By Odell Robee
Greetings, I’m currently down range at an undisclosed location. I’m pulling a stint as an independent contractor (IC) to do my part for God, country, and Corps. Some of us out here do it not so much for the money, but we have friends and family still serving. I told Max, I’d drop a line now and then to let you know what its really like as an IC. So don’t believe the hype from the slanted media. At the moment, it’s very hot and dusty during daylight hours. The men I work with are highly trained and are former military or law enforcement. Our company is top notch and our contract is solid.
From time to time, I’ll enlighten you on the kit we wear, the weapons we carry, and what it takes to be an IC in the current hotspots. This job isn’t for everyone. You have to be a self-starter, in good physical condition, and have the ability to adapt to harsh conditions. So stay tuned for more info and stories.
On another note, there is currently one of our servicemen being held by the enemy. Despite the circumstances surrounding his disappearance from his base, he’s a American and we won’t rest until he’s free. For some of us with a SOF background, we have been trained for Hostage rescue missions. Rest assured from my personal experience the military and government are doing everything to get this soldier back. Whatever SOF unit gets to the call to answer the miltiary option, the guys will be ready. Over here there’s two modes working in case we get the “go”. It’s a dilberate assault and detailed plan. Just like we’re taught in Ranger school, the old Raid class. The unit will be broken down to perform task specific missions for this op. The guys will use normal weapons and kit, and anything that will help the tasks such as NVGs, breaching tools, flash bangs, etc. The key is good intel and developing courses of action. Once the guys have good intel and develop with a viable plan, they brief higher HQ. Then they practice the plan and work out the kinks. Of course Murphy’s law is always a factor but our guys will perform to the best of their abilities. The big boss over here is a former SOF leader so he’ll make sure the guys have all the support they need. Rest assured if they launch and get this guy, one of the guys on the ride back home is gonna ask him, “Hey bub, what the hell were you thinking when you left your post?”
