PMCI August 2014 | Page 5

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 rou ѕ́Ѽ