Zero History

But before the Army figures out how to do counterinsurgency. Resigns because he’s a
classic self-promoter. Believes he has a good chance at striking it rich as a consultant.”
Milgrim listened intently, methodically sipping broth from the white china spoon. It
gave him something to do, and that was very welcome.
“2005 through 2006, he tries to get work as a civilian contractor with CIA,
interrogations and whatnot.”
“Whatnot?”
She nodded, gravely. “They see, to their credit, that his talents and expertise don’t really
go that way. He knocks around the Gulf region for two years, pitching security consulting
services for oil companies, other big corporations in Saudi, UAE, Kuwait. Tries to get his
foot in the door as a consultant with the rich Arab governments, but by this time the big
dogs in that industry are up and running. No takers.”
“This is Foley?”
“Who’s Foley?”
“The man who followed us in Paris.”
“Did he look forty-five to you? You might not make such a good informant after all.”
“Sorry.”
“2006 to present. This is where it gets good. Going back to what he knew best before
9/11, he exploits old contacts in the Philippines and Indonesia. Moves his business to
Southeast Asia, which is a gold mine for him. The big companies are more focused on
the Middle East at this point, and smaller operators can pick up more cash in Southeast
Asia. He starts by doing the same security consulting work for corporate clients in
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Hotel chains, banks … He games the
political connections of those corporate clients into consulting work for those
governments. Now he’s teaching tactics, counterinsurgency strategies, which he’s maybe
only barely qualified to do. Interrogation, which he’s not qualified to do. And more.
Whatnot. Instructing police units, probably the military too, and here’s where he starts to
seriously get into arms procurement.”
“Is that illegal?”
“Depends how you do it.” She shrugged. “Of course, he also has some former service
buddies working for him by this point. While he’s teaching tactics, he’s also specifying
the equipment these outfits will need. He starts small, outfitting counterterrorist police
squads with special weapons and body armor. Stuff sourced from American companies
where he has ties of friendship. But if general officers of these countries’ militaries get
visibility on what he’s doing, and get a chubby from it, which some of them are highly
disposed to do, and are also impressed by his Rambo routine, your classic multitalented
American commando but with more business acumen, they can start talking to him about
equipment needed by their militaries’ conventional forces.” She put her spoon down. “So
here’s where we start talking real money.”
“He’s selling arms?”