“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
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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.
www.TheresaMark.com (Yes…it is my sister…and a former Marine ;) May 9, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News.Tags: Marines, Shannon Groff, Theresa Mark, USMC, USS Consitution, warriors4charity
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A bit off topic but relevant….My sister, Theresa Mark, has been leading our bumbling group of former Marines (Theresa is a former Marine, as well), and other folks at Warriors4Charity. We all discovered very early that she is very effective, and capable at charity work and does it for no other reason then to help others. (she does not get paid). If you get a chance, check out her website and if you are looking for a cause to support, consider one she is helping. If you need help with fundraising, contact Theresa directly. Before anyone asks….YES…she is my older sister and YES…she joined the Marines before me. She was a Staff Sgt, when I was a lowly Lance Corporal. I followed my sister into the Marines…I am very proud of her and her service. You can read fun facts about Female Marines here. The first being Lucy Brewer aboard the USS Constitution in 1812 (ship is still in Boston Harbor, by the way). As a side note, my sister in law is also a Marine Corps Officer (Captain)…OohRahhh!
“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
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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.
UPDATE: “Fast & Furious”; Remember Brian Terry – Killed December 15, 2010 April 27, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News.Tags: ATF, BORTAC, Brian Terry, Chris Mark, fast and furious, RememberBrianTerry.com, security, USMC
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UPDATE: Fox news is reporting that “House GOP leaders said Friday they are pursuing a plan to hold Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and the Justice Department in contempt for “stonewalling” them over information regarding the administration’s failed Fast and Furious gun-tracking program.”
Brian Terry and I served together in the US Marines in the early 1990’s. He was a good friend, a good Marine and a good person. After the Marines Brian went on to be a police officer and Border Patrol Agent and member of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). On December 15th, 2010 he was killed by border bandits armed with AK 47s. Brian was armed only with ‘less than lethal’ weapons. The weapons used to kill Agent Terry were later confirmed to be part of the ATF Fast & Furious program in which weapons were allowed by the ATF to be purchased and smuggled into Mexico. This program was endorsed by current Atty General Eric Holder. This is not a political post. Please remember Agent Brian Terry and, if possible, purchase a bumper sticker or t-shirt in remembrance of him. www.RememberBrianTerry.com
Risk 102- Lose “A” Match but Win “THE” Game March 23, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Risk & Risk Management, weapons and tactics.Tags: Chris Mark, decision, force recon, mark consulting group, recon marine, risk, risk management, security, USMC
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Risk management is about decisions. Given certain information, people then make decisions that they hope will minimize the risk of a particular outcome. This post is about risk and decisions.
Years ago I was a young Marine attending the USMC’s Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS). Upon successfully passing the school I would be conferred with the coveted Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 0321- Reconnaissance Marine. Recon Marines operate in very small teams conducting various reconnaissance missions to provide intelligence to the commander. The last phase of ARS training is known as “patrolling phase”. This is where all the students put their skills to use and run back to back patrols for a week while begin graded by the instructors.
During one of the final patrols we came upon a road known in military speak as a “linear danger area” and were considering a “two man bump” and other techniques to safely cross the danger area. After having not slept for the better part of a week my mind was a bit foggy. I asked the instructor: “SSGT, if we apply these techniques can we be confident that we will cross safely?” He looked at me and said: “Mark, you can do everything by the book and exactly right and still get your entire team killed. All you can do is make tactically sound decisions and hope for some luck.” Certainly without meaning to do so, this Marine Staff Sergeant articulated the idea of risk and risk management as well as any academic. (more…)
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 