what with current employers now trying to negotiate to keep me, whilst I simultaneously contact all and sundry to finding out more about recruiting in Afghanistan.
The girlies network has come up Trumps - yet again! 'Green Fingers' has put me in touch with a security consultant who's has given me loads of useful info....."When dealing with Afghans, always remember that Afghans can be rented but never bought. Afghans are incredible people. They will see suspicious things in a crowd or on the street that you or I would think were normal everyday occurrences. Be aware tribe is everything in Afghan and they will fight amongst themselves (just fisty cuffs – rarely shootings!) over tribal pride. You'll get a depth of understanding from working with them like no other and know exactly what makes them tick, as well as understanding the religious and cultural sensitivities that frankly can plague a project in Afghan or Iraq if not handled properly. It takes far more than ‘strong management’ to get the best out of a group of Afghan guards. As for vetting their background this is going to be difficult – the average Afghan doesn’t know his own age/ date of birth. If you have access to a local elder or senior member of the security forces then he will help massively as he will be able to ask questions of a candidate about where they are from, what they have been doing for the past 10 years, have they done any fighting, if so, who with (they will often fight for their own tribes, but also to the highest bidder, it is quite normal – I had guys in my Afghan National Army team who were ex-Taliban – couldn’t care less about the Taliban cause, they fought with them because they paid they best). Corruption, bribery, greed and family/ tribal ties will complicate recruiting too but it is all part the fun of working in these places!" So it's a bit more than some guys protecting someone around the city or blokes in dark glasses talking into little microphones in their sleeves not to mention slightly different to recruiting Laser Scientists or Aeronautical Engineers then...gulp...
I also got the details of where I am staying (pic above). Anjuman Base which is secure accommodation protected by blast walls, comprehensive CCTV and electronic security access control systems in addition to its own guard force. Apparently there are 300 en-suite rooms, each with TV plus 2 underground bunkers in case of serious security incident - comforting or what!?!
In the midst of all that I've been doing more mundane stuff like making copious cups of tea for the decorators & Panda, whilst discussing paint colours, life in general and most importantly Mrs. W's birthday & my leaving do next Friday. Excited now!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment