PMCI - August 2014

As soon as the course was finished I set about on my C.V.,
transferring all my military skills in to “civvy-speak”. I sent it to
all the companies I could find, and spent about 2-3 hours a day
scouring the internet looking for opportunities. I joined several
websites: Close Protection World, Close Protection Forum and
sites on Facebook, Ex-forces Jobs and others. After a couple of
months I received a message on Facebook from an Army friend,
asking if I was still looking for a job as a PMC - the answer was
of course “Yes” and, after what seemed like a lifetime, I was
given my flight details and was off.
I arrived in Afghanistan in April of 2013. I was issued
with my kit, personal weapons and given training that would
be specific to my job whilst in theatre, including drills in the
compound if we are attacked, weapon handling tests and orientation
to our B6 armoured vehicle. We don’t have to wear a set
uniform, however most of the guys wear similar t-shirts; it just
looks smarter and more professional (in my opinion).
“Now the bit that we all do this job for… The
money!!! The jobs that pay the big bucks are
few and far between; unless you’re some sort
of ninja warrior that is impervious to bombs or
bullets you will get a basic wage like everybody!”
Our routine changes from day to day, some days we could
be out on a job for just a few hours, other times we could be
out all day. We could go to multiple places throughout the day
or stay in one place all hours and always, route selection is
key! You may have to go to the same place three or four days
on the trot, varying your route and passing information about
these routes to other teams on the project. The vehicle has to be
cleaned and ready to go at the drop of a hat – not forgetting to
check the fluids on a daily basis (just like being in the Forces).
“I’ve been here a year now and no two
days are the same. For me every day is a
learning day.”
Yes, the wage could be higher than what you might earn
doing an executive gig in London or Prague - and I emphasize
the word “might” in that sentence. The fact is everybody
wants to make a profit and a big profit at that… Your client
does and the company you work for does! So if your client
is cutting back to save money (and make a big profit), the
chances are your employer is still going to want to make a
profit, so they either cut back on the number of people they
employ or cut down on the amount they pay you. If they cut
down the number of people they employ, they may not be able
to fulfil the contract. So the best option is to cut your wages
and if you are sitting there thinking they could lose most or
all the CP guys and they wouldn’t do it, believe me there are
plenty waiting in the wings to fill your place for less money.
I honestly believe if you’re sat there thinking “I’m not going
to work for anything less than X amount”, or that you really
are that ninja warrior impervious to bombs and bullets, you’re
never going to get a job in this industry. The companies out
there are picking and choosing the best of the best and if you
want those big bucks, what makes you so good?
I’ve been here a year now and no two days are the
same. For me every day is a learning day. Has it been what
I expected? There have been good days and bad days but it
has been far better than I expected, so much so that I actually
look forward to coming back here after every rotation.
The training I received helped start me off with a base level
and, with regular training by my employers, this has improved
to counter the ever-changing threat. You have to be polite and
respectful to the clients; opening the doors for them, making
sure they understand any upscale in the threat level because, if
the client is happy, your Project Manager (PM) is happy!
Now the bit that we all do this job for… The money!!!
The jobs that pay the big bucks are few and far between; unless
you’re some sort of ninja warrior that is impervious to bombs
or bullets you will get a basic wage like everybody!