afghanistan -briefing pack

8/6/2019 Afghanistan -Briefing Pack

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COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

COMPASS INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS

AFGHANISTANBRIEFING PACK

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WELCOME TO COMPASS SECURITY

Compass Security is a private security company with operations throughout the Middle

East, Africa and Central Asia, from Iraq to Afghanistan. We specialize in providing afull range of tailored security capabilities for multi-national companies, diplomaticmissions, NGO's and military organizations.

Compass operates a wide range of commercial security activities, from static sitesecurity and convoy protection through to secure logistic services and cash-in-transit.Compass takes great pride in offering cost-effective service concepts in even the mostchallenging environments.

We are committed to providing a quality service to our customers aroundthe world - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ABOUT US:

The Compass team has great experience working in the remote site and militarysegment and we recognize the value of quick response. Our strength is our ability toprovide ‘rapid-fire’ project planning and implementation. We have excellentoperational knowledge in a wide range of conflict and post-conflict countries and ourstaff have seen service in war zones and trouble spots all over the world.

Compass employs staff with the highest levels of training, experience andprofessionalism. We recognise that people are our strength and we strive to achieveand maintain the highest standards for our people at all times.

Compass staff undergo vigorous recruiting and induction processes based on high-endmilitary selection procedures. Training continues throughout an employee’s servicewith Compass to ensure our operators stay sharp, focused and capable of providingthe right response at the right time.

Compass has also established a rigorous training plan specifically designed for LocallyEmployed Nationals in order to impart tangible skills related to the internationalsecurity industry in the developing countries in which we work. This training packagehas been developed specifically to arm local personnel with the knowledge,techniques and qualifications to operate with confidence and skill as security

practitioners in the international security arena.

Our Training Programs are a vital component in the provision of a robust securitymodel. Furthermore, these Training Programs contribute to nation-building and willprovide a legacy of well-trained and professional local staff who can confidently taketheir place in the security community. This is arguably one of the more importantfacets of the Compass operation. We operate professional and robust securitysolutions in Developing Countries suffering under the burden of economic ruin andhigh unemployment. We at Compass never miss the opportunity to impart the skillsand knowledge that lead to job creation. This is a guiding company principle.

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OUR SERVICES

Compass Security strives to provide superior service in all our security endeavours.We have a wide range of security capabilities specifically designed to be implementedrapidly and professionally. Compass take great pride in working closely with ourcustomers to develop ‘best fit’ security packages that take into account the threatenvironment, risks, budget and most importantly the specific customer requirements.

The Compass philosophy sees us working hand-in-hand with our customers to become‘partners’ in the security of an operation.

Our capabilities include:

• Armed and Unarmed Static Site Security• Mobile (Convoy Escort) Security & Convoy Protection• Close Personal Protection• Security Audits and Risk Assessments• Retail Security• Cash Management and Cash-In-Transit Security• Supply Chain Security• Protective Services• Training Services

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AFGHANISTAN – MAP

Reference:http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/middle_east/afghanistan/afghanistan.htm

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3. COUNTRY BRIEF – AFGHANISTAN

2007-2008

2007 was a key year for Afghanistan. The insurgency has vastly grown in strengthover the last two years; corruption and criminality have soared, whilst

development has resoundingly failed to meet expectations. The public arebecoming increasingly disenchanted and whilst still harboring a widespread hatredof the Taleban, are increasingly finding themselves uncertain of the future.Conflict related casualties are rising quickly, NATO nations are experiencingincreased domestic public and political opposition to their missions, whilst thestability of Pakistan has continued to deteriorate. The popularity of the KarzaiGovt continues to fall amidst evidence of spiraling corruption and a perceivedfailure to deliver. The international military effort is increasingly seen as ‘part of the problem’ amidst deteriorating security and the growing number of civilian‘collateral damage’. Whereas it was a case of being ‘ours to lose’ it is nowtransitioning over to being ‘ours to win’.

Political Structure The country is governed from Kabul with subsidiary provincial and district ‘localgovernment’ in the outlying regions. In reality, this is not an accurate picture of the country’s structure. Afghanistan remains very ‘feudal’ in its composition.Much of the real authority resides not with central government in Kabul but ratherwith local ‘Commanders’ or ‘War-Lords’ (many of who held token governmentaloffice). The Central Government controls Kabul and the surrounding area but hassignificantly less influence elsewhere, although this is changing. The north of thecountry is beginning to show signs of political opposition (under the National Frontparty) to the Government, which they believe to be pro-Pashtun, infested byinsurgent sympathizers and not representing their interests.

Some of the notable commanders: Ismail Khan (Pashtun) who governed Heratand had an estimated 10,000 troops at his disposal. Rashid Dostum (Uzbek)controlled the region around Mazar-e-Sharif and vied with a rival commanderGeneral Atta, sometimes leading to factional fighting. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar(Pashtun) still has an increasing hold on the East/South East part of the countryand is now actively opposing the Govt with his groups, Hesb-e Islami, essentiallyworking in loose alliance with the Taleban. Fahim Khan (Tajik) had taken overmuch of the mantle of Ahmad Shah Massoud and was a Presidential candidate,Marshal Fahim was the Defence Minister, resides in Kabul and is from Panjshir. Allof these since the election of President Karzai have become much less influentialand have become sidelined, willingly or otherwise, they maintain influence but to a

much lesser degree than ever before. This has led to growing resentment of theGovernment by factions which have hundreds of thousands of loyal followers.

Alliance / Divisions

While the Taleban continue a very confrontational ‘pro-Pashtun’ approach tounseating he Government, Hesb-e Islami (HiG), under Hekmatyar, have taken adual pronged approach; fighting in the field against the Govt and internationalpresence along with political infiltration of the Govt and local communities (of allethnicities). HiG are in loose alliance with the Taleban but are under separateautonomous command. The two groups do appears to work reasonably welltogether but the strength of their alliance is in opposition of the Govt and would belikely to fail should their common cause disappear.

Security

There are 3 primary factors affecting personal security of International Staff working in Afghanistan. Although security forces and Govt personnel remain the

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main targets, an increasing number of internationals are being killed in theconflict. Most are involved in security provision, high profile development work orthe diplomatic missions of NATO nations. ‘Normal’ internationals are rarelytargeted in Afghanistan, although hostage takings and serious criminal incidentsare not uncommon

Crime

In general, the incidence of crime against Internationals has been low but is clearlyon the increase. Car-jacking and armed robberies (including cash in transit heists)are the two most serious possibilities.

Factional Fighting

Factional fighting is a possibility, but it is rare that International Staff are in anyway involved/present during such exchanges. They do not represent a significantrisk for Internationals but must be considered when visiting volatile areas.

Terrorism / Anti- Westernisation

Terrorism remains the largest threat to International Staff and manifests itself inthree different capacities. Al Qaeda continues to operate behind the scenes inAfghanistan, but is in all reality far less of an issue than the Taleban and Hesb-eIslami. All groups operate predominantly in the Pashtun dominated southern and

eastern provinces but receive refuge and support from the frontier provinces of Pakistan. The insurgent influence has very significantly increased outside andinside Kabul, with their territorial sphere of influence now allowing moreaggressive operations against the capital.

Do’s and Don'ts

Do

Do be polite and courteous to Afghans, no matter how difficult it may be at times.Do make friends with Afghans, they work well with people whom they respect andlike, the old adage of ‘I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine’, you never know

when they are going to be useful to you. Do make an effort to learn at least a fewwords of Dari or Pashtun (depending on location), especially the greetings andthank you etc. Do be aware that agendas might not always be revealed and someAfghans can be rather devious/duplicitous. Afghans may exploit opportunities forfinancial or other gain. Do be discreet with your movement details and reveal onlythat information which it is essential or harmless for people to know. This neednot interfere with being friendly, courteous and developing sound working orpersonal relationships, but a case of being ‘street wise’.

Don’t

Don’t shout at Afghans, it will have a negative effect. Afghans are surprisingly un-confrontational to a point and then they flash. Do not swear at Afghans, theyrecognise English swear words. In Dari there are swear words which are used aswe use them but there are others which could literally get you killed on the spot.Don’t be impolite or inhospitable, Afghans are very welcoming and we should bethe same. Don’t whistle, it’s not a great taboo but is seen as arrogant showing off,suggesting that you are better than those around you. Don’t go off the beatentrack. Don’t flash your cash about in public. Don’t call them Arabs. Be carefulwhen dealing with Afghan women; there are plenty of men who would exercisepunishment on women for even speaking to strange foreign men. Don’t accusethem of being thieves.

ICSA - (Independent Contractors Services Agreement)

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It is the sole responsibility of the employee to ensure they read and understand thecontractual conditions/obligations of their ICSA.

DO NOT SIGN the ICSA unless all areas are thoroughly understood and agreed to.Pleading ignorance to any aspect of the contractual responsibilities/conditions is notan excuse and will be viewed unfavorably.

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JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

BANKING FACILITIES

There are banking facilities in Kabul city and on certain NATO bases such as

Kandahar however you will rarely have access to these facilities. It is ideal to bring

with you USD$500-$1000 & a credit card and store with you in case of

emergency. It is highly advisable to arrange for internet banking. An amount of USD$200 can be provided to you on a monthly basis which will be deducted from

your salary. A higher amount can generally be arranged if required.

MEDICAL

Please make aware of any previous and existing medical conditions and ensure that

you have brought with you any prescribed medication (enough for your planned

rotation plus a month or two). If you have any existing medical conditions, you should

provide Compass staff with a letter from your General Practitioner stating your

condition and any restrictions which may impose risks to your health. Please note thatCompass does not accept responsibility of any disclosed or undisclosed existing or

previous medical conditions.

Comprehensive Health insurance is provided for a wide range of health care benefits

including emergency evacuation, medical consultations, and hospital stay etc. You

will be covered straight away, and at some point you will receive a medical card, with

your medical insurance number. Please carry this card with you at all times even

when on leave.

It is important that you know your blood group and bring with a World Health

Organization recognized inoculation record (previous military inoculations logs will

suffice).

There are limited medical facilities on Compass sites. They are normally utilized in

medical emergencies such as trauma and sudden illness. There are out-patient

clinics in Kabul city which provide general medical consultations, dentistry,

physiotherapy, gynecology and pharmaceuticals in Kabul. Kandahar Airfield also

has excellent facilities.

It is advisable that each person bring with them a small First Aid kit. Please note

that it is a United Arab Emirates requirement that you provide a letter from your

from your General Medical Practitioner in order to transfer prescribed medications.

In saying that, this requirement is rarely imposed. NB. Confirm you are covered by

your life insurer and inform them that you will be working in Afghanistan

RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONSIf you have any recognized qualifications such as medical, close protection,

weapons qualifications etc please bring with you and present to Training Wing

staff. Qualifications may include but not limited to:• SIA license

• Close Protection Course Certificate

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• Medical qualifications or First Aid certificates

• Any relevant security courses

• Note that Police and Military records are not admissible. Limit documentation totrade certificates or tickets.

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UNIFORMS

It is highly advisable to bring your own boots, fleece, wet weather jacket and winter

apparel however the following items are provided for upon arrival:

• 2x Khaki pants

• 3x Compass polo shirts

• 1x Pair of boots

• 1x Compass long sleeve shirt

• 1x Compass wet weather jacket

• 1x Fleece. These items will be replaced as they wear out.

INDUCTION PROGRAM

Induction training runs for six days commencing on your arrival in Kabul and will

include:

• A PT component covering basic levels of fitness with a final assessment

• Weapon training and assessment - AK47 and CZ99

•

Review of varying compass departments and an introduction to the KabulManagement team

• Medical Training and Assessment

• You will additionally be assessed on the rules for use of force, and rules of armed conflict

The assessments require a pass to be achieved in all components.

EQUIPMENT

You will be issued with a phone and computer on your arrival into country. Your email

address will be [email protected]; your pass word is yoursurname spelled backwards - emanrus. You are advised to change this as soon as

possible by logging into https://secure.webhost4life.com/secure/maillogin.bml?err=

and click on ‘manage mail’. Once you have changed it, you will need to change and

save this when outlook is next opened. (Tick the box to save in password list). To set

up the signature block in Outlook, please refer to CISS-RD-CSS-003 Written

Communication.

The following list of items is based upon the experience of current employees. Please

be advised that there is no allowance provided for the purchasing of clothing or

equipment. Compass employees will occasionally have access to supermarkets and

military PX’s however this depends on area of deployment.

• Toiletries

• Medicines & medical prescriptions

• T-shirts and PT shorts, running shoes

• Shirts (1 long and 1 short)

• Trousers

• Socks & Underwear (washing is done daily)

• Raincoat

• Boots leather rubber soles

• Thongs / Flip flops

• Spare eye glasses / Eye drops Sunglasses• Towels 2x

• Pocket multi -purpose knife/ nail clipper, flashlight

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• Small personal first aid kit, Multi Vitamins, Imodium’s, Headache tablets Footpowder Chap stick/ sun block, Mosquito repellant (summer)

• Sewing kit

• Alarm clock

• Music, books

• Bottled water for emergency

• Diary planner

• Wallet

• Visa / Master card for emergencies

• Padlock and key / Small locks for baggage lock

• Laptop, external hard drive or flash drive

• Camera, Cell phone (phone/laptop will be provided depending on position)

• Electronic flight ticket and Hotel Voucher (for passport control)

• Transfer Visa (if applicable)

• Spare Passport photos x 8

• Winter (minus -28oc) from October to March

• Jacket (provided by Compass)

• Gloves

•

Thermal underwear• Beanie/sensible hat

NB. You will need about $350.00 to $500.00 USD for expenses somerefundable on arrival in Afghanistan (visa, taxi fees, food, officialcalls).

WARNING: The carrying of alcohol and pornography into Afghanistan is illegal. If youare stopped by Customs and Immigration at Kabul International Airport, and are found tobe in possession of the above mentioned items you will be immediately arrested.

Technically, local authorities in the UAE will issue a weapons permit to a traveler whorequires it. The permit must be received prior to travel to the UAE. The authorities willconfiscate all firearms and military or police equipment such as handcuffs, vests, if they're found in a civilian airport. According to the U.S. State Department, "Americanshave been arrested and jailed for transporting... weapons... without the express writtenauthorization of the UAE government, even though airline and U.S. authorities allowedshipment on a U.S. originating flight." Compass supplies all safety and securityoperational equipment required and you are not required to carry your own.

All personnel will be required to complete an immigration card on arrival, therefore ensureyou have a pen with you. This card must be filled out and stamped in the airport prior to

leaving arrivals. Keep this card close by your passport as it must be stamped by the MOIprior to departing the country.

There are severe limits to the weight allowed on flights. You will be flying on civilianaircraft; do not bring heavy items or too much clothing. Many items can be replaced inAfghanistan so do not be tempted to overstock.

Kabul is fairly well equipped in terms of shopping; clothing, batteries, food stuffs andmedicines are readily available, although medicines can be expensive. Therefore theabove mentioned is available should you forget anything.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

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Dubai Emirates Taxi: +971 - 4 - 3394455. Metro Taxi: +971 - 4 - 2673222

Dubai National Taxi: +971 - 4 – 3390002

Embassy of Afghanistan to Dubai: +971 – 4 - 3988229

Compass (Kabul) Administration Manager, Haley Murray: +93 (0)793035231

Compass (Dubai) Mobilization Coordinator, Ramona Goveas: +971 (0) 50450 1352

Compass (Dubai) Driver, Nelson: +971 (0) 509 020 351

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afghanistan -briefing pack

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