They often say that you get the Politicians and the Journalists you deserve. The past few days have brought the opposing poles of the world of British journalism in to sharp focus.

The Leveson enquiry continues, but Charlotte Church's settlement at the High Court today continues to highlight the gross corruption of individuals inside both the media and parts of Government. This is indeed a cancer in our society.

Contrast these tawdry hacks then with another employee of the News International group, Marie Colvin

(C) Daily Telegraph

How could one ever start to imagine that someone capable of enduring such hardship and making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of truth, could have the same profession, even the same union as those scum from Wapping?

We are all far richer because of the contribution that Marie Colvin has made, we need more of her kind and a bit more of the editorial courage and governance that once used to be a hallmark of the Press of a true democratic society.

The move to the common floor-plate is still ahead of schedule, some services seem to be excelling at filling their billets, clearly we can all take some pride in the work undertaken thus far.

In more reflective mood the de-classification of the KH-9 seemed to have passed off without remark over here.
although there was a certain frisson over the preprandial Amontillado when news leaked out at last summer's Medmenham club meeting.

With KH-9 in mind, I was rather reminded of that awful moment during Op MIKADO when a nameless IA told "them" that RHAG was a Navaid at the end of the runway. I had to correct him as my vision of two of 47Sqns finest pilling in to the rotary hydraulic arrester gear as they touched down in Argentina was too much, for even a hardened blunty like me to bear.

One does not know if one should blame the IA in question or their instructor at Wytton?

Must dash, another turgid meeting at Feltham looms

you_cant_see_me

Nuff said Adam M8

Army discovers cyber warfare

An interesting story from Mick Smith, a well-known former Army Intelligence Analyst. Was he specially selected for this interview I wonder ? One has to ponder where General Richards has been hiding all these years and the rest of the Army to boot? One has to wonder why Smith chose General Richards as the supreme source on this matter, perhaps he is also aligned with the Gunners quadrant…

When the GOSCC was set up almost a decade ago I seem to recall that the Army was singularly absent from stepping up to the plate. Clearly the US version, heavily manned by serving and retired MI analysts was not considered to be a valid a model to follow.

From what I am told by colleagues in the Provost Branch, the quality of some of the Army ‘s contribution to the JSyCC has been interesting. It seems that a number of Radio Supervisors on their final tour of duty have had an excellent time on resettlement there. A pity they were not able to add as much value as they were able to take away away in CV-related collateral. Only in the RAF-led JSyCC has there been any drive to bring physical and logical security together.

Many contributors to the ARRSE thread seem to be blissfully unaware of the link between physical, personnel and logical security, others seem to hold that there is no link between the application of Physical and Cognitive effect. Yes let’s keep them in isolation where they belong, who would ever want to use the two effects on a complimentary basis. The same commentators also seem content that CNE would be run in isolation from other forms of Intelligence attack, clearly CNE conceptual thinking is at a much higher plain having no relation to IMINT analysis of Infrastructure and social engineering by HUMINT specialists. Remember some of us were doing “dumpster diving” since FIRE CAN was an intelligence indicator, not a museum piece.


The Army has always taken a somewhat disjointed position in the information operations space. The Intelligence Corps CITSS looked at security of IT systems, largely ignoring the physical and personnel related aspects. Although I do wonder whatever happened to that other lot formed after OP STABLES - amalgamated into fleece wearing DHU perhaps? The long-disbanded COMSEC monitoring team was taken as a saving by the Royal Signals many years ago. What remains in the field Army seems to be a body shop to man deployments, today can it really be considered to have the numbers, organisation and the skills to provide a coherent capability?

What of the Territorial Army I hear you ask? They certainly bring enthusiasm, after all you are able to keep hold of your vetting if you are not already a sought after and much respected CLAS consultant. However, they seem totally unaware of and uncoordinated with physical and personnel related issues. You only have to read Schneir’s blog to see how important the topic is. One wonders how many INFOSEC breaches discovered by this band of experts, find’s its way into the perpetrators vetting file?

Fortunately the Army see no conflict of interests with these weekend warriors working customer side one day, then coming back on Monday on the supplier side. Sadly many telecos will NOT have members of the TA on their premises on duty, because they have an alternative view. I wonder why neither the Navy or the RAF have set up a similar unit.

The blatant disregard for PERSEC by some of their Army reservist only serves to underline ether their ignorance or arrogance; perhaps their complacency. Put my last in what ever order you like :)

Let us now compare an contrast with the junior service, who have a long established unit equipped and established for this role, for may years. Whereas the Army has no COMSEC breaches at all, the RAF takes a view that this is a real issue and utilises the capability both on Ops and training. It's manning level is closer to 60 personnel, than to 6 allowing roulement, personal and skill related training, exercises, leave and harmony time. The unit has been established since 1952 indicating a degree of coherence that others seen to lack.

The Army, unlike the RAF, changes its mind on information operations, as often as it changes its jumpers and stable belts. General Richards intention is commendable, but in these times of budgetary constraint, does the army have the valid business case, the capability and a demonstrable commitment.

Intelligencers Prize 2009 – a winner ?

The `Usual Suspects` from the Intelligence Corps Directorate that selects the winner of this year’s prize should be apprised of an up and coming outside runner from RAF Digby one of my old stations – The Silver Maple Club brings back great memories!

I must say that his choice of garden tool may influence the more horticultural members of the DHU on the voting panel.

However, it is felt that it his `off duty` dress will have greater influence in the formal decision making process for the award to those who have children and are familiar with the Xbox 360! Then again "what goes on the bedroom stays in the bedroom"

Pictured with what he hopes will be the new Corps head dress (circa 2025 when he becomes Corps RSM) this young and promising thruster from the `Royal Intelligence Corps` * certainly has what it takes to go far in his chosen profession.

*Well that is what it says on his less than security conscious Mum & Dad's website!

“Tally Ho bandyta na 6 o, zegar” - or words to that effect

The Bishop of Peterborough, a former Intelligence Corps rivet counter and somewhat expert in scale models and all things British Army militaria, was recently observed in the cockpit of a flying machine. My colleagues reckon it could be a very, very old Hughes 1 ? :)


Could it be that all those years working with the elite Imagery Analysts of the Royal Air Force he has finally succumbed to a bit of the high life ?


Perhaps someone has `Advised` him how to enjoy the trappings of superior accommodation when on business `Trips` abroad (that includes NY and North Wales as well bach !)



http://www.tripadvisor.in/members-reviews/Petriburg


All sensible answers on a post card (by the way are those terrible uniform pictures still selling ?) to:

c/o Geek Central
Tarpology Dept
The National Imagery Exploitation Centre
Cambridgeshire

Postcards still available here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Intelligence-Corps-Postcard

"What to wear to the party" or "how to look good Pt 2"

As the next general election creeps inexorably towards us, generally discredited Westminster politicians are scrabbling around to try and find some form of unique selling point. With little or no compunction two of the major parties seem to have turned to the armed forces for some sort of implied credibility.

A number of websites and even pressure groups such as the well respected BAFF recognise the gaping chasm between Parliament and the Armed forces. BAFF has been doing some excellent work in this area, struggling to bring the political horse to water. perhaps fully cognizant that it is actually trying to drag a metaphorical pig, with its feet still firmly entrenched in the trough ?

The two major parties have both decided to turn to the Intelligence Corps, compounding the existing morass of judgement and credibility issues, The opposition have built on their investment with Brigadier Geoffery Van Orden ( made up name) . In terms of operational currency a bit behind his sell-by date, uniform no longer fits. perhaps not many medals either? Stick with the Savillle Row Geoff, know your limits!

Fortunately fresh, new blood is waiting in the wings in the shape of Captain Dylan Thomas a Conservative Defence researcher styled :

a former Officer in the Intelligence Corps who served on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland. He is also on the approved parliamentary candidates' list.

I shudder to ask what the criteria might be to get on a list to be an approved candidate of such a den of inequity. Notice that Dylan has opted for the casual informality of No1 Dress. In the typically relaxed mode of a number of Intelligence Cops officers, seen lounging around Northwood, without their Sword or Sam Browne. I Imagine that many other officers will have similar candid snapshots, in similar attire, perhaps taken by a friend or relative at a supper party or a casual garden party at a palace

According to Gok, Dylan has chosen well here, the Navy provides a touch of authority, the beret and braid hint that he is not afraid to play the pantomime queen. I can attest, ( for a fee) that this is normal working dress for many Intelligence Corps officers. I'm sure that Dave Cameron would endorse such informality, and would be quick to point out that this was NOT a posed picture, taken in a studio, some time after Dylan had left the Army.

Let us compare and contrast then with the Government, whom one would be a little more selective considering the recent questionable performance of one of their few ex military, and even scarcer Green bereted, army types, The renowned pamphleteer and essayist Mr Eric Joyce MP (Maj Retd) .

Where to go next to find a fine military man who will steer an unwavering course hard by the party line? Step forward workman-like accountant David Reeves . Like Dylan, David has gone for a candid snap, taken doubtless on his way from work in Bloomsbury to the Drill Hall one evening? As befits the Labour Party, David hails from the ranks, firmly aligned with the proletariat. The retro, workman-like C95, tells us that David, ( who I suspect is really "Dave" or "Dafydd") stands, like a good socialist, with the workers in his working dress. I suspect there is a lighter side to David as he may be teasing us slightly. Who knows one day we may know the truth: is he wearing a centre or side fastening stable belt?

What will the Party think if it does NOT fasten on the left. C95 is a good choice for David as it brings out both his complexion and his hair tone.

What to wear on the Middle Benches? A thorny question, perhaps Gok would suggest a little Khaki Service Dress? Chance to slip into those kitten heels, lengthening your profile and still, like Dylan, providing a chance to flaunt that hard-earned bling.

And the Fringe parties ? I sense they may look for a softer look.

After Beagle cross-dressing Adrian Radford, will the Greens ever trust the military, even if thev ditched The North Face and went for PCP Patagonia?

.... that dear reader is another story..............