Own The Guns and Gear of the Karzai Security Detail [Circa 2002]

Hamid Karzai has survived several attempts on his life throughout his presidency.

Back in September 2004, during the presidential election, Hamid Karzai narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a surface-to-air rocket was fired at his helicopter as it prepared to land near the city of Gardez.

Later on, Taliban insurgents staged a violent attack during a military parade, targeting Hamid Karzai.

Due to the threat landscape, the United States made a substantial investment in protecting the Afghan president. Hamid Karzai was initially protected by an Army Special Forces detachment. Later on, DynCorp, now Amentum, won the contract to provide PSD services for Hamid Karzai.

The Story Behind The Photo

Battle Buddy – Only time can really unfold the depths of our friendships and loyalty. I had the distinct pleasure and honor to work alongside one of the best of the best.

The above photo was taken in Kabul, Afghanistan around November 2002. Sporting the initial coolness of Mountain Hardwear jackets, North Face pants, Smart Wool socks, G-Shock Watches, standard SOF kit, and Oakleys. Even sporting the Nike Golf vest.

I (@echo9.axiom) augmented the Hamid Karzai PSD (personal security detail) with the SEALs for about a little over a month.

In this photo, we were a small 4-5 man team conducting advance recon prior to a movement.

Gear Featured in the photo

Colt M4A1 SOPMOD

SOPMOD is short for Special Operations Peculiar MODification and is an accessory kit for the base M4 carbine. Shown in the photo is a Colt M4 carbine with a few SOPMOD accessories.

SOPMOD Accessories

• Trijicon ACOG
• Vertical Foregrip
• Magpul STR Stock
• AN/PEQ-2  (ATPIAL-C is the civilian version)
• Let’s not forget about the old school 30 round stainless steel magazines

Glock 30 Concealed – Seen in the following photo

Related Article – Glock 30 45 ACP Buyer’s Guide

Emerson Knives CQC-7

The Emerson CQC-6 (also known as the Viper 6) was a custom blade originally developed for the SEAL teams.

Wanting to keep the CQC-6 a custom blade, Ernie Emerson decided to produce the CQC-7 as the production version of that blade.

Want To Own The Look? Outerwear Worn by the PSD Detail

• Mountain Hardwear Jacket
• North Face Pants
• Unit issued Zamberlan Boots
• Oakley Sunglasses
• Casio DW-6900 G-Shock Watch
• Nike Vest with several pockets (although not available anymore, here is a comparable option)

“The Nike vest was extremely useful for low-vis stuff and just fit really well. It was used to carry E&E kit, first aid, signal stuff, and navigation. I used this in Iraq and other places as well. Now I use it sometimes when I’m out cutting the grass." – echo9.axiom

Stay tuned for more unique photos as we seek to identify all the unique firearms and gear in them; and just maybe, if you’re lucky, source that gear for you to purchase.

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