executive outcomes

[iaindh]

I came across this badge and was quite suprised, I never knew they were so professional. I'm sure there's a lot of guys on the forum that would disagree..

exec outcome.JPG

regards

Iain

[rhodesianmilitaria]

EO were extemely professional. Made up of vets from the SADF, Rhodesian Security Forces, UK, Aust, NZ etc.

[lancashirefusilier]

Iain

Have a look at the book "Executive Outcomes-Against All Odds" by Eeben Barlow.

Cheers

Dave

[Traist]

Hi Iain, I have seen numerous Executive Outcomes badges. They had different badges for all sections, like artillery, infantry, special forces, admin, the whole lot. Regards Andrew

[iaindh]

Hi Guys,

maybe I used the wrong word when I said about professionalism; maybe I should rather have said that I was impressed. It's the first time I've come across one of their badges Andrew which was what impressed me.
I did see an excellent documentary about them many years ago. Also I remember the Angola incident where they took on Frelimo and the cubans, against all odds, but were eventually overwhelmed. Corporal "Callan" (?) was executed and the British goverment did nothing. It was OK for the cubans to be there but not EO.
I do know they were an elite outfit, mercenaries are usually the best of the best and usually the Special forces from various countries, guys that have it in their blood.
Dave, I'll look out for that book thanks.
regards,
Iain

[Traist]

Hi Iain, It is always grand to come across something that tickles your fancy. Have fun. Andrew

[Eddie Parks]

Originally Posted by iaindh

mercenaries are usually the best of the best

Oh really? Give me a break! Or do you mean in the sense that scum floats to the surface?

[ebro]

Your Colonel Callen, not corporal, was executed in Angola.
I knew him two years earlier when he was a private in 1 Para. His army career was cut short when he went to prison for armed post office robbery.
I thought he was still inside when he appeared on the news in Angola with a load of ex Brits. and Ex TA soldiers, there as 'military advisers'.
Some of these guys thought they were there to train an army, but were told they had to fight.
Some refused and were told to set down their weapons and cross the road.
The remaining men were ordered to shoot them or be shot themselves.
So where does the best of the best come from.
The only decent thing he did was in court and that was to plead for the lives of his men.
He was executed while the rest were goaled.

Eddie

[iaindh]

I've actually googled EO and they were employed by the other side, not UNITAS like Callen.
I dont know his background but they still did well against Frelimo and the cubans.

[Traist]

I have found that mercenaries consist of all types. You get the dreggs of society, but you also get very good profesional soldiers. I don't think that you can generalise. Like everywhere else, you have the good and the bad. Regards Andrew

[iaindh]

Hi Andrew,
I think that's fair comment and it was wrong of me to generalise.
Have a grand evening.
regards,
Iain

[Brian Conyngham]

Guys

An interesting topic.

Col Callen and EO operated in differant era's a number +- 20 years apart, met a few mercenaries over the years and yes some are the cream of the crop and other's are seriously disturbed individuals! The lure of "big money" has that effect. Desperation and being let down by one's government also led to many SA Special Forces and 32 Batt soldiers seeking work in a field that they were highly qualified in.

Some good work has been achieved by these guys whilst others have ended up having some serious egg on their faces, the Seycelles affair comes to mind.

Brian

[tynesideirish]

I agree, Mercenaries should not all be lumped together. There has been some seriously good merc units and Commanders. Mike Hoare and Jerry Puren spring to mind. I've met quite a few Mercs and most were simply really good Soldiers who wanted to fight, some were sad individuals who shouldn't have been allowed anywhere near a battle.

I've never met one that didn't regret it at least up to a point.

Then there is Callan. A despotic jumped up meglomaniac, who has had more than his fair share of publicity.

Some further reading:

Mercenary Commander by Jerry Puren.

Congo Mercenary by Mike Hoare.

Someone Else's War by Anthony Rogers.

White Soldiers in Black Africa by Hans Germani

Fire Power by Chris Dempster & Dave Tomkins.

No Mean Soldier by Peter McAleese

Fighting Scared by Robin Horsfall

[lancashirefusilier]

Originally Posted by Traist

Hi Iain, I have seen numerous Executive Outcomes badges. They had different badges for all sections, like artillery, infantry, special forces, admin, the whole lot. Regards Andrew

Iain

You have no doubt seen this type of EO badge and apparently widely faked in S.A.

Some of mine(too shiny for my liking)

Cheers

Dave

[gottivf]

I am needing assistance on the Unit Names for Executive Outcomes on all the badges.