Readers;

I especially enjoyed our lead article on fighting Al Qaida's plan vice their ideology, and the article detailing Sen Dorgan's (D-ND) frustration related to contractors. Also nice to see an interest in the GWOT.

Keep them coming.

On another note, our breaking news section looks at the problems we are experiencing on our southern border. Issues ranging from illegal immigration to narcotics and gang warfare.

As always, thanks for you support.

John Wrenn
Managing Editor, Blackwater Tactical Weekly
Director, Corporate Communications

Dorothy Bernard

Now is the time to register for the Blackwater K-9 Tactical Course June 16-19, 2008. This course is 3.5 days and is designed to educate the working dog handler and his canine partner with advanced skills in tactical dog handling with faced with high-risk/high-threat situations. This is a challenging course that will test the handler's decision-making ability.

This course is approved by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for twenty eight (28) hours of Law Enforcement In-Service Training credit.

To register for the class please call Michele at (252) 435-2035 or email her at: training@blackwaterusa.com

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2008 - U.S. Central Command conducted a strike against a known al-Qaida target in Somalia yesterday, a Pentagon spokesman said today. The strike was near Dusa Mareb, north of the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

While there are some contractors who have abused the system, this probe is very indiscriminate.

Blocked by Republicans from establishing an investigating committee to probe war profiteering and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said he plans to resume hearings into contracting fraud through the Democratic Policy Committee.

Full Story

The Backup Training Corporation is the premier digital training provider for law enforcement. Known for outstanding computer based training courses, their training is used in more than 9,600 police departments nationwide. Courses are approved for in-service training in 39 states and college credits are available. The library of 46 courses totals over 300 hours of free training to sworn officers, military and corrections personnel who act in a law enforcement capacity. Partnerships with several colleges provide funding for the training and the only cost to the officer is a $6 per course charge to shipping and handling.- Click here to subscribe or learn more!

To view the latest contract opportunities at Blackwater, visit our Contract Web Page.

TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION AND SUBMIT YOUR RESUME CLICK HERE
Questions regarding Security Consulting or Training at Blackwater (252) 435-2488 or email webmaster@blackwaterusa.com

More news about robotic systems assisting ground troops.

The U.S. Army has accelerated testing of two Future Combat Systems (FCS) robotic prototypes, based on positive feedback from soldiers who are using early versions of the systems in with current forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) November 27, 2007 -- Ronald DeMeo, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer with Radiation Shield Technologies (RST), today announced the company's acquisition of Russia and Singapore patents for Demron, the world's first nuclear radiation-blocking fabric.

DHS enlists citizen boaters to help fight GWOT.

The role of recreational boaters in fighting terrorism is still evolving, but it deserves more serious consideration than Jay Leno's joke about millions of fishermen with rifles.

Full Story

Nice overview of how to layer security systems to provide better protection.

Your house is probably protected by a security system. But a second or even a third layer of defense might come in handy in many situations, such as a backup system or protecting other areas of your home.

Full Story

A lengthy read (27 pages), but a good overview from one of our preeminent military institutions about our industry.

Abstract: The Privatized Military Operations (PMO) industry has operated in conflict zones throughout history. Today, its use by the United States and its coalition partners in Iraq and Afghanistan is unprecedented, both in scope and sheer numbers. With the contractor headcount in theater nearly matching U.S. troop strength, the industry's use has outpaced regulatory, doctrinal and management practices. This paper assumes that the PMO industry will continue to be a force multiplier for the U.S. military and many of its allies and prescribes regulatory, doctrinal, and policy remedies to address shortcomings in exposed current operations.

Full Story

Tactical Equipment Evaluation

I've been doing equipment reviews for about ten years now and in that span of time I've reviewed more than my fair share of knives. Much like guns, knives are an intensely personal choice and there are a multitude of designs available to choose from. From cost effective to expensive, you can get a variety of fixed blade knives tailored for your use in the military or law enforcement arena. This week we're going to take a look at some that I've tested and how they've held up across time.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

Recreational Equipment Review

Often the demands placed on a fixed blade for use in recreational camping, backpacking and hiking are the same as those placed on blades used by our soldiers and cops every day. However, where a 10" blade might work for a soldier, it can be a bit excessive for the weekend camper. So what does the recreational knife user need? Just like this week's Tactical Equipment Review, our Recreational Review is going to be an examination of knives we've tested across the past years; which ones best suit our recreational needs; and how they've held up in steady field use across time.

Sacrifice has brought us to where we are today. Hundreds of thousands... Probably millions by now... Have paid a tremendous price of deprivation, injury, pain and loss to guarantee to you the freedom you are exercising today. We have not the capability of comprehending the amount and weight of this total sacrifice. We can with humility and gratitude put it to very good use for the benefit of all of those we love and of all of those we serve.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.blackwaterusa.com/btw2008/article/050508chaplain.htm

Swimming is a great aerobic and non-impact exercise, but there are pitfalls.

Obviously many people think so that is why the pools are always packed in the evenings and weekends. Well, I must first declare that I am not anti-swimming. In fact, I swim regularly. However when I researched materials for my articles, I came across some negative aspects of swimming.

Full Story

In conjunction with the fitness article on swimming, proper nutrition is necessary to ensure proper energy.

Swimming is one of the most challenging endurance sports on the planet. If you don't believe me get in a pool and swim a couple of laps as fast as you can. Are you tired yet? Make sure you swim close to the edge of the pool so you can latch on when you need to stop to gulp for air.

Full Story

Black holes are where God divided by zero.

The Blackwater Tactical Weekly is a free weekly e-publication.

The BTW provides readers valuable information from diverse sources regarding tactical and strategic security issues.

Editor-in-Chief - Gary Jackson (btw@blackwaterusa.com)
Managing Editor - John Wrenn (btw@blackwaterusa.com)
Format Editor - Jennifer Granoff (btw@blackwaterusa.com)
Frank's Review - Frank Borelli (frank@borelliconsulting.com)
Chaplain's Corner - Chaplain D. R. Staton (chpln1@verizon.net)
Advertising - Melissa Cuthbert (MCuthbert@blackwaterusa.com)

Questions regarding Security Consulting or Training at Blackwater (252) 435-2488

To subscribe to the BTW, Click Here

To view an archived BTW, Click Here