Masters of War – I’ve seen what’s behind the curtain – See No Evil
This article is titled after the Bob Dylan tune, Masters of War. Bob’s lyrics and insight as a set up to my article is very accurate. The thing missing from Bob’s lyric content is the sales and marketing aspect. If he were to have seen what I saw, that would have been added, probably.
In September 2005, I came off a 5-month gig playing on the Victory. This was a cruise ship from the Carnival Line. I was 5 months playing in the Jazz Trio. It was a unique gig. I enjoyed it. 5 months of adventure and a working vacation in the East and West Caribbean.
When I came off the ship and got residence in Orlando, I received several phone calls about this crazy proposition to go to Seoul Korea. The early conversations were ambiguous and strange. Topics included “American Eyes Only” Department of Defense – Raytheon Security Clearance and other protocol. I would be providing security for an unknown weapon of mass destruction.
All of these things would be true.
In my initial contact I couldn’t figure “why me” and not someone with experience. I was quite suspicious that I could be some sort of “fall guy” for an espionage plan. The whole early conversations were professional but had uncertain, vague references to the gig.
All of the gigs would became clear. It was quite legitimate and professional.
I was processed, hired and paid by the UK Security Company that had the contract to provide security for Raytheon. They had been employed in these show events for years. The Department of Defense and Raytheon protocol required for an “American Eyes Only” be on site 24/4 in the booth. That was my gig.
Raytheon had new technology, heat seeking tracking hardware and software to destroy and kill. It could be combined with portable missiles and launched from shoulder, tanks or other. This was the “invitation only” viewing “American Eyes Only” toy that required my presence.
So, that’s how my first of 4 weapons of mass destruction trade shows began. Starting in Seoul.
The Seoul show was the largest and included a tarmac for every kind of fighter jet and bomber. I walked around quite a bit and got up close to the Stealth B1 Bomber. Out on the tarmac were coffee vendors for your shopping convenience. A nice double latte as you consider how many jets, bombers, tanks, missile launchers and attack helicopters you needed. It was all very surreal. The Seoul, October weather was perfect for viewing on the tarmac and inside the trade show.
Inside the trade show building, Drones had just become very popular. As I walked around the show, I noticed every country was represented with a booth. Some countries were experts at small arms manufacturing. Others were making something different. Raytheon had it’s own catalog of war toys.
I’m looking behind the curtain. This is what makes the world go around. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and experiencing. I’d been to dozens of music trade show events in my lifetime. The crazy thing is the similarity to this, weapons of mass destruction trade show.
All of the representatives looked the same. They had their brief cases and appointment books in hand. Instead of selling guitars and drums, they sold weapons. They’re clients were Presidents of foreign countries, military officials and buyers of these products. I saw the appointment list.
Most of the buyers are certified government buyers, I’m sure, but I heard of rogue deals from the past. An interesting movie that brings this to my attention is the 2005 film with George Clooney. The film is called Syriana. He’s a weapons dealer. (An interesting film) The original title was called “See No Evil” which is what I experienced.
There was zero on the job training for this gig. I was just a drummer tossed into this crazy insane world. My first night on the booth site, before compete construction had finished, I was out of sight when the sniffing dogs, military armed brigade did a complete shake down of the inside perimeter. The Seoul President would make his early morning visit walk through. The place had to be bomb free. I had a couple small secret places during those instances to hide in. I had papers to be on the site when the show was closed, but I maintained my under the radar presence when possible.
My 2 shows in Paris were more relaxed and had zero insanity. The Raytheon booth was a standalone construction. No bomb sniffing dogs and all of the coffee I could drink during my shift. My first coffee pod machine experience.
I had other offers to work London, Mumbai and Singapore but my music teaching gig took priority. I recommended a friend and he did those gigs.
My final gig was 2010 in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia. I hated everything about it. Of coarse it was a 5 star hotel. Ferraris parked in rows at the hotel entrance. The hotel was walking distance from the Formula One track.
It was interesting to experience the geography, but I did nothing as a tourist. I felt like I was being observed 24/7 and most everyone was. Cameras are everywhere on the streets and in public.
The absolute kicker to my horrible experience was an incident at the show booth. I’ve mentioned that my papers required me to be on site 24/7. I was usually the only person on the complete site excerpt for the show security.
Early in the morning, about 1AM, (I was approached by Saudi Security at my booth) Without much dialog I was order to leave the property. I told them I had papers, I was required to be on site. After very little conversation I was then told to follow them to their on site security location. It was not a pleasant situation. I was being held against my will at this point in time. They wanted to look at my laptop and personal things.
Over the next couple hours things were worked out. They were able to contact my superior at the hotel. Still, it was an intense situation. The Middle East, Saudi Arabia is not where I wanted to be in a situation like this. I still use all my fingers and 2 hands.
The remainder of my night shifts was resolved without issue. Several Saudi came by and we had friendly conversation.
Checking out of my hotel was the beginning of my questionable effort to get back to the USA. I was always paranoid about being detained. When I actually got on the plane and in the air, I was relieved that the Abu Dhabi gig was over.
(On a lighter note) I was in the Raytheon booth as they were tearing it down. I was standing next to a display when a couple robed Saudis came up to me and ask. “How Much For The Bazooki”
I mentioned I wasn’t the Bazooki sales guy.
I still reflect on those crazy experiences. Especially seeing behind the curtain at the 2005 Seoul event. This was the George W Bush, Dick Cheney period. Donald Rumsfeld was staying at my Seoul Hotel, The Shilla.
The real political takeaway on my personal view of these events continues to be the reality that Defense budget and spending rules everything. I saw the dark side. Everything else is a front. It doesn’t matter if the ruling President is R or D. The money-grabbers in DC work all angles.
Some of the technology I saw in 2005 hasn’t been used yet. I saw working video of sound and heat weapons used in crowd control. Over the last several years with Antifa and BLM burning down Portland and other cities, I’m surprised this hasn’t been utilized.
I guess they’re stockpiling everything for Armageddon.
Enjoy The View
Cool! “How Much For The Bazooki” sounds like a Frank Zappa song title...