“Use of Force” Webcast – Nexus Consulting Group May 16, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Laws and Leglslation, terrorism, weapons and tactics.Tags: Keving Doherty, maritime piracy, Maritime Security, nexus consulting, security, somali pirates, Use of Force
add a comment
Nexus Consulting Group is scheduling a webcast for the week of May 21- 25 on the topic of the Use of Force in Maritime Security. Recently, a video surfaced of a maritime security company firing on Somali Pirates. While the topic has been debated, Nexus was mistakenly identified as the company that took action. If you are interested in learning about Use of Force and the legal issues, then contact Nexus at info@ncga.us and note your interest in attending the webcast and we will advise which sessions are available. You can download the Use of Force Primer and follow along document here.
Having previously worked for a maritime security company, I felt pretty informed on the Use of Force and Maritime issues. After speaking to Kevin on numerous occasions, it was apparent that Kevin is an expert on Maritime Security and the industry at large. I always come away from a discussion with Kevin impressed and having learned something new about maritime security. Any knuckle-dragger can carry a gun and use it indiscriminately. It is appropriate, disciplined use of a weapon that separates professional security from amateurs. There are few security companies that I would recommend and that have the expertise to protect ships while minimizing risk to ship owners. Use of force is an critical yet complex subject. I recommend you take the opportunity to listen to an expert on maritime security and definitely take the opportunity to ask questions.
“Semper Fi?” – Marines Convicted of Selling Weapons to Gangs & China May 15, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News, terrorism, weapons and tactics.Tags: Adam Reich, Camp Lejeune, Chris Mark, M4, Marines, MARSOC, NCIS, security, trust but verify, USMC
1 comment so far
As a former Marine, this is a difficult story for me to write. It does however highlight the importance of the concept of “trust but verify” within security. As reported in the Jacksonville Daily News, a 2 year investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) has uncovered an operation where 49 Marines and 21 civilians stole and then sold almost $2 million worth of weapons and equipment. Many of the Marines were stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC and much of the gear was sold on eBay, Craigslist or in face to face meetings. One of the Marines was a member of the elite Marines Special Operations Command and served with the 3rd Special Operations Battalion. As stated in the article: “Sgt. Daniel Adam Reich, a former member of 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, was convicted of selling and attempting to sell military property and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and a dishonorable discharge, MarSOC spokesman Maj. Jeff Landis said.” The investigation has since extended into the Air Force and Army.
The point of this blog post is to show that even our military folks who take an oath of honor and are subject to very stiff penalties for violation of that oath are vulnerable to the same temptations as everyone. It is not enough to blindly trust people to do the right thing. While 99% may be honest and have integrity, there is always a small percentage that will give in to temptation. This is why it is so critical to “trust but verify” in security.
“Pot…Meet Kettle”…Syria Urges UN to Stop Terrorism in Damascus (cough, cough) May 10, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News, terrorism, weapons and tactics.Tags: assad, Chris Mark, hezbolah, mark consulting group, security, syria, terrorism
1 comment so far
I had to comment on an article I just read on MSNBC.com titled: “Syria Urges UN to Stop 
‘Terrorism’ Following Damascus Blasts”. The basis of the article is that Assad’ government is claiming that the two bombs that went off in Damascus yesterday (35 killed and over 300 wounded) is evidence of “foreign terrorism”. According to the article: “Syria’s foreign ministry said the bombing was a sign the country is facing foreign-backed terrorism and called on the United Nations Security Council to take measures against countries or groups supporting violence in the revolt against President Bashar Assad.” While I try to keep this blog professional and on the up and up, I do have to say that Syria sure has some…(ahem)…cajones to make a plea like that. “Syria stresses the importance of the UNSC taking measures against countries, groups and news agencies that are practicing and encouraging terrorism,” the state news agency SANA quoted the ministry as saying in a letter addressed to the Security Council. Lets take a spin over to the Council on Foreign Relations website to investigate our friends in Syria. (not the citizens but the government).
Does Syria support terrorism? (from the CFR website) (more…)
“US Snipers Changing Warfare” – USAToday May 9, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, terrorism, weapons and tactics.Tags: Chris Mark, iraq, Quanitco, Scout Sniper, sniper school, usatoday, USMC
add a comment
UPDATE: I forgot to hyperlink to the story 😉 There goes my Pulitzer. You can find the story here.
USAToday published a very interesting and enlightening piece on how US Snipers are being used with great effect in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I think their assertion that snipers are “changing warfare” is a bit of a stretch, I do agree that the use of snipers is, and always has been, very effective. I am somewhat disappointed that they didn’t talk about how smart, handsome, dashing, incredibly brave, selfless, and (did I say handsome already?) Marine Scout/Snipers are. (yes…I was a USMC SS but I am NOT biased ;). The story does give some insight into the training and how snipers are used in warfare. Overall, a very good read on the subject.
Nexus Security Calls for Investigation into Maritime Pirate Shooting April 20, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Piracy & Maritime Security, Uncategorized, weapons and tactics.Tags: Anti Piracy, armed security, Nexus, SAMI, Somalia
1 comment so far
In a recent press release, Nexus Consulting Group’s Founder and President calls for the recently released video of armed security firing on pirates to be investigated. You can view the video here. It appears to be an American company firing on a Somali boat. As stated by Mr. Doherty: “As president of Nexus Consulting, a leading provider of armed security teams in the defense of mariners against Somali pirates, I would like to personally note that though we are operating quite regularly conducting anti-piracy missions, the team in this video is not a Nexus team,” Nexus also provides some valuable vetting questions for those considering maritime security. (more…)
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 