I met with my counterpart in the Iraqi government for the first time today; this was at their Ministry outside the Green Zone. When I was here in the summer we regularly traveled outside the GZ to go home. In the current security situation, however, going outside is more of a big deal. The transport was the usual: armored (at least sometimes) car, plus a chase car, each with a "driver" and a "shooter". When we got to the Ministry, however, the "shooters" came in with us ... to make sure we come back out. Our guys are about as subtle as you can be; they wear their body armor under street clothes, just have a Secret Service like ear piece for communications, and only carry a side arm (no rifles). Still, each is clearly the type of guy who if you met in a bar and got off on the wrong foot would gladly put his cigarette out in your face. They wait outside the conference room and do their best to blend in, they're not really good at it. Two guys with bulging shirts, guns, earpieces, with their eye on everyone in the room don't exactly blend.
That's when I had a thought: I want these guys to come with me to my meetings when I get back to Silicon Valley. Somehow I think their presence could only make my presentations more convincing.
I've never had my own goon-squad before, it's kinda fun. It's like I'm an evil villain or something and have armed henchmen; one step closer to the ultimate goal I guess.