blamed for fuelling an increasingly sophisticated insurgency against U.S., NATO and Afghan forces in eastern Afghanistan.

This year, Afghanistan became a deadlier combat zone for U.S. troops than Iraq.

Militants operating along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border are believed to include al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who remains at large seven years after the September 11 attacks.

As President George W. Bush prepares to leave office in four months, both of his would-be successors — Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama — have stressed the need for Pakistan to focus on security.

VIOLENT REPRISALS

U.S. officials say Pakistan has not done enough to combat the militants despite a recent increase in Pakistani military operations that have drawn violent reprisals.

Wednesday’s raid has been described publicly as the first known incursion into Pakistan by U.S.-led troops since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

But Pentagon officials said privately the presence of U.S. troops in Pakistan marked a return to tactics used by the American military soon after the Afghanistan invasion.

In recent years, the United States has tended to limit its cross-border actions to artillery and air strikes against militants, particularly those escaping into Pakistan after carrying out attacks across the border.

U.S. concerns about the growing threat of militant attacks from bases inside Pakistan prompted top U.S. military officials including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen to meet secretly with Pakistan’s military chief last week aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean.

“The safe havens in the border regions provide launching pads for these sorts of attacks, and they need to be shut down,” Mullen later told reporters at the Pentagon.

But some analysts said U.S. military action in Pakistan could erode the credibility of the Pakistani government in the tribal regions and inadvertently help militants destabilize the nuclear-armed country.

“It would be a serious mistake to risk the destabilization of Pakistan to try and avert failure across the border in Afghanistan,” said Stephen Biddle of the Council on Foreign Relations.

“If you think the No. 1 threat to U.S. interests at the moment is al Qaeda’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon, far and away the likeliest scenario for that to happen is some sort of collapse of the Pakistani government into chaos.”

The United States and other allies are increasingly concerned about Pakistan’s stability as its new civilian government grapples with political and economic challenges.

On Wednesday, the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

U.S. special operations forces, which lead the Pentagon’s counterterrorism effort, are among 19,000 U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan under U.S. command.

A further 14,000 U.S. forces are in Afghanistan as part of NATO’s 53,000-strong International Security Assistance Force.

(Editing by David Alexander and David Storey)

Story Here

     I wanted to post this story, because it was truly inspiring.  Most of the time you hear of Military guys going back to the war zone after injuries, and those are totally motivating.  To see a guy operating over there, while wearing a prosthetic is something else to see.  It takes a certain kind of resolve to get yourself back in the game like that, and I have tons of respect for our injured troops.  And what mostly drives them, is the desire to get back with their comrades.

    But this story is a little different.  When a contractor gets injured and expresses a desire to go back to that war zone, then that is really unique.  It further emphasizes the kind of dedication that is out there, both on the Military side and Contractor side and really is motivating to read about.  And for Mr. Shah, thanks for everything you have done and sacrificed for this country and the war effort.  I also know that Mr. Shah is not alone, and that I know of other contractors that have returned back to the war zones they were injured at. -Head Jundi

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The New York Times

September 1, 2008

A Kind of Courage That’s Hard to Translate

By CARA BUCKLEY

The military translator from Queens sat beside his mother in a wheelchair in a hospital room on Manhattan’s Upper East Side on Thursday. His right leg was encased in a black boot, affixed with Velcro straps from his swollen toes to his knee. What was left of his left leg, which had been amputated at the knee, was wrapped in a snug elastic rubber stocking on which the word “stump” had been scrawled.

The man’s name is Syed Shah and he was grievously wounded in July in a bomb attack on a military convoy in Afghanistan, where he had been working as a translator for soldiers battling the Taliban. Mr. Shah is learning to walk with a prosthetic leg, though his progress is severely hindered because he cannot put any weight on his partly shattered right leg.

Yet to his family’s shock and anguish, and to his doctors’ awe, Mr. Shah is aiming to be back in Afghanistan by year’s end.

Read the rest of this entry »

     This is excellent news.  All of the hard work of the Coalition forces, Army, Marines and Iraqis have paid off.  I am  especially happy for the contractors over there that have assisted in that process.  A large portion of my time in Iraq was spent in the Anbar Province, and some good men in the industry were killed there.  All of the convoy operations and movements up and down those roads in the Anbar were certainly deadly and the industry definitely paid a price there.  And for the sake of the dead, and for the living, I am proud to see this significant victory in Iraq.  -Head Jundi

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US hands over former Sunni rebel hotspot to Iraq

RAMADI, Iraq (AFP) — Iraqi forces on Monday took control of the Sunni Anbar province, once the most explosive battlefield in Iraq, from the US military, symbolising the growing security gains in the war-torn country.

The transfer ceremony at the governate building in the provincial capital of Ramadi marked the handover of the 11th of Iraq’s 18 provinces.

Anbar, once a flashpoint of anti-American insurgency and later an Al-Qaeda stronghold, is the first Sunni province to be returned to Baghdad’s Shiite-led government.

“I would like to announce that the (Anbar) transfer from the US to Iraqi forces is done,” said Muwaffaq al-Rubaie, Iraq’s national security advisor, at the handover ceremony.

US President George W. Bush said the transfer of Anbar was a defeat for Al-Qaeda.

Read the rest of this entry »

     Wackenhut was actually a pretty good company to be with during Katrina.  As far as Gustav is concerned, it is now a Category 2 storm.  I think this storm won’t be as bad as it could have been, and we’ll see how it turns out.  Lots of companies gearing up and assembling teams right now, but I really couldn’t say what the possible length of work would be until this thing is done with.  If the levees break from all the over topping, that could be an issue.  The big one to look at is the big company infrastructure.  Think energy and financial institutions, as possible contracts for these companies.  

     But really, all sorts of scenarios could play out that would require guards.  As for looters and thugs, I think this time around we just won’t see the amount that happened during Katrina.  Nagin announced that all looters will be put into Angola Prison for detention. LOL  And I don’t think the local law enforcement will cut and run or be as overwhelmed this time around, and especially if there is no one left in town.  What made Katrina bad, was the human element, and this time around it sounds like they have cleared out the critical areas.  Of course there will always be the enterprising thugs that have remained behind to take advantage.

     The one area to be more wary of is the evacuation centers outside of the hurricane zones that are putting up thousands of displaced people.  So parts of Texas and other Gulf States that have these concentrations of evacuees could be an issue for the local guards and law enforcement there.  And that was the same deal during Katrina.  Although this time around, I am sure the security plans for these areas are top notch because Katrina is still pretty fresh in everyone’s mind.  That, and people know what to expect out of the process.  - Head Jundi 

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Armed Security Officer - Emergency Relief Services  

Wackenhut Services Inc

Job Description

Wackenhut Services, Inc., a premier provider of protective service forces to the US Government, has immediate openings for Armed Security Officers to work to support emergency relief efforts in the regions of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Compensation for all officers will be in accordance with the applicable wage determination for the area the Officer is assigned plus the applicable Health and Welfare allowance.

EOE M/F/D/V

Requirements:

Minimum qualifications include:

-Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

-US citizen

-High School diploma or GED equivalent

-A minimum of 3 years current or prior security or military experience

-Proficient with use of firearm/handgun

-Able to be firearm certified

-Must have valid state/city/county firearms permit

-Meet all state certifications

-Must be CPR and First Aid certified

-Proficient in English (written and spoken)

Please email resume to: hr@wsihq.com  

or fax to: (561) 472-3695 or mail to:

Wackenhut Services, Inc.

Attention: HR Armed Security Officer Position

7121 Fairway Drive, Suite 301

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

A benefit package may or may not be available. Request specific information from the employer.

     As this develops, it is important to track the path of this thing.  You can follow the NOAA or you can do that, and read what the weather nerds/bloggers have to say.  Getting the basic information is one thing, but getting the correct analysis of this information is a little tougher.  It is a prediction game and to have a consensus amongst the experts is far better that just paying attention to one source.  That’s of course if you have the time.  So here are a few of the blogs out there that cover weather events like this.  

     One interesting thing about all of this is the oil threat. If these hurricanes screw with oil and gas production, and Russia cuts off the oil and gas in their neck of the woods because of events in Georgia, we could see a huge uptick in Gas prices.  I have been hearing 5 dollars plus here in the US, just with the hurricane stuff.  I am sure in Europe it will be even higher.  

     Also, if any of you guys are deploying as a security specialist for this hurricane, feel free to contact me about any questions for this kind of work.  I worked for FEMA back in 2004 for that hurricane season and I also worked as a security specialist in 2005 during hurricane Katrina. One bit of advice is to wash your hands before eating anything and stay out of the water as much as possible.  Bring several pairs of waders, because chemicals in the water could easily destroy your waders. Bring filtration stuff and do not trust the tap water–drink bottled water only!  Cabelas sell waders for about sixty dollars.  And please be cool with the local residents.  The last thing we need are guys doing stupid things in NOLA and giving security contractors a bad name.  When I was there, it was one of my main priorities to connect with the locals and let them know why we were there and what we were all about. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Team Member

The responsibility of the ERT Member is to provide security guarding and support services at the assigned facility. The primary responsibility of the ERT Member will be to secure the facility perimeter, but may include other duties and responsibilities.

In order to provide this service, the ERT Member must maintain a state of readiness in anticipation of being deployed on short notice. The ERT Member will ensure that updated contact information is provided to the GSA Corporate Office at all times. The ERT Member will ensure that he/she is able to respond and deploy on short notice by having equipment and personal effects ready at all times.

Team Leader

The responsibility of the ERT Team Leader is to liaise with the GSA ERT Duty Officer, the GSA Client Point of Contact and to oversee the deployment and activities of the ERT Team Members assigned to him/her. The ERT will primarily be deployed to provide additional support in securing the perimeter of the assigned facility, but may include other duties and responsibilities.

In order to provide this service, the ERT Team Leader must maintain a state of readiness in anticipation of being deployed on short notice. The ERT Team Leader will ensure that updated contact information is provided to the GSA Corporate Office at all times. The ERT Team Leader will ensure that he/she is able to respond and deploy on short notice by having equipment and personal effects ready at all times.

Apply Here

August 28, 2008

HURRICANE RESPONSE HAS BEEN ACTIVATED AS OF 1200hrs

If you are planning on deploying to the area, please send an e-mail to info@retiredlawman.com or call either 225-302-3198 or 225-288-6115 so that we can plan for your arrival.

The In-Processing Center will not open until 1200hrs (NOON) on Friday August 28th, 2008. Please plan your arrival accordingly.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (3x Copies of Each):  

- Firearms certification w/i the last year

- Current POST Training w/i the last year

- Any training certificates

- DD-214 (if available)

- Social Security Card

- Unexpired Driver’s License or passport

- Immunizations Records (if available)

UNIFORMS & FIREARMS

- 5.11 or Khaki’s

- You may bring your duty belt, we will be issuing them if needed

- Weapons will be issued as necessary, personal firearms are not allowed

- Firearms training will be provided, if necessary, as part of in-processing

PAY RATE IS $300 per 12 Hour day. 

The In-Processing staging area is at the reception hall located at Frank’s Restaurant, 17425 Airline Hwy, Prairieville, LA.  70769.  Directions to this location from Baton Rouge, LA are southbound hwy 61Airline Hwy from Interstate 12, approximately 10 miles.  The restaurant and reception hall are located on the west side of Hwy 61.

Apply Here 

Security for Hurricane Gustav

Blackwater is compiling a list of qualified security personnel for possible deployment into areas affected by Hurricane Gustav.Applicants must meet all items listed under the respective Officer posting and be US citizens. Contract length is TBD.

Law Enforcement Officers (all criteria must apply)

1. 1. Current sworn [may be full time, part time or reserve]

1. 2. With arrest powers

1. 3. Armed status (must indicate Armed and/or Semi Auto. Revolver only not accepted)

2. expiration must be greater than 60 days out

1. 4. Departmental credentials (not just a badge)

Armed Security Officers (all criteria must apply)

Only from the following states: OR, WA, CA, NV, NM, AZ, TX, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, IL, OK

1. 1. Current/active/licensed/registered armed security officer

1. 2. All training verification [unarmed and armed certificates of completion]

1. 3. Current state issued face card indicting armed status [expiration must be greater than 60 days out]

Applicants will be required to provide an electronic copy of the above required credentials/documents, recent photo withinthe last six months with response to this AD prior to consideration for deployment.

Personnel who meet the above qualifications and are interested, please send resumes and files to: 25505@blackwaterusa2.hrmdirect.com

This is not good.  This is heading straight for New Orleans and it is supposed to be Category 3. No word yet from companies like Blackwater, but I am sure the planners are ramping up.  I haven’t seen anything on the forums either.  -Head Jundi