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Saps-za, I challenge your statement (listed some time ago!) about military guys not being able to converse with the principle; I have recently retired from the military and spent the best part of 18-years working within the close protection fraternity. I was always able to ‘speak’ to my principle - so much so, that I frequently meet up with them for lunch, dinner or just afternoon tea. We continue to speak on a regular basis.
The issue here mate is that we can’t ‘tar’ everyone with the same brush and I have met many within the military who do struggle to converse on the same level as the principle, however my old mob used the maxim of not speaking unless spoken too. Alto often an inexperienced IBG would try to initiate conversation because they lived in fear of silence.
My second comment is for Hippo (a close friend). I was in conversation the other night with a chap in the know about a 3 star challenging the reasons why the redcaps provided CP within a war fighting environment. The argument is that RMP do not have the necessary tactical awareness to survive during high intensity warfare. This is something that DMO will need to adjudicate and issue the necessary direction. Service Police CP to battle-field military commanders might be on borrowed time; Service Police CP to the FCO shouldn’t be effected (we hope).
General comment: The regular reference to Iraq/Afghanistan within this thread leads me to think that we might be talking about two different types of protection. Remember, the CPO should be considered as the last line of defence. The reasons that many of the PPOs from SO1 do not deploy to war zones (above the concerns of their families) is because they [routinely] do not have the necessary skills to contribute to the defence of their principle. Again, some do, however those that choose not to deploy may be displaying the ultimate signs of professionalism. Know your limits, understand your capabilities and seek support when you identify a gap in your ability to secure the person at risk.
Food for thought; I’m climbing off my soap box now.
I laughed when I read the username, ‘Block 30 Janitor’. Well done - extremely original and something that will resonate with all Longmoor Veterans…
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