PMCI - October 2014

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Blue Force
Gear Plate Minus 2
T
his plate carrier has been in our
grubby mitts now for around two
months and I have used it around
the streets of Karbul and what a
difference the new plate minus
has made to my working day! The
Version 1 was good but I am loving
the Verson 2 and right from
the start you can tell it’s been
made with Operators in mind.
The shoulder straps are thin
enough that you don’t feel like
you are wearing anything and like the rest of the rig’s
material, you know that it’s lightweight and strong. Like
the old version this one has the same Molle system and
if (like me) you are used to standard systems, you will
think it looks a bit strange but after a while you can see
that it makes sense to cut down on material and weight.
The sides come with the cummerbund already attached, so
you don’t have to shell out more dosh and like the rest of the rigs
from Blue Force it’s got velcro fastening - again good quality
and will last you as long as you have the rig.
I have had a few different rigs in my time and this fits better
than most and it’s very comfortable for a full day’s work. It sits
high enough so it’s not sitting on your knee when you’re in a
vehicle and the sides don’t cut in to you.
I am not going to go in the full specs of the rig as you can
get them off the website from Blue Force Gear but it’s been cut
right and has everything you need for a good rig. I am a large
in most things in life and got a large Plate Minus and the fit is
spot on. One thing though, if you are a kit monster like me you
will have to get the pouches from Blue Force as well as they
don’t look right if you mix and match but I didn’t care as I need
everything new anyway. My hard plates fitted straight in and
there is even room in this rig for side
plates to all be 6x6.
All in all a good rig that will not let
you down and 3 months down the line
you will not be thinking “I wish I bought
then other one!”
4

Soloman Speed Cross
Ihave had these Cross Trainers for a couple of years now
and they have never let me down. I was a bit sceptical
at first about the difference between them and using a
shoe for the specific task that I was doing and going for
a cross shoe.
At first glance they look like any other trainer out
there but you quickly spot the differences, like the tread
which you can see it is good for not collecting a lot of
mud in damp conditions and making the shoe heavy underfoot.
The lacing system is pretty unique to Salomon,
it’s a good tight fit and a lot easier to undo and put on - so
it’s a thumbs up for the lacing system as well.
The makeup of the materials of the shoe have not been spared
either. It’s lightweight and if you do end up running in a damp environment
then yes, they do let a lot of water
in and your feet get wet - but they also dry
out very fast.
I have a wide foot and a high instep and
the Speed Cross 3 takes both of these problems
in its stride (no pun intended) and you
get the full support that you would expect
from a fuller shoe.
If you like to do a lot of outdoor challenges
and you work in hostile environments,
then you will not go wrong with this type of
shoe. They last a long time and are worth the
investment. One downside though, is if you
have a heavy foot and are prone to wearing
the tread down on shoes, then you will go
through a few pairs.
Salomon are constantly making improvements
to the shoe so watch this space for the
military versions coming out.
Pelican Case 1510 LOC
I
f you are looking for a case that will last you years
then look no further the PeliCase. It is the number
one case in the world and 1510 LOC makes for
a good cabin case. I’ve used this now on a few
flights and never had a problem with getting it
in the overhead lockers on the plane.
The case its self is made to the highest standards,
as you would expect from Peli and from
the outside it looks no different from many of
the other cases they make (apart from having a
handle for easy walks around some of the ever
growing size airports out there). The case is
made from strong polymer and has two securing buckles
for keeping it shut - they can be a bit hard to lock but that
says the case is air tight.
The difference with this case is on the inside; it has
handy compartments for all your kit - in the lid you have
two compartments, one large which will hold up to a 15
inch laptop and the other is for your power cable and it all
fits nice and neat.
The other side is the deep-sided. There is one large
compartment and this can be used for clothes and a few
larger things like camera and chargers. You can fit a wash
kit and one change of clothes in there and a pair of shoes
but that’s it. Well, it is a cabin case.
Wrapped up in the same strong shock proof rubber lining
and once closed its going to take a lot for anything to get
damaged inside. It’s airtight and waterproof so if like me you
have around $3000 worth of kit in your case, you be assured
it is safe and sound which, for around $200 is well worth it.

Desperate Glory
by Sam Kiley
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC / RRP: £7.99 (paperback)
Kris Roberts reviews award-winning journalist Sam
Kiley’s book about his time in Helmand with Britain’s
16 Air Assault Brigade
had been looking for a book detailing the British experience
Iof the current conflict in Afghanistan for some
time. For some unknown reason, most of the
books I’ve read these past few months have
focused on the American point of view and I
was eager to re-dress the balance and bring my
attention back to Blighty. I’d a copy of Desperate
Glory sitting on my shelf for nearly a year,
so I decided that this was the perfect time to
dust it off and give it a go.
Sam Kiley is an award-winning journalist
who, over a twenty year career, has covered
conflicts around the world, including Somalia,
Rwanda and Sierra Leone to name a few. With
such a track record he was perfectly suited to
follow the 16 Air Assault Brigade into Helmand Province for
a six month tour. A tour which would take him to the front lines
of a vicious and ruthless combat zone.
Kiley was granted unprecedented access to all ranks,
from the Brigadier in command down to the Rifleman on the
ground. As such he was able to offer a broad view of the situation
that faces our troops on a daily basis, and the demands
that are placed on them not only from the enemy, but from a
government thousands of miles away.
“I’ll freely admit that I was in bits
reading about the Corporal who
kept talking to his dead friend as
he dragged his lifeless body along
a drainage ditch and away from
enemy fire”
As a witness to the war rather than a participant, Kiley is able to
provide the reader with a larger canvas to view than the one offered
by a firsthand personal account. Because of this he can cover different
events and details and combine them as a whole, so that what we are
left with is not only a bigger picture, but a deeper perspective. What
with him being in a position to observe soldiers in action, from aggressive
patrols into enemy areas, the static defence of Forward Operating
Bases, and the large scale convoys that are used to bring supplies, Kiley
gathers together a wealth of information and experience from various
fighting men and women.
The fighting itself takes centre stage throughout the book, and
Kiley doesn’t shy away from highlighting the brutal reality and extreme
violence that takes place. We are introduced to the soldiers, listen to
their stories and opinions as the author interviews them, and then read
in horror as some are killed in action just a few days later.
Kiley manages to deal with the matter of fact issue of life and
death in a balanced and compassionate manner, taking time to show
the emotional and psychological effects that the war has on the troops.
I’ll freely admit that I was in bits reading about the Corporal who kept
talking to his dead friend as he dragged his lifeless body along a drainage
ditch and away from enemy fire.
What becomes really apparent as the book moves on are the
restrictions placed on the troops that, while serving to placate the general
public back home in the UK, are nothing short of tactical lunacy.
I appreciate the need for political consideration and that hearts and
minds must be won at home as well as among the local population but
for the soldier on the ground, whose life is at risk, the frustration must
be unbearable, and Kiley does well to show these frustrations from a
fighting man’s point of view.
Gripping, thrilling, insightful and often heart-wrenching, Desperate
Glory manages to show the horrific nature of war and how, despite
the odds, remarkable men and women thrive and excel themselves
in the most adverse of human endeavours. A must read for anyone
looking to further their understanding of what modern warfare entails.
6

LIFESTYLE
COMMS & TIME
The LEVEL 7 is lightweight winter jacket
which provides insulation and protection
against frost, wind and light showers.
Climashield® Apex provides thermal
insulation and ultimate warmth. Two
chest pockets are lined with fleece to
provide protection against frostbite.
The hood can be easily adjusted without
removing hands from the chest pockets via
two drawstrings located there.
Climashield® Apex insulation
(grammage: 100g body; 67g hood).
31

Garmin Fenix
The Fenix has been around for
a while now but Garmin are
releasing a military version all
in black with a few upgrades. I
have had the Fenix for around
three months now and I can say
that I am converted it’s a GPS
and a watch all thrown in to one
which saves me a hell of a lot of
space, time and batteries.
The watch is charged up
by USB from the mains or a laptop and a full charge
in watch mode can last up to 4 weeks when used in
conjunction with the GPS at times for things like
grid references it knocks it down to around 2 weeks
depending on how you use it but saying that all you
do is put it on charge over night at the end of the
week and its charged again ready to go.
The functions of the watch do take abit of getting
your head around and the logic if not used to this type
of device can get you a bit worked up but once you
have got it then your set up. It has different ways of
displaying the time and date to suit preference and
you can set it up in different modes i.e. Mountaineering
and so on. You will need to have a play around
with to find out which one best suits your needs but
Mountaineering is the one I have put it on as it allows
me to be able to have a one button press to get the
grid up on screen. It has the normal stop watch function
time and date and compass, the best bit though
is the GPS if like me you have had a watch and a
decent one at that and a gps in your pocket of grab
bag well this combines the two in one and the gps
is very quick and very accurate. You can turn it on
and off while leaving the watch function still active.
When the GPS is on I have no problems in obtaining
a gps signal while inside a B6 armoured vehicle
and not with my are up against the windscreen it
gets while just sat in the car normally and it finds the satellites
very quickly. You can set up which gps screens you want to
see just like you do on a handheld and which order you want
to see them in then it’s a simple case of just pressing the up or
down buttons on the right hand side of the watch which makes
it very simple indeed. I have mine set up for Afghanistan with
the MGRS Grid system and the right datum’s and the screen
is big enough unless you wear jam jars to be able to read it off
the screen very well.
Maps can be found on the internet for the Fenix but I would
advise to do some of your own testing first and load the maps
on one by one as it can slow the watch down to a crawl and
the more way points you put the worse it gets but just for a
normal map say of Kabul of Kandahar will be just fine and you
will get the roads up on the screen, it’s not a TomTom by any
stretch of the imagination but it’s not supposed to be but you
do get basic maps on it and way points but who needs that out
there in this roll I don’t know, it’s the grid reference to hand
or wrist in this case that matters and it will get you as close a
grid reference then any GPS out there on the market. I good
kit bag buy this watch you will not go wrong with it. For more
info see Garmin’s website and for prices shop around abit I got
mine for a very good price.
8

SurfacePro 3
L
aptops and tablets play a major role in the job
we do today, they are a means of communicating
with home and a place to order kit. If
like me you have gone through a few laptops
in your time working away, you must be sick
and tired by all the new models that come out
on a regular basis.
Out now is the new Microsoft Surface
Pro 3 which combines a tablet and a Windows
laptop. We have had one for a few weeks now
and all I can say is its very impressive.
Until now a tablet has been very limited and you have
not been able to do what you to with a normal laptop. Until
the MS Pro 3. It’s a 12 inch tablet which, when combined
with a keyboard, turns in to a fully functioning laptop. The
tablet itself does not come with a keyboard and we would
recommend the Microsoft keyboard that’s made for the
Surface. It’s a bit pricey but worth it and works very well.
On the tablet you will find a USB 3 port and a Micro
SD card slot; not the world’s gratest amount of ports but it
just about does for what you will need when working away.
Starting up the machine (either in tablet form or laptop)
it boots really fast with the 8 GB of RAM onboard
and Windows 8.1, then you are into normal Windows like
before. With a built in webcam and headphone socket it
makes for an all-round machine… Just what we have been
waiting for!
It comes with Microsoft Office already installed so
there is no need to buy and that’s a plus. Prices are still a
bit steep but they should come down in time, like every
new laptop that comes out. We don’t think you will go
wrong with this little work horse.
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10
By Steve Barret

On July 2 nd 2013 at 04:30am Taliban attacked
the compound in which myself
and my colleagues live in and this is
my point of view of the events as they
happened. If someone reading this
knows of other details I have omitted
I apologise.
The night before the attack happened
our PM (Project Manager)
bought us all pizza and soda drinks
as a “Thank you” for a good rotation,
as he was due out the next morning on his leave. He also
encouraged us to be extra vigilant whilst he was gone due
to the fact we had seen several different people dicking
(watching) our movements in and out of our base location.
After sitting with the full team and with banter flowing
really well, we decided to
call it a night, at which
point we dispersed back to
our rooms in two different
accommodation blocks
to do whatever it was we
needed to do. I went away
and phoned my wife and
children and then went
to bed.
At 04:30hrs I was woken
by a massive blast
and it took me a couple
seconds to realise what
happened. At the time,
I thought it was an IDF
rocket or mortar attack as
Having practiced this drill many
times there was no need to ask
for orders or look to see if the
other people were doing their
jobs correctly, so leaving my
colleagues to tend to the clients I
moved forward to the exit door to
get eyes on the area outside.
I had woken up and seen my window fly across the
room and smash into the wall next to my bed. The
roof tiles came falling around me, everything was
smashed and glass and kit lay everywhere with dust
filling the air outside and inside the building.
Hurrying to get all of my kit on, I remember I
could not find my trousers (which would have been
embarrassing had I gone without them), so I grabbed
a baggy pair of shorts - which was certainly not ideal
but I had no time as rounds where already being fired
at close quarters to my position. Once kitted up and
ready I moved to my room door and opened it a crack
to get eyes on down the corridor. I saw a colleague
doing the same drills as myself across the corridor,
we both had no idea what had happened however
the attack alarm was sounding. I think the explosion
and two way range
said it all.
Having practiced
this drill many times
there was no need
to ask for orders or
look to see if the other
people were doing
their jobs correctly,
so leaving my colleagues
to tend to the
clients I moved forward
to the exit door
to get eyes on the area
outside. Once my colleague
had the clients
in place and ready to

move we moved out to secure the bunker for them,
then we signaled to the lads to bring the clients
forward to the bunker. Once all our clients were in
position and we had moved out to positions around
the area of the bunkers to lock the place down, we
were then faced with dealing with various casualties
coming to our location in different states of shock and
a range of injuries. These people were pushed back to
our medic who was doing a sterling job dealing with
all these people.
At the same time this was happening our second
block (where the rest of our clients and rest of our Protection
team lived) was going through the same drills
and once everyone was in place and all clients had been
checked for injuries and a roll call had been taken, our
PM started cutting about putting his own mind at ease
that everyone was where they were meant to be.
Information starting filtering through to our
position via different means that our perimeter had
been breached by a very large VBIED (Vehicle Born
Improvised Explosive Device) and two insurgents
had made it through the breach. They were running
around that area throwing grenades and causing as
much death and destruction as possible. The QRF had
split into two flanking teams and while the insurgents
were being held in that area by a heavy rate of fire by
other security personnel, they moved around outside the
insurgent’s field of view allowing the lads to engage
from multiple positions.
We had to deal with some requests that I personally
had not thought of i.e. escorting clients to a safe area
so they could relieve themselves in relative privacy.
Also one of the main requests was to find the client’s
phones, which had been lost in the confusion, so they
could inform the necessary people (and loved ones)
as this incident was already on the news and we were
stuck in the middle of it.
One of the lads then pointed out that there were
a few body parts lying around the area and we had to
make sure the clients where not exposed to this, as there
was no need to make it worse for them than it already
was. Whilst all this was happening there was a heavy
fire fight going on where the Camp QRF and spate
Security personnel where being engaged by further
insurgents outside of the camp perimeter. Two of our
lads moved forward to the edge of the closest building
to check the state of the lads defending the wall, as the
wall had been breached over a section roughly 40 meters long,
up to the tower that separated that area from our blocks (which
was very lucky for us). As soon as they looked around the corner
they were greeted with a burst of heavy machine gun fire.
I must reiterate at this point, that the firefight between our blue
forces and the insurgents that had not managed to get through
the breach was still going strong.
Our PM then made the decision to pull all of our clients and
security team back to the rear bunker, situated about 40 meters
further back from the first bunker and, as practiced, we fanned
out to form a secure perimeter for them to move. When we were
all positioned some of the lads started escorted the clients back
and our PM oversaw the movement.
Once every one was counted into the bunker and a new
perimeter was pushed out we could reevaluate our situation
and position. At this point we were informed of some of the
fatalities that had fallen in the initial explosion and immediate
attack thereafter. Some known to us better than others but there
was still a great sorrow felt by all and I am sure their memory
will live on with us.
All the while we were making sure the clients where as
happy as could be and a constant supply of cigarettes and water
was main sought-after thing.
It was now roughly 08:00hrs and the external fire fight had
come to a close. The QRF teams started the sweep of every
single inch of camp and buildings to ensure that all threats had
been terminated within our camp.
We then had two teams of lads detach from the bunker
defense to do our own room to room clearance in our blocks.
Once every single room had been cleared and the QRF had
given the all clear after dealing with the two insurgents inside the
perimeter, everyone was called forward to the area designated
for the US Military QRF call sign for another casualty check.
There was also a Chaplain here who was consoling people who
needed help dealing with everything they had just been through
and witnessed.
Given the threat of a secondary device with so many people
in one area straight after an incident of this size, we pulled back
to our block areas and after making sure everyone was OK we
pooled our resources and everyone donated for a makeshift
breakfast outside. I must say mine consisted mainly of smokes
and coffee and after we had eaten we carried supplies to the lads
who had manned the breach in the wall throughout this incident.
I would like to take this opportunity to hit home the point
that had it not been for the quick reactions of all persons involved
and the training carried out to react to such an incident, the end
result could have been vastly different and much worse.
12

Business or holiday travel
has never been easier, or
more dangerous.
By Ben Hockman
Colombia based security expert and consultant for a leading global risk management firm, Ben
Hockman, shows how staying safe is all a matter of being smart
I
have got off plenty of planes in
hotspots around the world, particularly
in Latin and Central America
and I never feel quite as uneasy as I
do in Caracas.
The sultry Venezuelan Capital is
a witches’ brew of simmering apathy,
chaos, resentment and exhaustion,
making it one of the world’s most
dangerous cities, with an estimated
murder rate of 122 in every 100,000
citizens. Like so many far-flung destinations,
it´s actually a beautiful city.
Mountainous, near the sea and sunny all year round. Not
that I ever have any time to enjoy it!
Every business traveller has their own “Caracas”; that
particular corner of the world that you know reasonably
well and yet where the feeling of uneasiness that hits when
you touch down never leaves you.
The endless search for alpha takes business into ever
more obscure, dangerous reaches of the planet, where the
lure of a first-mover advantage can outweigh concerns for
personal safety. Cheaper air travel has also never made it
easier to hop on a plane to close a deal and spending on
business travel will rise about seven per cent this year, to
roughly USD1.18 trillion, according to the Global Business
14

Travel Association. Likewise, holiday
destinations have become ever more
exotic as couples and families seek to
escape the crowds and find themselves
that unforgettable pearl not yet “spoiled”
by the mass market.
Pandering to this, too often the economists will package
countries as “emerging” or “frontier markets” and Travel
Agents will coo over yet another palm-fringed paradise,
with no indication of the civil and societal challenges these
destinations face; their huge imbalances of wealth, high
unemployment and disillusioned youth, embedded corruption
and maladministration, the lack of transport and health
infrastructure. All those factors that make visiting them not
simply challenging, but potentially hazardous. That is where
people like me come in.
In an ideal world, we are employed to ensure problems
The endless search for alpha
takes business into ever more
obscure, dangerous reaches
of the planet, where the lure
of a first-mover advantage
can outweigh concerns for
personal safety.
never arise. In this world, we are sadly too often employed
once things have already gone beyond the point of no return.
In the first half of this year alone, risk management firms
have assisted hundreds of clients in crisis situations, from
Latin and Central America to Africa, the Ukraine and
the Middle East. Civil unrest in Venezuela; tourist
attacks in Kenya; foreign missions evacuating from
Libya; separatism in the Ukraine; indiscriminate
violence in Israel and Gaza; a coup in Thailand;
street protests in Hong Kong; drug-related violence
in Mexico; an Ebola virus in west Africa… As well
as the catastrophic impact on local populations, these
events in the past few months have caused a series of
knock-on risk management related issues for thousands
of foreign tourists and expatriate personnel.
Apart from direct physical risk, being on the ground
increases the chances of cancellation of flights and
legally questionable detention.
Yet the world keeps on turning and you have to
keep on travelling further afield. China is likely to
surpass the United States in business travel spending
by 2016. In such an interconnected world, it is essential
not to leave your trip planning to somebody
else. You have to be involved in how you are going
to manage your own and your family’s safety. The
purpose of this article is to try and provide a few
things to think about before you leave, so that you
don’t ever have to face a worst-case scenario when
you’re abroad.
Logistics
Just like the Private Equity industry, think in
terms of “exits”. If you know your route into a country,
you should plan your route out simultaneously
and give yourself plenty of backup exits and means
of transport, if the primary route fails.
Do your homework before you travel and make
your baseline the advice of your Foreign Ministry,
which will likely have a presence on the ground.
Understand the kind of terrain you will be travelling
to and through; the tragic loss of MH017 is a harsh
reminder that even the skies are not secure. Check
the safety record of the airline you are travelling with
and the route it will fly. What is the age of its fleet,
for example?

If you are travelling with
a Security Detail, will they understand
the operating environment
at your destination and act
within it? You have every right
to challenge every single one of
their assumptions, until you are
happy with their approach.
A businessman friend of
mine recently travelled to Lagos
and after shopping around,
he eschewed the high-profile
(and expensive) armed police,
screaming-siren escort usually
offered to visiting executives
and opted instead for a single expat
Nigerian, who lived outside
the country but knew
the operating environment
perfectly.
The guy was not allowed
by local law
to carry a weapon
but compensated for
this with a low-key
approach and ability
to sniff out trouble
before it happened.
A pre-trip planning
meeting in Europe,
to run through all
routes and meeting
locations so that they
could be reconnoitred
in advance, gave
added confidence to the client
during the operation and the individual
gained his trust quicker
than a local operator would have
done if he had only been meeting
them for the first time on getting
off the plane.
Establish primary, secondary
and tertiary routes wherever
possible for all ground transportation
during your visit (on
one operation in the US I had
to rely on a sixth choice evacuation
route!). Ensure that any
particular security hotspots and
support points, such as Hospitals
and Police Stations, have been
identified in advance on all your routes. Finally, don’t be so naïve as to think that a
Security Detail will solve all your problems and that you can switch off. One of the
major findings to come out of Statoil’s investigation into the In Amenas Refinery
attack in Algeria, was the asset’s over-reliance on local military and not enough
attention paid to strong management processes and systems, training within the
company and intelligence-sharing with other international bodies.
Communications
Efficient communications are not only vital during the planning and realisation
of any trip but also in your ability to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
Calling for help is arguably the single most important thing you can do in a crisis;
newspapers love stories of family members being able to effect dramatic rescues of
loved ones, once notified of their distress by Facebook, Twitter or SMS from a remote
location. On the flip side, when communications fail the results can be disastrous.
Following a shooting spree at Los Angeles International Airport in late 2013,
what hindered first responders
was not knowing which
Efficient communications are not
only vital during the planning and
realisation of any trip but also in
your ability to respond effectively
in the event of an emergency.
Calling for help is arguably the
single most important thing you
can do in a crisis.
Terminal the firing was coming
from. The phone system
and some panic buttons inside
Terminal 3 were not
working properly and the
first call to airport police was
not completed because the
caller ran for safety before
they could say exactly where
they were (and the phone
system itself could not track
where the call came from).
Many of us will simply
be relying on our cell phones
but a spare, portable, fully
charged phone is the least
you might want to include. If you know your destination, identify any cell or other
data black spots in the area you are visiting and make sure you have a backup plan
if your cell phone fails to function effectively when you reach where you are going.
Before you leave, establish agreed communication procedures with your office
or your family back home. These do not need to be complicated – simply a promise
to text or call at a prearranged time. Furthermore, brief them on what to do if they
do not hear from you. Not always a nice conversation to have, but essential.
In remote, high-risk locations, you will probably be using satellite communications
rather than GPRS but you need to have a plan for what happens if your phone
is taken off you. Make sure that whoever is sending you has the ability to continually
track your whereabouts. A range of easily affordable, commercially-available and
unobtrusive personal tracking devices are now on the market, enabling data to be sent
over GPRS and satellite networks to trusted contacts. On one particularly risky job, I
spent three days with a tracker wedged into a fairly intimate part of my anatomy. I´m
sure its location didn´t facilitate the signal but it was the only option! I’m not saying
that you should go that far but you could consider putting a small tracker into an item
of clothing or luggage when working in or travelling to hostile environments.
16

Personal Security
When I read about the tragic death of Venezuelan
beauty queen Monica Spear and her British ex-husband
Thomas Berry, in January 2014, I felt physically sick. It
was a tragic example of being in the wrong place at the
wrong time and underlined the vulnerability that travellers
face, even when they know the local terrain well.
I had travelled that road myself - an eight-hour ribbon
of danger linking Caracas with Punto Fijo - on numerous
occasions, always with an armoured vehicle and
driver. The road was notoriously bad, dotted with crime
hotspots and slums on either side. At night, the risk of
violent assault increased and so did the danger of wild
boars and cows wandering into the path of fast-moving
cars. Worst of all, the 3G signal regularly dropped. I did
that journey out of obligation, with all other transport
options exhausted.
Some aspects of a trip you may have relatively little
control over but the one thing you are in charge of is
your own conduct and you should always be thinking
how to decrease the risk of being singled out as a target.
Leave the Guidebook in the hotel if you are heading to
an unknown area – tear out or print maps and other pages
that you think you may need. When out and about in
urban environments, think about your positioning on the
street (not too close to the curb, but not hugging buildings
either). Try and minimise conspicuous displays of
wealth: Do you really need to take that chunky Rolex
out with you, or can it be left at home in favour of a less
showy timepiece, such as a good old Casio Mark I? And
don’t overindulge in a public place that you will need to
navigate your way home from.
If trouble arrives, don´t be a hero. A football pundit
at Brazil’s World Cup found himself haring down the
street after a petty criminal although given the level of
gun crime in Sao Paulo, I can’t endorse this course of
action. Reaction, or self-defence, arguably encourages
reaction as opposed to prevention. In contrast, when I
was held up at knifepoint in Bogota I gave my mugger
exactly what he wanted, mainly to get him away from
my wife. This included my passport, three days before I
was due to fly home to see my family for the first time
in more than a year. While a passport is replaceable, no
matter how annoying the bureaucracy may be, a perforated
stomach is not.
Whoever you are and whatever your background
and experience, understand the law as it relates to selfdefence
in the country you´re visiting. Consider attending
a workshop in the basics of personal security awareness.
If you are working for a large corporate in a part of the
world, such as Venezuela or Russia, where the state and
business interests are intertwined, you might want to
think about switching it up a notch and understand how
18

to spot basic surveillance and strategies to counter it. Having spent
time on protective security details in parts of Central and Latin
America knowing that you are being watched and that one false
move could cause problems, is not a pleasant feeling but one I
would rather know about in advance than not.
Think about your digital footprint in a world where cybertheft
and illicit exchange of personal information is becoming the
fastest-growing criminal frontier. Consider how you make your
travel reservations, how you pay for them, what information you
include on your lost luggage labels. Limit, as far as is possible,
the amount of details you either actively or passively divulge to
third parties, as you never know where they may end up. You
should actively engage with the local community, of course, but
beware of persistent requests for personal details or patterns of
behaviour. They are most likely completely innocent but can
equally be easily deflected to minimise risk. Finally, never, ever
travel by road at night through known trouble spots, unless no
other options are open to you.
Emergency
Response Procedures
In the unlikely event all your planning fails you, it will be
vital to devise an emergency response plan that ensures that the
unexpected has already been planned for. Your response plan
should consider, first and foremost, communications and healthcare.
Part of the reason I feel safer when at the office in Bogotá is
not because it is intrinsically any less dangerous that other places
in Latin America but because I know where the 3G network functions
(and where the blackspots are), I know where the Hospitals
are located, which ones have advanced trauma facilities and how
long it´s going to take me to get to them. That is some reassurance
in an unpredictable operating environment.
“Crisis Management” may sound excessive but you have to
go down the road of contingency planning, no matter how innocent
your trip may appear. For a business, a crisis management
team would be made up of senior individuals from various areas
of the business (a Board Director, Head of Security, HR, various
specialists). For a family holiday, your “team” would be your
family back home, who know where you are and know what is
expected of them in the event there is a crisis while you´re away.
Families can be left with detailed lists of instructions, emergency
procedures and contact numbers. A professional crisis management
team should have formalised procedures and receive regular
training, including red-teaming a variety of scenarios. The first
twelve hours following any crisis are critical, and knowing what
actions you will take is essential.
Evacuation Planning
At the extreme end, evacuation might be called upon
in the event of anything ranging from a medical emergency
to a military coup. However, “evacuation” could also involve
safely leaving a vessel. Do not assume that people
in positions of authority will give you the right advice, or
will have practiced drills for the kind of crisis situation
you are facing. The evacuation of the Sewol ferry off the
coast of South Korea in April 2014 was badly botched by
senior officials, who failed to recognise the scale of the
problem. The Captain of the Costa Concordia, rather than
manage the orderly and safe exit of passengers from his
ship, decided to leave them to their own fate in the waters
of the Mediterranean while he fled the scene.
During the recent unrest in Venezuela, I supported
various clients in building safe rooms and creating country
evacuation plans by land, sea and air. One of the scenarios
we had to consider was a military shutdown of ports and
land borders, as well as the refusal to allow aircraft to
refuel. If this had materialised, with no easy route out,
the recommended course of action may well have been
be to “hunker down” rather than attempt evacuation immediately.
If you decide to stay put, you need to be secure and
have access to some sort of safe room, with its own internal
locking system and multiple modes of communication. It
needs to be well-stocked with non-perishable food and
bottled water and you will need to keep with you copies
of all your relevant travel documents, visas, and tickets,
for the moment you decide to leave. Having reviewed the
residences of some extremely high net-worth clients to
check their safety, I am always surprised by how frequently
such easy, positive, security measures are overlooked.
I have two final pieces of advice.
First, in spite of any training course you have ever
been on, no matter how much advice has been thrown at
you, forget everything you have learnt in a classroom and
trust your instincts. They will most likely be right. But
here’s the funny thing; the more experienced I get, the
more my instincts change.
Finally, the world is a stunning, beautiful, exciting
place that is there to be experienced and enjoyed. As
communications improve and distances shorten, we are
able to get to places only accessible to a select few a
generation ago.
Never lose that sense of hoping for the best, otherwise there
is no point boarding the plane - but always plan for the worst.

Surefire G2X Tactical
T
he G2X Tactical is a compact
yet powerful polymer-body
flashlight designed specifically
for tactical use.
Providing simplicity of
operation and tremendous illuminating
power in a small
package, it uses a high-efficiency
LED - virtually immune
to failure since there’s
no filament to burn out or
break - to generate a brilliant, penetrating, perfectly
pre-focused 320-lumen beam.
The G2X is activated by our classic tactical
tailcap switch - press for momentary-on, twist for
constant-on. The tough Nitrolon® polymer body
is smoothly sculpted for a comfortable, secure
grip and resists scratches, abrasion, and corrosion.
A polycarbonate micro-textured reflector delivers
a comparatively wider beam with generous
peripheral light.
We also make an aerospace aluminium-body
version of this light, the 6PX Tactical and a dualoutput
version with a two-stage click-type tailcap
switch, the G2X Pro.
Features
• Virtually indestructible LED emitter regulated to
maximize light output and runtime
• Precision micro-textured reflector creates smooth,
optimized beam
• Tough polycarbonate window resists impact
• Tough Nitrolon ® body, anodized aluminum bezel
• Tactical tailcap switch—press for momentary-on,
twist for constant-on
• Weatherproof—O-ring and gasket sealed
• Includes high-energy 123A batteries with 10-year
shelf life
www.surefire.com
H
PETZL Tactikka +
eadlamp with CONSTANT LIGHTING
technology for hunting and fishing. 140
lumens max
The TACTIKKA + headlamp is
designed for activities where stealth is
key: hunting, fishing, nature watching...
Its mixed beam (wide base with focused
component) is adapted for proximity
lighting and movement. Red lighting
for stealth when necessary.
CONSTANT LIGHTING technology:
brightness does not decrease gradually as the batteries
are drained. Maximum brightness is 110 lumens, with a
range of 50 meters. Boost mode allows temporary access to
a brightness of 140 lumens (60 meters).
www.petzl.com / £35
20

Blue Force Gear
Tourniquet NOW
Strap M-TNS
Leatherman Medical Shears
M
edical shears with multiple tool.
The Leatherman Raptor features
the necessary tools for uniformed
professionals to safely and quickly
go to work in an emergency situation.
Developed with the input of
special operations medics, EMTs
and fire professionals the Raptor
has just the right balance of features
for medical - specific ops without
an overkill of tools to complicate
sometimes life-threatening situations.
Tne of the most effective and simplest
life saving devices - every
warrior, no matter what field of
operation, should have at least
one tourniquet readily available.
The Tourniquet NOW!
Strap provides a low profile, secure
and quickly accessible tourniquet
holder that can be mounted
on any MOLLE platform where 3
vertical MOLLE loops are available. The elastic loops
can fit a variety of NATO style tourniquets such as
the SOF-T, CAT and other similar sized tourniquets.
The elastic loops of the TNS can fit smaller sized
tourniquets, or other items such as flex cuffs. The
Tourniquet NOW! can be installed on top of the Trauma
Kit NOW! or on either side of the Admin Pouch.
www.blueforcegear.com
Tools:
• 420HC Stainless Steel Medical Shears
• Strap Cutter
• Ruler (1.9 in / 5cm)
• Oxygen Tank Wrench
• Ring Cutter
• Carbide-tip Glass Breaker
Measurements:
• Shear Length: 1.9” (4.8cm)
• Closed Length: 5” (12.7cm)
• Weight: 5.8oz (164g)
www.leatherman.com

22
Aimpoint
Micro T-1 4
MOA
Night Vision Compatible Sight
N T
No matter the
mission, law
enforcement
officials and
soldiers know
that the size
and weight of
their equipment
is a
critical factor. With the Micro
T-1, Aimpoint has created an
aiming system that provides the
performance of the company’s
renowned full-sized sights in an
incredibly compact package.
The small device can be used
as a standalone sight and can also
be piggybacked on top of larger
magnifying scopes, night vision,
or thermal imaging optics.
www.aimpoint.com
Bushnell AR
Optics 2x MP Illuminated Red/Green
T-Dot Reticle Riflescope, 2x32mm
he ultimate low-light
performer; easily fits
on tactical rifles and
shotguns with an integrated
mount for
Weaver-style rails.
For fast target acquisition
and accuracy
in dim conditions,
there’s nothing like a red dot and no
one makes them like Bushnell. Features
include illuminated red/green
T-dot reticle, 2x optics for fast target
acquisition in low light, built-in mount
for Weaver-style rail, multi-coated optics,
Amber-Bright high contrast lens
coating, 100% waterproof/fog proof/
shockproof construction, dry-nitrogen
filled and CR2032 battery.
www.bushnell.com
Trijicon
ACOG TA01
The concept is simple;
a durable scope with a
reticle that illuminates in
low light situations - and
the best part is that it
doesn’t require batteries.
Over 25 years later,
the original ACOG
stands the test of time
and remains one of our
most popular items. ACOG 4x32 Scope
with Full Line Red Illumination features
black crosshairs during daytime
and tritium illuminates reticle at night.
The reticle ranges out to 800 meters
for 5.56 (.223 cal).
The TA01 also includes:
• 1 Carry Handle Screw and
washer set (TA30)
• 1 4x32 Scopecoat (TA64)
1 Lenspen (TA56)
• 1 Trijicon Logo Sticker (PR15)
• 1 ACOG Manual
• 1 Warranty Card
www.trijicon.com

EOTech EXPS2
O
•
ffering true 2 eyes open shooting, a transversly mounted lithium 123 battery and 7 mm
raised base offering iron sight access, the new EXPS2 features easy to adjust side buttons
and an adjustable, locking, quick detach lever for easy attachment and removal.
Reticle is a 65MOA circle with 1 MOA aiming dot
• Single transverse 123 battery to reduce sight length
• Shortened base only requires at most 2 3/4 inch of rail space
• Battery cap and latch are eliminated and replaced with a simple O-ring, tethered
cap; better sealing is achieved
• Battery compartment is now separated from the base to allow it to hover over
the delta ring of the rifle
• Average battery life at brightness level 12 is roughly 600 hours
• Side buttons with an adjustable, locking, quick detach lever for easy attachment
and removal
Operation
• Optics: Transmission holography - parallax free
• Magnification: 1x
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Length/Width/Height: 3.5”x2.4”x2.8” (91.4X 60.9x71mm)
• Weight: 11.2 oz (317grams)
• Temperature: -40 to 150 F
• Waterproof: Submersible to 10 ft depth
• Sealing: Fogproof internal optics
• Adjustment (per click): 0.5 MOA (1/2” at 100 yds)
• Adjustment Range: +/- 40 MOA travel
• Mount: 1” Weaver or (MIL-STD-1913) rail. Adjustable for width variation
• Return to Zero: Repeatable to within 2 MOA after re-mounting
Heads-Up-Display Window
• Optical Surfaces: Anti-glare coating
• Window Dimensions: 1.20” x 0.85” (30 x 23mm)
• Front Window Material: 1/8” solid glass
• Rear Window Material: Shatter resistant laminate (3/16” thick)
• Field of View (100 yds): 30 yds (28m) at a 4” eye relief
Electrical
• Brightness Adjustment Range: 146,000:1 brightest to lowest
• Power Source: (1) 123 lithium battery
• Battery Life: 600 continuous hours at nominal setting 12
• Brightness Settings: 20 settings with scrolling feature
• Auto Battery Check Indicator: Flashing reticle upon start-up
• Auto Shut-down: At 8 hrs- programmable to 4 hrs
www.eotechinc.com

It all began with a deep sea
diver in the 1970s. Bill Thomas
takes a look at a British
company that has grown from
a kitchen table to become
World-renowned brand.
A Worldwide
Success Story
24

Iamongst American colleagues
for their love
of body warmers and
insulated vests. He and
his wife believed that this would be
something that would also catch on
in the UK and taking a leap of faith,
they decided to start making similar
garments themselves. Bryony Harris,
Director and Co-founder of Snugpak,
taught husband Brett Harris, Company
Chairman to sew. Together they
produced some experimental body
warmers and jackets.
The couple both had full-time
jobs so every spare minute of their
downtime was spent making as many
garments as possible. With the help
of outworkers a cottage industry was
born. In those early days production
stood at just 15 jackets per week, but in
1977 the couple decided to invest what
money they had into G & H Products
f you want a British… No, make that a Global success
story, then you really have to look no further than Snugpak.
Relied upon by civilians and military personnel
around the world for their technically advanced sleeping
systems and clothing the Yorkshire based manufacturer
continues to innovate in their specialist fields.
Where did this story begin you may ask? In the
late 1970s a deep-sea diver working on the oil rigs
took note of the trend
Ltd (which later became Craghoppers) to gain more outdoor business
experience. Two years later they made the decision to branch out on
their own with Snugpak. Although still making insulated clothing they
realised that if the new company was going to be successful they would
need to manufacture products with year round appeal, rather than the
seasonal body warmer. Sleeping bags were the logical choice.
By 1984 the company had grown and the number of
machinists had increased to seven; by 1986 sales had grown
so strong the company had to move to larger premises. The
company moved down the road to a Grade II listed old woollen
mill in Silsden where they remain to this day.
Brett knew that the way forward for the company was
through innovation. Man-made sleeping bags using synthetic
fill rather than traditional
down were large, heavy
and bulky. Down though
loses most of its insulative
properties once wet - not an
ideal product for the ends
envisaged - so a synthetic
alternative had to be found.
Brett wanted to produce a
cheaper, man-made equivalent
to the expensive down
filled sleeping bag and in
1987 Snugpak launched
their Softie 6 and Softie
12 sleeping bags into the
market. I recall seeing one
of the original models and
being amazed at the tiny
pack size and light weight
in comparison to their
competition. The two bags
were the smallest synthetic
sleeping bags on the market
and sales rocketed. Today
the Softie range consists of many different models all based on
this initial idea but they have been constantly upgraded as new
insulation and fabric technologies have emerged.
Now firmly established in the camping and outdoor market,
word started to spread within the military about the superior
Now firmly established in
the camping and outdoor
market, word started
to spread within the
military about the superior
performance of Snugpak
sleeping bags and insulated
clothing and it was not long
before olive green options
of the products were widely
available.

performance of Snugpak sleeping
bags and insulated clothing and it
was not long before olive green options
of the products were widely
available. When first launched in
1989 the Softie 3 Merlin sleeping
bag caused a sensation. A combination
of state of the art insulation
and a highly breathable space age
reflective barrier technology giving
0°c performance with a minimal
weight of just 750g and packing
to the size of a of a 24 hour ration
pack was a revelation! The Original
Sleeka jacket now being used
worldwide by tens of thousands of
forces personnel is also from this
era and is probably still the most
popular jacket in the Snugpak range;
although it has been updated over
the years it still offers an ideal balance
between warmth, weight and
pack size.
With some superior products
and a reputation for performance
Snugpak entered the 2000’s in a
massively strong position, moving
from being a well reputed British
manufacturing company into being
an internationally recognised brand,
twice winning the Queens Award for
Enterprise in International Trade. In
2009 Snugpak were visited by Princess
Anne. Armed Forces minister
Andrew Robathan followed and
visited the company in 2013.
Key Models
and New
Technology
With such a vast range of
products, from sleeping bags to
bivvis and shelters, rucksack covers
and accessories, clothing and hats it
would be impossible to cover what
Snugpak offer in just a single article
so I’ll break things down into two
parts, clothing and then sleeping
systems to give sufficient detail.
I mentioned earlier that the
original Sleeka jacket first came
into being nearly thirty years ago
now but this jacket model has a huge
reputation and fans worldwide. Designed
with every possible benefit
in mind, the Sleeka Original has become a
best-seller and for good reasons. The Paratex
Light outer shell makes this jacket lightweight,
windproof and water repellent but importantly,
it’s also breathable with great moisture wicking
away from the body. The inside is filled
with Softie Premier for warmth with a finer,
softer, more durable insulation. Fondly known
simply as “The Softie”, this jacket has been
tried and tested in every kind of outdoor activity
and in every conflict since the Falklands
War. Many have tried to emulate it, but there
is only one truly original, high performance,
mid layer insulated jacket. I would guess that
many of you reading this will have a “Softie”
of your own already!
Not content with this though, Snugpak
were soon making jackets and salopettes
that would become market leaders in their
own right, and we’ve seen such models as
the Sasquatch, the Blizzard and the Ebony
enter the range over the years. A new series of
products brings things bang up to date with the
very latest fabrics and technologies available.
Building on the success of their thoroughly
“tried and tested” jackets Snugpak
have worked hard to bring an inspired new
innovation to its clothing collection. The latest
generation of insulated jackets are manufactured
using their exclusive Softie Premier
insulation. The mid-layer jackets are warm,
water resistant and windproof, making them
the ideal choice for a variety of situations.
The warmest jacket in the collection is
the SJ9, which uses “Softie 9” Insulation.
It features a full time insulated hood and
Snugpak’s Softie® Premier insulation for
ultimate warmth, making it ideal for extreme
winter conditions or when stationary for long
periods of time. It is available in olive, military
black, MultiCam and A-TACS camouflage.
I’ve been really pleased to have this model
on test and it’s fast proving to be a “keeper”.
Over the winter months 2013/2014 I was able
to try it in various conditions and, especially
when the temperature has plummeted it’s really
performed!
Two other models are also available. The
SJ6 uses “Softie 6” insulation and has a roll
away hood with a brushed polyester inner; it
is available in olive, military black, MultiCam
and A-TACS camouflage, and is designed to
keep the wearer warm in temperatures down
to -5°c. The lightest jacket, which keeps the
wearer comfortable down to 0°c, is light
enough to keep in a pack for use when night
falls. The SJ3 uses “Softie 3” insulation and
it is available in the same colours as its “big
brothers”. The new range is full of innovative
features and all have some unique design slants
26

as well as being made to the highest standard with the best fabrics
and technologies currently available.
Highly Dynamic
Not content to offer just thermal garments though, Snugpak
have been using their own, in-house technologies to develop into
new areas recently, adding to their already extensive and comprehensive
range with garments designed to take into account more
dynamic activities.
Their “2nd Skinz” Coolmax base layers offer direct, next
to the skin comfort and performance and are a welcome addition
to any clothing system. Perfect for training in wet and windy
conditions, The Vapour Active Windtop is a lightweight jacket
with exceptional shower proof
properties; although there is a
neatly fitting hood integrated into
the high collar the seams themselves
are not taped so it cannot
be called completely waterproof.
That said, it’s extremely quick
drying and is just a superb piece
of emergency “snivel gear” when
a fine day turns bad!
Made from Snugpak’s own
tried and tested Paratex Micro
100% Nylon fabric, this jacket is
breathable and hardwearing but
still soft to the touch and extremely
light weight (just 280g in XXL!)
The design is extremely streamlined
with just a main full length
YKK zip closure, two YKK zipped
base pockets, elasticated cuffs, and
an adjustable bottom hem which
means that it can be sealed to keep
the cold wind out.
The Vapour Active Windtop compresses down to a tiny size
and is easily stuffed into a pouch or cargo pocket until needed; it
even comes with its own mesh bottomed stuff sack and when fully
compressed is small enough to carry in the palm of your hand. Once
again Snugpak have created a piece of gear that should be a part of
everyone’s everyday carry kit. Available in Black, Olive, Blue, Multicam,
A-TACS AU, and (Range) Red, this is a perfect lightweight
jacket that’s not going to break the bank!
Moving it up a notch, the new Vapour Active Soft Shell Jacket is
a piece of gear that takes the Windtop shell and adds to it. It’s absolutely
perfect for the range on a wet, windy day and it has the same excellent
moisture management properties as the Vapour Active Windshirt but
in the Soft Shell version. The Paratex Micro outer is teamed with
TS1, Snugpak’s’ Thermal Suede lining, which significantly boosts
the thermal properties of the jacket by trapping precious still air. Its
fine hairs actively seek moisture within the garment to wick it away
and aid evaporation.
Worn with a good, long sleeved base layer shirt not only does
the Soft Shell keep the elements out but it really is extremely breathable
making it perfect for full speed dynamic training. It’s really two garments
in one, and the Thermal Suede Lining is both lightweight and extremely
comfortable. The Jacket pares back features to a necessary minimum with
just two base pockets, neatly trimmed cuffs and a hood that rolls away into
the collar when you don’t need it. All of this weighs in at just 440g in a size
Large so it really doesn’t add any significant weight to your overall load.
The Vapour Active Soft Shell Jacket is available in a full range of sizes, XS
to XXL, and comes in Black, Olive, Multicam, A-TACS AU, Blue, and
“Range Red” so there’s literally something for everyone!
This is an extremely versatile jacket that offers excellent weather protection,
and it even comes with its own stuff sack should things warm up! It
looks to me like Snugpak have another winner on their hands here, and I’m
also looking forward to getting “hands on” with their new Proximity Soft
Shell as the weather turns even cooler.
Throughout their history
Snugpak have never been
afraid to “take the leap”
and continue to innovate on
an almost daily basis. Their
gear has been tested to the
extreme, and is trusted and
revered by anyone that has
ever used it.
Looking to
the Future
Throughout their history
Snugpak have never been afraid
to “take the leap” and continue to
innovate on an almost daily basis.
Their gear has been tested to the
extreme, and is trusted and revered
by anyone that has ever used it.
Their clothing range continues
to expand and improve year on
year, and it’s very interesting to see
them revisiting certain technologies,
giving them a completely new
slant as they do. In addition to the
windshirts and soft shells they’ve
also recently released three jackets
and an over trouser in Ventile fabric;
Ventile in itself is not a new technology
but what Snugpak have done with it is certainly different! I look forward
to testing this and reporting back in due course.
It has been my real pleasure to work with the team at Snugpak over the
years, and although they have grown into a world recognised brand they are
still some of the nicest and most approachable people in the industry; in the
past I’ve gone to them with some strange requests for kit and not once have
they let me down. They are a company that continues to do things their own
way, and in my mind they are all the better for that!
For further information on the entire range of Snugpak products and
the technology behind them please visit www.snugpak.com. You’ll also find
full stockist details on their website as well.
Bill Thomas has over 25 years experience working in the outdoor
performance sector, more recently dedicating his time to the tactical gear
arena. He has worked alongside some of the biggest brands in the market,
and tested clothing, footwear and equipment in some of the harshest environments
on the planet, from rain forests to the high mountains. He brings
a vast knowledge of the technical and practical aspects of “good gear” and
we at PMCI are certainly glad to have him on board.
28

Advanced Security Protection
http://www.advancedsecurityprotection.com/
AKE Group
http://www.akegroup.com/
Ambrey Risk
http://www.ambreyrisk.com
Antipirates.Org
http://www.antipirates.org/
APPDS
http://www.appds.co.uk/
Aquatic Marine Ltd
http://www.aquaticmarineltd.com
Protect Asia Group
http://www.protectasia.com/
Secopex
http://www.secopex.com/
Aspida
http://www.aspida.org/
Associated Risk Maritime Risk Management
http://www.associated-risks.com
Bancroft Maritime Security Solutions
http://www.maritimesecuritysolutions.co.uk
Bechtel Corporation
http://www.bechtel.com/
Black Pearl
http://www.blackpearlmaritimesecurity.com/
Blackstone Consultancy
http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com;
Blue Hackle
http://www.bluehackle.com/
Blue Waters Partners Global
http://www.preparedex.com/
BP Global
http://www.bp.com/
Britam Defence
http://www.britamdefence.com/
British Maritime Solutions
http://britishmaritimesolutions.com
BW Offshore
http://www.bwoffshore.com/
Calibre International Security
http://www.calibre-international.com/
Chilport
http://www.chilport.co.uk/
Chiron Resources
http://www.chironresources.com
Clearwater Special Projects
http://www.bodyguarding.co.uk/
Control Risks
http://www.control-risks.com
Decatur Maritime Security
http://www.decaturms.com/
30

Drum Cussac
http://www.drum-cussac.com/Index.aspx
Dryad Maritime
http://www.dryadmaritime.com/
Edinburgh International
http://www.edinburghint.com/home/
Elite Maritime Protection Services
http://www.elitemaritimeprotection.com
EOS Risk Management
https://www.eosrisk.com/
Erus Maritime
http://www.erusrisk.com
Espada
http://www.espadaservices.com
Ex Military Recruitment
https://www.exmil.co.uk
Exploration Logistics Group
http://www.frontiermedex.com/
G4S Maritime
http://www.g4s.uk.com
Genesis Security Group
http://genesissecurity.com/
Global Executive Outreach
http://www.geo-ops.com/
Global Risk Security
http://www.globalrisksecurity.co.uk/
Global Solace
http://www.solaceglobal.com/
Global Strategies Group
http://www.globalgroup.com/
Grail Security
http://www.grail.co.za
Halliburton
http://www.halliburton.com/en-USage
Halogen Security
http://www.halogensecurity.com/
Hart Maritime
http://www.hartsecurity.com
Hill & Associates
http://www.hillassoc.com
HP TerraMarine International
http://www.hpterramarine.com/
Hudson Trident
http://hudsonanalytix.com
ICTS
http://www.icts.co.uk
IMSA Ltd
http://www.imsaltd.com/
International Executive Recruiting
http://www.iernetwork.com
International Maritime Security
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk
International Maritime Security
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/
International Security Network
http://www.isn.eu.com
ISC Gulf
http://www.iscgulf.com/
ISSG Sea Marshalls
http://www.issg-seamarshals.com/
Janusian Risk Advisory Group
http://www.riskadvisory.net/

Kroll
http://www.kroll.com/
Longmoor Group
http://www.longmoor-security.com
Lotus Maritime Security
http://www.lotusmaritime.com
Lotus Projects
http://www.lpyemen.com
Maersk
http://www.maersk.com/pages/default.aspx
Magregor Protection Services
http://macgregorprotectionservices.com
March Security
www.marchsecurity.com
MUSC
http://www.sps-global.com
Naval Guards
http://www.navalguards.com
Neptune Security
http://www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com/
NNK Group
https://www.nnkcorporation.com
NYA International
http://www.nyainternational.com
Ocean Marshalls
http://www.oceanmarshalls.com
Ocean Protective Services
http://oceanprotectionservices.com
Maritime Risk International
http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/
Marsec
http://www.marsec.eu.com
MAST
http://www.mast-commercial.com
McRoberts Maritime Security
http://www.mcrobertsmaritime.com/
Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre
http://www.mmwc.org/
Minimal Risk
http://www.minimalrisk.co.uk/
MSS
http://www.mss-uk.com
MTResolution
http://www.mtresolution.com/
Oceaneering International
http://www.oceaneering.com/
Olchon
http://www.olchon.co.uk/
Olive Group
http://www.olivegroup.com/
Orchid Security
http://www.orchid-office.com/
Oxberry Risk Strategies
http://www.oxberryrisk.com/maritime_services
Pilgrim Group
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com
Pilgrim Security
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com
Pistris
http://www.pistris.com/Index.html
32

TRIED AND TESTED BY
COVERT PROFESSIONALS
WORLDWIDE
Radios can also
be carried convertly
in most clothing
If you wear 5.11 Tactical® you share a mindset of being prepared.
With any mission, threats and conditions often change quickly.
ALWAYS BE READY is what drives us; we work hard to listen to
your needs and respond with innovative, purpose-built products.
The 5.11 line offers hundreds of styles and products, and we are the
only tactical brand to offer a complete head-to-toe accoutrement of
the highest quality gear...
tactical
kit
torches
foot
wear
bags
covert clothing
2
Go here to order our latest catalogue...
http://5.11t.ac/PMCI
or call +44(0)1782 515901

Protect Asia Group
http://www.protectasia.com/
PVI Ltd
http://www.pviltd.com/
Raven Special Projects Ltd
http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com
Red Cell Security
http://www.redcellsecurity.co.uk
Redfour-MSS
http://www.redfour-group.com
Saladin Security Group
http://www.saladin-security.com/
Saladin Security
http://www.saladin-security.com/
Salama Fikira
http://www.salamafikira.com/
SMS
www.specialistmarineservices.com
Tor International
http://www.torinternational.com/
Trojan Securities International
http://www.trojansecurities.com/
Orchid Security
http://www.orchid-office.com/
Blackstone Consultancy
http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com/
Pilgrim Group
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com/
Maritime Risk International
http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/
International Maritime Security
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/
Raven Special Projects Ltd
http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com/
Salamanca Risk Management
http://www.salamancarm.com
Sea Marshalls Ltd UK
http://www.seamarshals.com
SEAL
http://www.sealsecurity.com/
Securescot
http://www.securescot.com
Securewest International
http://www.securewest.com/
Security Networking Events
http://snespecialprojects.com/
Security Networking Events
http://snespecialprojects.com/
Securoquest
http://www.securoquest.co.za
Shield Risk Consulting
http://www.shield.eu/services/maritime-security/
Shipguard
http://www.mss-uk.com
SMS
www.specialistmarineservices.com
SPS
http://www.sps-global.com
Tactical Intel
http://www.tacticalintel.com/
Thalassic
http://www.thalassic.co.uk/
Tor International
http://www.torinternational.com/
Torcuss
http://www.torcuss.co.za/
Triskle TSL
http://www.triskelservices.com
Triton Security
http://www.tritoninternationalltd.com
Trojan Securities
http://www.trojansecurities.com
Veritas International
http://www.veritas-international.com/
34

Situps
Muscles Used: Rectus Abdominus (Abdominals or Abs)
Equipment Needed: Mat or towel
Instructions:
• Lie with your back flat against the floor.
• Bend your knees and place both feet on floor.
• Place hands behind ears, gently supporting your head, but not holding or lifting your head up. Do
not interlace your fingers together.
• Push your lower spine flat against the floor. Pretend there is a zipper holding your lower spine to
the floor (starting position).
• Slowly lift your shoulders off the floor, using the strength of your abdominal muscles. As you lift,
imagine you are squeezing your belly button into your spine (lifting position).
• Exhale (breathe out) as you lift up.
• Inhale (breathe in) as you slowly lower your shoulders back to floor (starting position).
• Repeat exercise for required sets.
Close Protect / First Aid
Close Protection Courses recommended by us (UK)
http://www.roninconcepts.co.uk/training-courses/info.php?id=590
http://www.longmoor-security.com/specialised-training/sia-hostile-environment-cp-training.html
http://www.controlrisks-training.com/
http://www.hartsecuritytraining.com/
http://www.g4sspecialisttraining.com/training-courses/course-outline/close-protection-officer/
First Aid courses recommended by us (UK)
http://www.exmed.co.uk/product/the-medicine-in-remote-areas-course-tm/
http://www.merit-training.com/courses/exmed-medicine-in-remote-areas/
http://www.paxmondial.com/services/specialist-training-capacity-building/medical-services-training/
https://www.specialisttraining.g4s.com/medical-courses/course-outline/tier-1-medic/
If you would like to be added to the list please contact PMCI admin2@pmcimagazine.com
36

Glock Cleaning with Tom
The Glock is one of the most popular pistols in the world, and is widely carried by many law enforcement and contractors.
The disassembly takes only a few moments and is fairly simple compared to other handguns.
1. Firstly, remove the magazine and make sure the firearm is not loaded. Point the gun in a safe direction and do a visual
inspection of the chamber. Also, do a physical inspection with your finger to make sure there is no round. Remember,
safety first.
2. With the firearm pointed in a safe direction, pull the trigger and pull the slide back a quarter inch.
3. With your right hand holding the slide a quarter inch back, use your left hand to pull down the slide release lock on both
sides. The slide should be unlocked after this.
4. Gently release the slide with the right hand, and remove the slide from the receiver. Depress the recoil spring and remove
it from the barrel.
5. Remove the barrel.
6. Inspect your barrel to make sure your bore is clear. Use a proper size bore brush or a cloth patch with gun solvent
to go through the chamber and out of the muzzle side of the gun. You may have to perform multiple passes
through the chamber.
7. Use a small toothbrush with solvent to clean the lug areas and all other surfaces of the barrel. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
8. Check your slide for residue. Use a toothbrush to clean the breech face and extractor area. You may have to hold up the
firing pin channel to prevent the cleaning solvents from getting inside.
9. Scrub the extractor hook and brush down all other surfaces of the slide. Wipe down the slide with a clean cloth to remove
all solvent.
10. Examine the recoil slide and guide assembly for wear and residue. Use a cloth or brush to clean all surfaces. Remember
to remove the solvent when you are finished.
11. Use the toothbrush or cloth
to clean all surfaces of the
receiver and magazine.
Follow with a clean cloth
to remove all cleaning
residue.
12. Use quality gun oil to
gently lubricate the barrel,
hood, barrel lug and the
inside of the slide as well
as the frame rails or slide
grooves. This oil can be
found at any sporting
goods or gun store.
13. Place a single drop of oil
under the connector hook
(just above the right rear
receiver rail) so the oil can
travel down to where the
connector and trigger bar
meet. If not properly oiled,
this can lead to “hard” trigger
pull that can damage
the components.
14. Put the pistol back together
in the reverse order you
took it apart.
38

Have you or your company ever
been approached by clients
or colleagues to run Hostile or
Complex Environment courses?
At HASP, we organise successful training for our
own clients, but we are also happy to train your
customers under your own banner.
This means that you can outsource to a specialist,
professional and discreet company ensuring the
highest level of training without diluting your
own brand.
All our residential course delegates receive an
Emergency First Aid Certificate.
2.5 day course (5 people - £3,800 includes
accommodation, all food + EFAC)
4 day course (5 people - £6,700 includes
accommodation, all food + EFAC)
By prior arrangement we can supply individual
Med Packs as well as our bespoke “grab bag”,
saving the delegates time and money.
For full details please visit our website at
www.hasptraining.co.uk or call Rupert
on 07884 001600 or 01202 729068
27

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