private military companies

Options for U.S. Use of Private Military and Security Companies

SWJED — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 15:58:41 +0000

Options for U.S. Use of Private Military and Security Companies

This article is published as part of the Small Wars Journal and Divergent Options Writing Contest which ran from March 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019. It considers from the perspective of the United States government what options are on the table in the use private military forces.

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The Advent of the “Digital Mercenaries”

SWJED — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 07:08:46 +0000

The Advent of the “Digital Mercenaries” SWJED Sat, 03/30/2019 - 3:08am

Modern day “condottieri”, a new type of modern “soldiers of fortune”, is emerging center stage. Namely, the ascent of a new breed, one that could be best described as “digital mercenaries”. The advent of these new professionals is of no less importance than their “traditional” counterparts who provide muscle and boots on the ground in distant and difficult environments.

Should We Send Armed Contractors to Syria?

SWJED — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:21:20 +0000

Should We Send Armed Contractors to Syria?

Should we replace American forces in Syria with armed contractors? Erik Prince thinks so. In an article for FOX News, Prince and retired General Anthony Tata suggested that a group such as the World War II Flying Tigers be formed to replace the US forces being withdrawn from Syria.

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Private Parts: The Private Sector and U.S. Peace Enforcement

SWJED — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 05:37:48 +0000

Private Parts: The Private Sector and U.S. Peace Enforcement

This essay therefore holds the assumption that engaging in UN-led enforcement operations is to the geopolitical benefit of the United States and endeavors to answer the following question: If the United States chooses to contribute to UN peace enforcement operations, to what extent should this effort be privatized? To answer this question, this essay defines UN peace enforcement and examines the present and potential role of private military and security companies (PMSCs), as well as the role of PMSCs in the US's current enforcement model. The advantages and disadvantages of using PMSCs are then addressed, followed by a recommendation that the United States seek to privatize its UN peace enforcement contributions by engaging PMSCs.

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A Test for Privatization in Afghanistan

SWJED — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 04:25:31 +0000

A Test for Privatization in Afghanistan SWJED Fri, 08/24/2018 - 12:25am

Erik Prince, the former CEO of Blackwater has been pushing the privatization of the Afghan war as an alternative to the present strategy of gradually completing the Afghanization of the war. This is obviously a very controversial proposal, but it is one that at least merits some consideration. There is one remote area of Afghanistan that might well serve as a laboratory for privatization - the provision of construction security for the Ring Road in the remote northwestern region. Completing of the road was the most wicked problem I faced in my time in country, and the situation has not improved since I left in 2012.

The Future of Contract Soldiers

SWJED — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 12:56:23 +0000

The Future of Contract Soldiers SWJED Mon, 11/06/2017 - 7:56am

Private military companies can provide comparatively cheap and rapid solutions in warzones, while side-stepping messy political and international ties.