Security firm sees Iraq openings

One Korean company that has spotted a niche for itself in Iraq’s unstable security environment is New Korea Total Service, a private security company that will be sending special agents to Iraq. The company announced yesterday that it would be providing armed security services to international companies in Iraq after it establishes a branch later this month in Baghdad.
“When the U.S. military administration authorizes our business, which will be toward the end of this month, we will send 30 agents and then 70 more next month,” said company president Choi Seung-gap.
The first 30 agents that will be dispatched were trained in the 707 squad, an anti-terror unit under the direct command of the special forces and tactics unit of the Korean army. The elite members are trained in various martial arts such as taekwondo and judo, and are between the ages of 25 and 30.
Agents will be equipped with revolvers, AK rifles, and machine guns among other weapons that will be purchased in Iraq. They will wear bullet-proof clothing and helmets and travel in cars with bullet-proof windows.
In order to minimize negative reaction among Iraqis, each team will consist of one Korean agent and 10 Iraqi agents to avoid becoming targets of resistance forces. A training center will be established in Baghdad to employ and train local agents.
The company decided to expand its business to Iraq because of the market potential, despite the dangers of attacks by insurgents. The U.S. military administration only allows companies that can take care of their own security to participate in government-led projects.
Since there is currently only one security company operating in Iraq, a British company, the Korean company sees bright prospects for the future, according to Mr. Choi,
New Korea Total Service is already operating in the Middle East. Last December, the company dispatched five bodyguards to Jordan on a one-year contract to protect the country’s royal family.

by Chae Byung-gun