April 2009

SECURITY CONSULTANT MONTHLY From the desk of: Johnnie L. Mock Security Consultant E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.jmock-consult.com

Vol.1. Issue 5 April 2009 Risk Analysis, Asset Protection, Physical Security Audits, Security Training and Development, Firearms Training Programs. I am board certified by ASIS as a Physical Security Professional. For more information on my cost effective services please visit: www.jmock-consult.com

In this issue 1) Consultants Musings: Piracy on the High Seas 2) Personal Safety: To Gun, or not to Gun 3) Book Review: A Military Guide to Terrorism in the 21st Century 4) Product Review: IronKey USB drives 5) Final Word: Expansion

1) Consultants Musings: Piracy on the High Seas The ongoing incidents of piracy off the Somali coast gives one reason to ponder a number of issues beyond protecting the merchant ships sailing the high seas in this area. Piracy is certainly not new. It has been an ongoing problem since man first learned how to make boats that could engage in trade. And the solution to it, although often difficult, is not new. Until now. There has developed an ongoing paralysis among the world’s major powers in regards to dealing with any Third World problem. There seems to be some sort on ingrained thought process that states that no serious action can be taken unless there is some sort of UN “mandate” allowing it. Everyone seems to be sitting around wondering if it is “OK” to do anything. However a number of countries have started to wake up and have begun dealing with this situation in a pro active manner. Both France and the United States have taken military hostages rescue actions. This is most certainly to be applauded. Other nations are slowly waking up to the concept that their citizens do indeed have the right to protect themselves. Spain for example has authorized her merchant ships to be armed. These are all steps in the right direction, but still fall short of a serious solution. It is first and foremost important to recognize that these people are not just poor fishermen trying to survive and worthy of the worlds sympathy. The reality is that they are armed and dangerous terroristic criminals who are disrupting world commerce in an important sea lane and placing people’s lives at risk. And they should be dealt with as such. Somalia is a basket case. Barring a serious effort on the part of the world’s power to establish some sort of sane government there, that isn’t going to change nor will the Somali government solve the piracy problem. So what are the realistic options? I see three. 1. Massive and coordinated naval escort of all commercial ships traveling through the area. However, this option is not practical for a number of reasons not the least of which is cost. 2. Destroy the land bases of the pirates. A coordinated military effort to destroy both the villages and boats they are using and simply move the population inland. This one isn’t going to fly either both due to cost and “world” opinion. 3. Allow private shipping vessels to be armed and set standards for the equipping and training of the armed personnel. I see this as the best and most logical option. A number of ships have already fought off pirates without the aid of naval support. And there are a number of private security companies that can provide the necessary armed and trained personnel to protect these ships in a way that is far more cost effective than naval escort or paying ransoms.

2) Personal Safety: To Gun, or not to Gun One of the services I offer is small arms instruction, both to individuals and organized groups. I have often had clients with no background in weaponry approach me and ask about the option of purchasing a handgun for personal protection. In today’s world, it is indeed a valid question and often a proper option. But it is not a decision that should be made lightly or on the spur of the moment. My readership is international and laws and situations vary around the world. This article is primarily geared toward Americans and other nationalities that have legal access to firearms for personal protection. If you live in a country that doesn’t, then you are faced with either hiring professional protection, relying on your government, or doing without. In guiding clients through the thought process of whether they should be armed, it essentially comes down to four areas of consideration: Practical need, legal considerations, moral considerations, and Time/Money investment considerations. Let’s consider them in that order. A. Practical need: Do you really need a handgun for personal protection, either kept at home/business or on your person? Some people do, and some really don’t. Candidates for a carry handgun would include people who transport large sums of money or other valuables, or people who are forced to live and/or work in high crime areas. Check out the crime statistics for the area you live and work in. Are there a high percentage of armed robberies, rapes, muggings or other violent crimes? Or is it mostly petty larceny and other property crimes? Are you in a high visibility threat situation because of your profession, lifestyle or other reasons? In other words, are you really in danger? This is a subjective question that only you can answer. B. Legal Considerations: Does the law where you live allow you to have a gun in your home or on your person for self protection? If so, what are the requirements and limitations? Most states in the US have a concealed carry law. General requirements usually include being 21 years of age, no felony conviction, no “domestic violence” conviction, no drug or alcohol issues ect. And most require a formal background check and training program. Other nations have varying laws that each individual needs to learn and understand. C. Moral considerations: Can you kill another human being in the defense of your life or the life of another person? It’s that simple. And this is an issue that requires a lot of sober thought. For the person who has no military or police combat experience this is a subject that is often overlooked. Can you live with having killed another person, even if it was absolutely necessary? Can you live with the inevitable legal inquiry that will result from any shooting, justified or not? These are serious considerations that only you can answer. D. Time/Money Investment Considerations: A quality handgun is relatively expensive for many people. And so is the training required to go with it. And learning to be proficient with the handgun requires a certain amount of time investment. And it doesn’t end there. Shooting skills are perishable. Are you

wiling to invest the time and money (ammunition and range fees) required to stay proficient with your handgun? If you have gone through the above process and soberly considered any and all factors involved in arming yourself for personal defense, you have done more than way too many people who buy a handgun for personal protection. In regards to training, you local authority will set the standards that must be met, and will often have a list of approved shooting instructors. The National Rifle Association in the United States trains and certifies firearms instructors who can meet your requirements. They can be found at www.nra.org The decision to arm yourself for personal protection is a highly sensitive and personal choice. It should not be made lightly.

3) Book Review: A Military Guide to Terrorism in the 21st Century U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

The old saw that some of the best things in life are free certainly applies to this publication. This is a comprehensive research on terrorism that is valuable to not only military planners but civilian security personnel as well. This is a well researched and comprehensive overview. The Appendix A, Terrorist Planning Cycle is particularly useful. There are also three downloable supplements to go with it. Available free at: http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/army/guidterr/

4) Product Review: IronKey USB drives

The need to protect sensitive data while traveling is almost universal nowadays. Whether it is sensitive personal or client information, encrypted USBs fulfill the roll well. Ironkey makes an excellent line of encryption USB drives. All of your data on the IronKey drive is encrypted in hardware using AES CBC-mode encryption They make an extensive line of encryption drives for any conceivable use. You can learn more about them at:

https://www.ironkey.com/

5) Final Word: Expansion Once again, this month’s issue was late getting out do to the large amount of commitments I have had lately. I am preparing for a major trip to the States and will be in Arizona this summer exploring opening a Stateside office there to compliment my European activities. And as always, I eagerly solicit contributory articles fro the reader. Stay safe and be prosperous.