I would like to kick-off this final episode for this season of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life by saying thank you to everyone who listens to this podcast for continuing to listen, and to those entities which help to support this podcast by lending their support. Next season will include more of my experiences as a private security contractor overseas, as well as some more of my experiences as a private security contractor Stateside, and additional guests. So, then, until the next season, I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving, a merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. And, remember, folks: it takes a team; the grass is not always greener on the other side; be careful what you wish for...you might just get it. Stay humble, stay safe, and keep others safe, by being aware and staying frosty. Until next time, keep it real!
In this episode, I cover down, in a brief format, on the compilation of my seven years contracting overseas in four seasons -- acknowledging that, yes, in hindsight, I could have relatively easily stretched it out such that there was a clear season for each of the years contracting. I also, briefly, reference each of those years with the various companies on the various contracts and projects, promising that in the next season, season-5, next year (2025), to go back and do just that. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this episode, episode-29 of the fourth season of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life. Thank you for tuning in. And, if you like what you're hearing, pass it along to those you know.
In this episode, I deviate from my story telling of some of the private security projects I was a part of in the States. I'll back to those at some point. In the meantime, I talk about what happens, physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically when we return home for the final time and the dopamine and the adrenaline wear off? What happens when we recognize that we are not going back and now have to deal with different, sometimes completely different, issues?
In this episode, I pick up, more or less, where I left off in the previous episode. In this episode I talk about, mostly, my experiences working on the Japanese Consulate project in Seattle, Washington. I also talk about, to some extent, again, about the failures of the standard private security model in the U-S -- as I see it.
I want to begin this episode by saying that I hope you enjoyed my previous episode with my special guest, Heath Hansen, as we talked about some of his experiences as a journalist, writing for Soldier of Fortune magazine, while along the Southern Border of the U.S.A. and Mexico. That said, in this episode, I pick up, more or less, where I left off in the previous episodes. I continue talking about some of my private security project experiences in the United States. I talk about the reality of security, and the failed experiments of the standard private security model and the standard security mentality.
In this episode, I talk again with Heath Hansen -- former member of airborne infantry in the U-S Army, former LEO, private security contractor, and author/writer for Soldier of Fortune Magazine -- regarding his continued experiences covering down on the real goings on along the U-S/Mexico border, AKA: The Southern border. Heath Hansen has published at least thirty articles on the subject. His articles are available for reading at the SOF Magazine website at [ https://sofmag.com ]. What is going on down there for almost four years now might just surprise you -- especially to learn just how dire it really is. Special Guest: Heath Hansen.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode as I put a few finishing touches on the LCR/Three Dams project before discussing on a cursory level some of the many private security projects I have been a part of in the United States since and before.
In this episode, I essentially put a wrap on my seven years as a PSC overseas, transitioning, for now, to some of my experiences as a PSC in the States. I will spend the next three to five episodes, maybe more, in this season talking mostly about some of my experiences as a PSC here in the States. I begin this episode talking a little bit about a project that I was tapped for to spend three days on a site visit for a federal contract along the borders of Washington and Oregon that a guy I know was bidding on.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode -- mostly (I hope you enjoyed the previous episode with my guest Heath Hansen). In this episode, I pick up from there and continue my discussion on my experiences as camp site security manager for a base in North/Northwest Afghanistan.
In this episode, I talk with Heath Hansen, former member of airborne infantry in the U.S. Army. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Heath is a former police officer. He is currently a private security contractor in California and Texas, as well as writer for Soldier of Fortune magazine. We spend time discussing a great number of topics, including, to some extent, what is really going on along the southern border of the U.S. and Mexico, and some of the results of failed policies. Special Guest: Heath Hansen.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode as I continue my discussions of my experiences as a private security contractor overseas while working for the company Blue Hackle in the country of Afghanistan, on this particular mission, in the role of acting camp site security manager.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, as I continue talking about my then current experiences as the acting camp site security manager at a special base North/Northwest of Kabul, Afghanistan.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, talking about my experiences as a private security contractor for the company Blue Hackle. At this point, I am the acting site security manager for a special camp on a base north/northwest of Kabul, Afghanistan.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, continuing my discussion of my time and experience as the acting camp site security manager on a special base north/northwest of Kabul in the country of Afghanistan.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, talking about my time and experiences as a camp site security manager for Blue Hackle at a military installation north/northwest of Kabul, Afghanistan.
In this episode, I put a wrap on the physical security project I was doing as my last assignment at the Bagram Air Base prior to transitioning to a camp site security manager's position at a special base two to three hours northly of Bagram.
In this episode, I continue where I left off in the previous episode as I continue my discussion on my experiences with the PSC Blue Hackle while in afghanistan.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, correcting a few imbalances, talking briefly about my new job and role, the promise to come, and the utter surprise from those remaining on the ground that I was back.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode. I briefly recap my departure from Bagram Air Base for a rotation home, my return, and the continuation of unprofessional conduct until the arrival of our third site security manager.
In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode as I continue my discussion with the three failed site security managers we had while on project for Blue Hackle in the Bagram area of Afghanistan.