PSDs-Personal Security Details

Every morning when I go to the gym to workout I am surrounded by civilians that work with different companies known as Personal Security Details (PSDs). Two of the biggest companies are Blackwater and Aegis. These men are muscle bound, Neanderthal types that provide security for various military and civilian big wigs. Many of the men working PSD are previous military that recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan, resigned from duty and came back for triple the money as private contractors. They have more freedom as PSD including more relaxed rules of engagement, the right to drink alcohol, ability to wear civilian clothes, and most importantly the right to quit and go home at any time. They make about 9,000 dollars a month of which 6,500 is tax free. On top of that every 4th month they return home and still receive anywhere from half to full pay. Some of the former marines now working as PSD have been receiving phone calls from the military calling them up to active duty status. They mostly ignore these calls since they are already in Iraq earning much larger salaries.

Several people had the idea of switching all security services over to PSD companies and letting the national guard and reservists return home. I think this is a wonderful idea! Many infantry soldiers are performing military police and security details which is not consistent with their primary mission. This is a very dangerous job that isn't worth the small amount of money they are paid, and requires totally different training than they normally receive.

My unit does not allow the use of private contractor PSDs due to the danger involved. Many of these men would be considered cowboys and take many risks when transporting their clients. They are ready and available to transport folks all over Iraq at almost anytime.

One night at dinner in the palace an army colonel in the national guard shared his outrageous PSD story with me. He lost his digital camera in Kuwait on the way to Iraq and planned to purchase a new camera at the PX in Baghdad. He soon discovered that very little is available at the Baghdad PX and decided to take a day trip to the walmart sized PX in Camp Victory to do some shopping. After his movement requests were turned down by several military agencies he then approached a private PSD company for assistance. The men were very accommodating and asked him to show up the following day at 0900 for a convoy traveling to Camp Victory. On the day of departure he was shocked to learn the convoy was set up specifically for him. (Of course the PSD had no idea that the colonel was just going shopping at the PX.) After arriving in Camp Victory the private contractors asked the colonel where he needed to be dropped off. In response the colonel made up the name of one of the ministries because he was too embarrassed to admit his true destination. He definitely has a story to share with his kids when he gets home. I am just glad no one was injured or killed on this frivolous mission.

Heidi

PS. I just learned that the PX in Camp Victory was hit with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) yesterday killing 1 person and injuring 20. I think it is time for me to come home.