The Author

LtCol Bill Blaikie in Herat, Afghanistan, 2004 (where it all started)

I am married to a loving and understanding wife and have 2 wonderful sons aged in their early 20’s and a beautiful teenage daughter (my princess). I have held numerous Intelligence and Security positions in both the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces over the last 25 years including: various intelligence and operational roles culminating as the Deputy Director Intelligence, Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan.

I am a strategy and systems expert, with a military background and twelve years in project roles implementing substantial organisational and strategic change.

I have:

• Been made a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the Queens New Year Honours 2005 for contribution as the Deputy Director of Intelligence on the War on Terror in Afghanistan and as NZ’s military attaché,
• Worked in key government departments as well as for a major international consultancy,
• Broad expertise across strategic planning and the necessary supporting systems, organisational change, military and industrial intelligence, counter-terrorism and security.