OCONUS: The Contractor's Life: Recent Episodes
Scott Dressor
A no-axe to grind, no agenda look into the life of private security contractors working OCONUS. Listen as those who have been there talk about their real-life experiences in hostile, austere, and war-torn areas as a private security contractor. Listen as we discuss what we did, how we did it, where we did it, what we saw, heard, and smelled. Tune in as we discuss our experiences as private security contractors working OCONUS from the perspectives of private security contractors.
OCONUS: The Contractor's Life is now a seasonal and mostly weekly podcast that explores the often murky and sometimes shadowy world of the private security contractor. Private security contractors exist in nearly every nation. They work on land, on the sea, and in the air. The duties they perform are almost limitless. At times, skewing the traditional divisions between military and civilian. During the first season, OCONUS: The Contractor's Life interviews and discusses with other private security contractors, showcasing their unique perspective and experiences. In this, the second season, while there will be some of that, the focus is on the experiences of the host of the podcast. So, what is it really like to be a private security contractor -- especially outside your home country? Tune in to OCONUS: The Contractor's Life to find out.
OCONUS: The Contractor's Life is a podcast that talks about, discusses, and occasionally interviews others, life as a private security contractor in hostile, war torn zones. We talk about, discuss the real-life, practical aspects of a PSC. From multi-days flights to extended lay-overs, to the sights, sounds, and scents -- experiences -- of those who served in the capacity of a private security contractor durint times of war. And, yes, occasionally those who were not nor have any plans of being a private security contractor but worked with and or interacted with private security contractors. We talk about, and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly in private security contracting. It is not our intention to be selacious. We are not whistle blowers. We don't divulge secrets. But we do attempt to tell it like it was, and how it is.
OCONUS: The Contractor's Life takes a look at the real-world lifestyle and experiences of those who serve the interests of the United States in the roles of private security contractors. In this, the second season, primarily, my experiences as a private security contractor working OCONUS. While not an expose nor a whistleblower forum, the podcast does, to some extent, discuss the difficulties and challenges that everyone faces at some point in their life as a private security contractor. I/we do discuss some of those issues, and to some extent, in detail. However, because PSC comprises only approximately ten percent of the overall contractor pool, it only seems fitting that some to many of the guests would be those who fulfilled roles other than private security.
In this episode, while I make oblique references to Iraq and Afghanistan, my focus is still on my experiences as a private security contractor on my first contract in the country of Kuwait. Why spend so much time detailing my time in Kuwait, you ask? Especially when the juicy stuff awaits? Perhaps it is because it is analagous to one's first love. If you understand that analogy then you will understand why I am spending so much time in Kuwait, laying the groundwork, so to speak. Because everything I became in my latter years as a private security contractor, save my military experience in the 1980's, was a direct result of my experiences in Kuwait.
As promised previously, this season's eisodes will be shorter -- on average, around 30-minutes in length. To be sure, there will be episodes that are longer, particularly those with guests. In this episode, I start just before my enlistment into the United States Marine Corps, transitioning into my first contract OCONUS in the Summer of 2007.
Ken is a former member of the U.S. Army. Ken made it through SFAS, made it to the Q-course but was subsequently released prior to completion of the Q-course due to a medical injury. Ken has worked as a private security contractor Stateside in the United States, and now owns a construction firm. He is also the owner and host of Inked Warrior Ministries and Wienerfied: Real Talk with Real Men. Special Guest: Ken Gouchi.
In this epsisode I talk with the dynamic duo of Greg "Doc" Hesch and Mike "Doc" Riche. Both are veterans of the United States Military, former Private Security Contractors overseas, and Paramedics. Both have spent time overseas in war zones. Neither are strangers to the damage violence can impart to the human body. We spend the bulk of our time discussing many of the medical issues of contracting from the tactical perspective. We also discuss the differences between tactical medicine as practiced in conflict zones versus medical treatment practiced in non-conflict zones -- such as in the United States. Special Guests: Greg Hesch and Mike Riche.
In this episode, I talk again with Greg Hesch -- former member of the United States Air Force, Paramedic, Wild Land Firefighter, and Private Security Contractor. Greg and I recap his background and history prior to becoming a private security contractor. We briefly spend time discussing his experiences as a private security contractor overseas, spending the bulk of the time discussing a variety of topics related to the private security industry as a whole. Special Guest: Greg Hesch.
Dave Williams is a former member of the United States Marine Corps, and a Private Security Contractor. I talk with Dave about his experiences as a PSC. We also spend a fair amount of time discussing what new people in the industry should consider and why. Previously, we discussed, primarily, his experiences working overseas. While we re-cap most of his experiences in this episode, we spend the brunt of our time talking about the things new people in the industry should consider. Dave is currently on contract in a supervisory and instructor role with Triple Canopy in the State of Colorado. working under the auspices of the DHS. Special Guest: Dave Williams.
Mike Morton is a former member of the United States Army as an infantry medic. He spent twenty years in law enforcement, parts of that time as a police SWAT medic. Mike retired after 20-years service in 2013. After working three years private security in the U-S, Mike began contracting OCONUS in Mexico as a police instructor and adivsor on a Department of State contract. He is currently awaiting contract award in another country. While our primary topic of discussion in this episode is the goings on south of the border, in particular how they pertian to a law enforcement and security stand point, we also take on several other topics and their spill-over affect. Special Guest: Mike Morton.
In this episode, I talk with K'ram Noori -- Afghan native on private security contracts since 2004. In fact, he is still on contract, this time with a company at the Ukranian embassy. K'ram's experience begins in 2004. Since that time, he has held positions from Security Supervisor and armored vehicle driver at Megaviation Helicopter in Afghanistan. Interpreter for convoy security teams, site supervisor, guard supervisor, member of a mobile security team, a guards commander. During the multi-decades wars in Afghanistan, most notably since the Soviet invasion in 1979, K'ram has seen many family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues die -- mostly as a result of terrorist activity, namely the Taliban. K'ram speaks openly about the subject of the on the ground situation in Afghanistan. Special Guest: K'ram Noori.
In this episode, I talk with Mike Riche -- former member of the United States Navy, overseas private security contractor, and owner of Survival Mind Set. Mike's overseas work experience includes positions with Triple Canopy, Aegis, and Global Strategies. His work experiences include security specialist, force protection, protective security specialist, executive protection specialist, and emergency response team. Mike finished overseas work in 2013 for Aegis. His stateside experience includes multiple positions with multiple companies in the roles of investigator, protection specialist, executive protection agent, firearms and first aid instructor, and, currently, owner of Survival Mind Set Training where he is also the lead instructor. His company can be found on the World Wide Web at [ survival mind set training dot com ]. Special Guest: Mike Riche.
My guest for this episode is Robert O'Dowd Spent 24-years in the armed forces. Attained Warrant Officer class-1. He spent nearly two years in Baghdad, Iraq in a management position -- where Robert and I met. As I recall, that was 2011. I will let him go in to detail on that if he so wishes. He has held multiple management positions since then, and in various locations. Some of those positions include: Project Consultant, Project Manager, Logistics Manager, and Area Manager. Robert is a SCRUM master. Not sure what that is. I know of one other person who has that title. I'm fairly certain Robert will fill us in on that. Robert is currently on contract in Iraq as a camp manager. Special Guest: Robert O'Dowd.
In this episode, I talk with Mike Riche -- former member of the United States Navy, overseas private security contractor, and owner of Survival Mind Set Training. Mike's overseas work experience includes positions with Triple Canopy, Aegis, and Global Strategies. His work experiences include security specialist, force protection, protective security specialist, executive protection specialist, and emergency response team. Mike finished overseas work in 2013 for Aegis. His stateside experience includes multiple positions with multiple companies in the roles of investigator, protection specialist, executive protection agent, firearms and first aid instructor, and, currently, owner of Survival Mind Set Training where he is also the lead instructor. His company can be found on the World Wide Web at [ survival mind set training dot com ]. Special Guest: Mike Riche.
Jon Reed is a former law enforcement officer who transitioned to overseas contracting in 2005, doing securty work in Haiti. In 2009 his transition was complete. Since then, he has been a staff instructor, WPS Assistant Team Lead, Senior Project Manager, Moble Team Lead, Global Anti-terrorism Assistance Diplomatic Mission. He is still an overseas contractor. Special Guest: Jon Reed.
In this episode I talk with Joshua Siebold -- overseas contractor/private security contractor for the past ten years. Joshua got his start like many by working private security in the States, getting the certifications and training he needed prior to his first contract overseas in 2010. Joshua and I talk about how he got into overseas contracting, his experiences stateside and overseas, and some of the challenges and issues faced and how one can overcome those challenges and issues. Joshua's credentials include...ISR, program management, INL affairs, Director of Armory Services, Bio-metrics, weapons instructor, and global security manager. Joshua's self professed highest level of private security training was his executive protection training through Trojan. Special Guest: Joshua Siebold.
In this episode I continue my discussions with Paul Rossi on his experiences as a private security contractor. We had such a great time in the previous episode that we just couldn't help ourselves from doing a second episode shortly afterwards. If you liked our first go-round in episode-30 you will likely enjoy this one as well. If you haven't listened to episode-30, I highly encourage you to do so. Special Guest: Paul Rossi.
In this episode, I talk with Paul Rossi, former member of the United States Navy, private security contractor, actor and model. Paul served in the U.S. Navy from 1995 until 2000. He attended college at Manchester Community College and Asnuntuck Community College. His career spans a multitude of industries and disciplines. On the security side of things, his resume includes... Maritime Security Shift Leader Team Leader of Force Protection / Armed Security Guards Lead Investigator Program Manager Senior Project Manager Head of Security for a major hotel chain U.S. Navy 1995-2000 Manchester Community College and Asnuntuck Community College Special Guest: Paul Rossi.
Patrick Sovie is a native of Sierra Leone. Patrick worked as a contractor in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan as a TCN (Third Country National). When he completed his overseas contracting, Patrick finished his education at Northeastern University, ultimately obtaining a PhD in International Law. Special Guest: Patrick Sovie.
In this episode, I talk with Steve Shuback -- former member of the United States Marine Corps, State Patrolman, Sheriff's Deputy, and private contractor overseas. Steve began his military career in 1988, culminating with his retirement from the reserves in 2016. We discuss his beginnings, his path to where he is now -- how he got there, and the experiences he's had as a result of that path. Special Guest: Steve Shuback.
Vern Messer is a former member of the United States Army, retired, I might add. After retiring, he spent twenty years as a private contractor overseas. He is currently in the State of North Carolina. Vern began his military career in 1967. His specialty was logistics; deployed to desert storm in 1992, beginning his private contracting career that same year. He retired from private contracting in 2012. During his time as a private contractor, Vern spent time in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Congo, Afghanistan, and Egypt. Special Guest: Vern Messer.
In this episode, I talk with Morgan Lerette -- former member of the United States Air Force, Private Security Contractor, and author of the book "Welcome to Blackwater." Morgan joined the U.S. Air Force in 1999. In the Summer/Fall of 2004, Morgan signed on with Blackwater, working in Iraq. Years later, he returned as a member of the U.S. Air Force. Morgan currently speaks on the open circuit. Special Guest: Morgan Lerette.
In this episode, I talk with Joe Wright, a retired federal special agent and current contractor, regarding his experiences as both a federal agent and a private contractor. Joe Wright began his federal carrer in 1977 as a Border Patrol agent in San Diego with INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), an Insepector in San Ysidro, Miami International Airport, Deportation Officer. He worked with the Customs Service, and FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), retiring in 2007 -- later that year, beginning his contracting career as a private contractor that year. Joe has spent four (4) years in Iraq & Afghanistan, and is currently on contract with DOS (Department of State). Special Guest: Joe Wright.
In this episode, I talk with Steven Luisi. Steven is a South Carolina resident of Italian descent who spent nearly three years contracting overseas for U.S. entities in the Middle East as well as other locations in Southwest Asia and Africa. Special Guest: Steven Luisi.
Patrick Batchelder is a former member of the United States Army. While serving in the Army, Patrick attained the rank of O-3 (Captain), served as an armorer, tank commander and, later, worked in PsyOps. After getting out of the Army, he turned to contracting overseas. He's worked in Iraq, Kuwait, and in Tunisia. In fact, he is still contracting. Special Guest: Patrick Batchelder.
Mike Morton is a former member of the United States Army as an infantry medic, and a police SWAT medic. He retired after 20-years service in 2013. After three years private security work in the U-S, Mike began contracting OCONUS in Mexico as a police instructor and adivsor on a Department of State contract. Special Guest: Mike Morton.
Jeff joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1980, serving for 10-years as a Combat Engineer. Concurrently, he served in the Philadelphia Police department as a Detective, and a special agent to the AG Office in the narcotics and crimes division. Jeff was also a member of the SWAT team. Jeff retired from law enforcement in 2010, moving into the world of contracting with the EPM -- Embedded Police Mission. He was a class mate of the EPM-308 mission, then went to Kandahar, Afghanistan where he worked for DynCorp Int'l. Mike currently owns his own private security company -- personal security solutions, llc. His company website is currently personal security solutions dot net, soon to be getoffthe-x.com. Special Guest: Jeff Aster.
Christine Tenzycki is a former law enforcement officer in Okaloosa County, Florida, and a private security contractor. She is currently general manager of a nightclub, as well as miscellaneous duties for the owner's varied business entities. Christine spent two (2) years in Ecuador on a Peace Corps mission. She holds a bacalaureate degree in Criminal Justice, and she maintains a YouTube channel. Special Guest: Chrstine Tenzycki.
Robert Fox is a former member of the United States Army -- field artillery and intelligence analyst. After getting out of the Army, Robert turned his passions into one of food service. Robert spent over ten (10) years overseas contracting food services to troops and contractors from every coalition member country that went through his AO in Iraq. Special Guest: Robert Fox.
Bill Moses is a former member of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. Bill retired from the Army Reserves in 2002 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Since then, Bill has worked as a New York Police Officer and as a consultant, mentor and advisor to numerous organizations, public and private overseas and in the United States. Bill is a Vietnam War veteran. He spent 24-years as a Law Enforcement Officer, joining the INL (International Narcotics & Law Enforcement) mission overseas in 1997 for Dyncorp Int'l. He has worked for USAID as security coordinator, and was a Police instructior in Jordan for 27-months; spent 23-months with the ATA program, as well as numerous other programs and missions around the world. Special Guest: Bill Moses.
In this episode I talk with Thomas C about his experiences as a private security contractor, his past and current endeavors, as well as some of the many issues and challenges facing military veterans and private security contractors. Alas, I apologize for the background distractions during this episode. I live in the foothills of a mountain range. As such, my cell phone reception is come and go. As utilizing a VOIP call was not practical for this particular episode, I had to hit the road for this episode. Special Guest: Thomas C.
In this episode, I talk with Trevor Ritchie and his beginnings, starting with his time in the U.S. Army, transitioning to his experiences as a private security contractor overseas. We wind up this episode with what he's been doing since quitting overseas contracting. Special Guest: Trevor Ritchie.
In this installment of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk with Larry Wilson, former member of the USMC, LEO, Owner of MVX Security Solutions, and Private Security Contractor. Larry Wilson spent eight years as a U.S. Marine, Special Guest: Larry Wilson.
Mister Haworth is a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Deputy Sheriff, State Game Warden, currently, a Federal Law Enforcement agent, and Private Security Contractor. Special Guest: Travis Haworth.
Travis Haworth is a former U.S. Marine, Deputy Sheriff, and State Game Warden. He is currently a Federal Law Enforcement agent. We talk about Travis's beginnings prior to becoming a Private Security Contractor through his experiences in the Middle East, and what he's doing these days. Special Guest: Travis Haworth.
Dave Williams is a former member of the United States Marine Corps, and Private Security Contracotor. His expericnes span CONUS (Continental United States) and OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) contracts. During Dave's time as a PSC, he spent time with Blackwater, Blackhawk, TLW Jamaica, Meridian Global, and Nexus Consultancy, as well as others which will be divulged at a later date in another episode. Special Guest: Dave Williams.
In this episode, I talk with William Ledford about his experiences during his time as a Private Security Contractor in Kuwait as a Force Protection Officer, and his time in Iraq as a OSINT specialist. William Ledford is a former member of the United States Army. He served in both an infantry role, an MP role, and a suveillance role. He worked overseas in Kuwait and Iraq for three years. In between, and since, he worked on contract for ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) and FPS (Federal Protective Services). He is currently on contract with FPS, and seeking a private security contract stateside with LEO credentials or to get back on contract overseas. Special Guest: William Ledford.
In this second of a two part series, I talk with Rob Krott, former member of the United States Army, Special Forces, Private Security Contractor, and author of the books "AR-15 Operator's Build Manual (2017)" and "Save the Last Bullet for Yourself (2008)". We discuss his experiences as a private security contractor. Special Guest: Rob Krott.
In this two part series, I talk with Rob Krott, former member of the United States Army, Special Forces, Private Security Contractor, and author of the books "AR-15 Operator's Build Manual (2017)" and "Save the Last Bullet for Yourself (2008)". We discuss his experiences as a private security contractor. Special Guest: Rob Krott.
Jim Sierawski is a U.S. Navy veteran, Law Enforcement Officer, Private Security Contractor, and author of the book, "Bear the Sword". Jim was a BUDS graduate of class-109. He served with SEAL teams 5, 6, and 8. He was also a LEO for 4-years. Jim worked for Blackwater, initially, as a part-time instructor, eventually going full-time. He rekons that he was the 5th or 6th member of Blackwater to be hired -- prior to 9/11. Special Guest: Jim Sierawski.
I talk with my good friend Marc Fortin, former member of the United States Marine Corps and Army, and Private Security Contractor. We briefly discuss his beginnings, his transition from the military to contracting, and his experiences as a private security contractor. Special Guest: Marc Fortin.
Tune in as I talk with Jeff Pall -- former member of the United States Army, and private security contractor from 2004 until 2012. Special Guest: Jeff Pall.
I talk with Steven Hackworth, former member of the United States Air Force, Paramedic, and private security contractor. We discuss his history as a private security contractor, beginning in 1986 through his departure in 2018. Special Guest: Steven Hackworth.
A full-length interview-discussion with Giuseppe Squillante, former member of the Italian Navy and private security contractor. Giuseppe worked in Iraq from 2004 until 2014. I spend time talking with him about his background and experiences while working in Iraq, and his decision to go back. Special Guest: Giuseppe Squillante.
Tune in to this special edition of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life as I interview/discuss private security contracting overseas with Mister Dwayne Thompson, former member of the UK Defense Forces and private security contractor. We discuss what he did prior to becoming a PSC and his perspective of private security contracting, particularly as how the industry has changed over the years and the utter professionalism currently in play. We also discuss the stresses, strains, and challenges of the contractor and the support back home. Special Guest: Dwayne Thompson.
In this episode, I talk with Recalled, former member of the U.S. Army's MP corps and private security contractor. We start with what he did prior to becoming a private security contractor, his transition from the military to private security contracting, and his challenges and experiences as a private security contractor overseas. Special Guest: Uncle Tom.
In this episode, I talk with Darin Reid -- former fire chief, paramedic, and private security contractor. We talk about his beginnings prior to contracting, how he got into the industry, and his experiences overseas as a private security contractor working overseas, especially while embedded with the local populace, outside the wire. Special Guest: Darin Reid.
In this episode, we discuss some of the issues and challenges facing the American private security contractor as well as some the barriers we must overcome and some of the stereotypes that perpetuate our industry. Our guest is Myles White, former U.S. Army Airborne and Green Beret, and private security contractor. With more than 13-years in Special Forces and 22-years as a private security contractor to DoD and DoS contracts -- currently under contract in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Myles brings a wealth of experience to this episdoe. Special Guest: Myles White.
This inaugural episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life opens with a discussion/interview on the experiences of Greg "Doc" Hesch -- how he got his start in private security contracting, a look into what he did and where he did it, and what he is up to now. The discussion delves into the issues PSCs frequently endure while working overseas as well as their struggles reintegrating back into civilized society. Special Guest: Greg Hesch.