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Afghan Drawdown - Finding New Opportunities and Filling the Gap
Circuit Magazine
August 27, 2021
After the bombshell of activity last week you could be forgiven for believing it was going to be quieter this week. Turns out, it was anything but.
We heard President Biden say that the US would hunt down those responsible for the attacks at Kabul airport that left 13 US dead in a declaration reminiscent of what started the 'War on Terror' 20 years ago.
The attacks were carried out by ISIS-K, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State who have themselves labelled the Taliban as 'Puppets of the US.'
Elsewhere, On the Circuit this week we look at how the drawdown of operators leaving Afghanistan will impact the industry and where new opportunities lie.
We've got a lot for you this week so, let's dive in.
On the Circuit has you covered when you're busy covering others.
At A Glance:
Career Upgrade or Lifeline? - Academic Studies
Wanted: Combat Pilots - Taliban are Recruiting
Cybersecurity Shortage - Bots to the Rescue or a People Problem?
The Circuit Magazine Podcast
This week we’re talking with Dr Samantha Newbery, senior Reader in Intelligence Studies at the University of Salford, to get a better grasp of why having a broader knowledge and academic understanding of intelligence is even relevant for today's EP professional and how it applies to the corporate security world.
With the drawdown in Afghanistan and colleagues looking at what to do next, could this be a career lifeline for protectors looking for a new challenge?
Join us as we pick Dr Newbery’s brain on:
What the difference is between open-source intelligence courses and the academic study of intelligence?
What is the value of academic studies and intelligence to the real world?
Who should NOT be doing academic training in this area?
What does one need to do in preparation before embarking on a master's degree?
If you enjoy listening to the Circuit Podcast and can spare a minute, please rate/review us. Your rating will help us to rank higher making it easier for others to find the podcast.
The Need to Know
A controversial American media report said a US officer told British special forces that their operations were making America "look bad" politically. US SF have been restricted in their movements but UK SF have been conducting rescue mission inside Kabul city.
The former leader of Bolivia has tried to take her own life in prison, where she is being held over the deaths of 22 protesters while she was in power.
The Taliban now have an “air force” with advanced choppers and planes with control over eleven military bases, but do they have the technical know-how to operate these aircraft?
Melbourne: Chaos on streets of Australia as police blast anti-lockdown protesters — www.express.co.uk
HUNDREDS of Australians have taken to the streets of Melbourne to protest the coronavirus lockdown.
The surveillance video shows inmates fighting, being hit by guards and dragged along the floor, and in one scene smashing a bathroom mirror in an attempt to use the glass to self-harm.
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From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine
When early pioneers of executive protection entered the “bodyguard” business in the late 1970’s it was met with skepticism, cynicism and wonder; wonder why and where the clients would come from. There were terrorist activities in places like Northern Ireland and the Mid East but in the United States there appeared to be little need for professional protectors.
Dale June takes a look at how things have changed in the intervening period.
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[Stratfor] Situation Report
Suggesting that Russia's living standards have deteriorated significantly since the start of the pandemic.
The meeting signals China’s interest in working with the new Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
Tokyo has been slowly pivoting its defense strategy toward greater protection of Taiwan and the surrounding seas.
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From the Community...
In light of the drawdown in Afghanistan and the knock-on effects that it will create across the industry, more operators are starting to consider academic pathways as a way to differentiate themselves and stand out.
Have you embarked upon an academic route to improve your career prospects? Would you consider it?
You're on location during a film shoot and you're about to go live when a man comes walking down the sidewalk toward the shot. A production permit has not been acquired. What are the implications of this and what are your actions/advice?
Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:
Elsewhere, On the Circuit...
Automated pen-testing won't fix the cybersecurity skills gap - But you could! — www.helpnetsecurity.com
Many organizations are “addressing” the cybersecurity threat by buying the newest security products from the latest hot vendor and hoping that this will protect them.
Many vulnerabilities out there are the kind that only a trained security expert would spot. However, the lack of well-trained, qualified security professionals exacerbates organizations’ challenges.
The cybersecurity skills gap is a people problem, it's not just about finding enough people to operate tools, the tools won't fix it. There is a real demand for skilled people.
At a time when we might be seeing a reduction in physical security roles, cybersecurity is booming. Is this the opportunity you've been waiting for?
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Until next week...
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