ASG or VxL International Operators?

[Roostn]

I am looking for anyone who may have recent work experience with Asia Security Group (ASG). I'm considering taking a contract with them but have zero experience with them.

Also VxL is recruiting and I really like thier style from the communications we have had. Again, I have never worked a contract before so have no experience with them either.

Can anyone give me any tangible feedback on either of these companies?

[Frosty26]

I am looking for anyone who may have recent work experience with Asia Security Group (ASG). I'm considering taking a contract with them but have zero experience with them.

Also VxL is recruiting and I really like thier style from the communications we have had. Again, I have never worked a contract before so have no experience with them either.

Can anyone give me any tangible feedback on either of these companies?

I personally never worked with either but have 2 former platoon bros. that went and worked for VxL. All they had to say was having come from where we all had previously worked (Triple Canopy, WPS) the operation was "scattered". Take it as you will.

I don't know your background, but Blackice is head hunting as we speak.

Found this on VxL:

http://feraljundi.com/2010/08/12/jobs-contingency-special-operations-team-oconus/

Good Luck.

[Roostn]

That $10B contract landing on 10 companies has brought everyone out trying to get a piece. At least VxL is USA owned. ASG is Afghani owned. it is Hamid Karzai's nephew who ownes it if I get my info correctly. Not sure what to think.

[mdwest]

it is Hamid Karzai's nephew who ownes it if I get my info correctly. Not sure what to think.

Hashimat Karzai (who is in fact Hamid Karzai's nephew) is the owner of ASG.

He is largely removed from its daily operation. He has a team of expats that for the most part run the company for him.

As far as LN companies go, IF I were to work for one (not likely to happen any time soon).. ASG would probably be my first choice.. they have employed a significant number of expats over the past few years.. and Hashimat owns a handful of other companies that also employ expats.. He understands the game, pays his people on time, pays them fairly, etc.. (not something you can say about most LN firms in Astan)..

[mdwest]

That $10B contract landing on 10 companies has brought everyone out trying to get a piece.

If you are talking about the recent release of WPS.. there are 8 companies on the base award... and no room for any new providers (to include VxL and ASG)...

[Bandolero]

If you are talking about the recent release of WPS.. there are 8 companies on the base award... and no room for any new providers (to include VxL and ASG)...

How do companies like Sallyport, Blue Hackle and Edinburgh do financially in the IZ?

[Hired gun]

There are several companies that have to shut down security operations come Jan. 1. I am not sure if ASG or the other company mentioned will shut down. Perhaps it is to benefit ASG by getting it more contracts.

[Roostn]

That is one of my concerns. I don't want to take a contract in November and then get sent packing come January 1st. I send them an email last night. No response as of yet.

More than likely since there is a "family" involvement, ASG will do just fine. I heard they got a contract for 5 more FOB's to provide site security. I believe all are up north. Anyone been up there and know the lay of the land? Also, would you take another contract there and if not, why not?

[Hired gun]

I spent 10 months up North working out of Mazar-e-Sharif, so I have been in most of the provinces in the North region. It is not a bad area to work but activity has really picked up around the Konduz area. Camp Spann is one of the largest American bases in the North but it should be noted that there has been two seperate shooting incidents on the camp with 5 Americans killed. In the first incident, a stolen ANA uniform was used to get in the camp and the second incident is when a student being trained turned his weapon on the instructors.

[Roostn]

I read about that shooting between the Afghan and his US Intructors. Wierd deal for sure. Would you go back to that area now? I'm 90% there. I have some final paperwork to get dialed with ASG and could be gone by Nov 13th. I want to make sure I know exactly what I am getting myself into up there. If you want to email me off line that's cool. I'd like to pick your brain with a few questions that might seem stupid. But, I always say, get the facts first...

[Hired gun]

Roostn,
Send me a PM with your questions and contact address.

[mdwest]

How do companies like Sallyport, Blue Hackle and Edinburgh do financially in the IZ?

i dont understand your question?

are you referring to the IZ in Baghdad (International Zone.. the old "Green Zone")?

BH and Edinburgh still have a decent presence in Afghanistan. Sallyport does some logistics work in Afghanistan, but I dont know if they have any security work there.

BH and Sallyport both still have a presence in Iraq. I dont know if Edinburgh is still there or not though.

In terms of how well they are doing financially as companies.. that is pretty proprietary information.. unless you know someone at the senior management level with those companies.. i seriously doubt you are going to get an accurate answer.. i further doubt anyone in a senior management position would post that information publicly..

i know several companies that held a large volume of contracts.. but were barely profitable..

and there are other companies with a very small presence.. that are making a killing..

how a company is doing financially depends on how it is managed and maintained as a business.. how well it runs operationally is only one small piece of the equation..

[Roostn]

Guns, thanks, I'll PM you today.