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Blackwater USA is an international security contractor founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. It has alternatively been referred to as a mercenary organization by numerous reports in the international media.^{[2][3][4][5][6]} Blackwater is based in the U.S. state of North Carolina, where it operates a tactical training facility that it claims is the world's largest. The company trains more than 40,000 people a year, from all the military services and a variety of other agencies. The company markets itself as being "The most comprehensive professional military, law enforcement, security, peacekeeping, and stability operations company in the world". Image File history File links Gnome_globe_current_event. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... A private military company (PMC) is a for-profit enterprise, sometimes a corporation or a limited liability partnership, which provides specialised services and expertise related to military and similar activities. ... A security guard is a private person who is employed to protect property and people. ... For the sequel to the computer game Entrepreneur, which has no article of its own, see The Corporate Machine. ... Erik Prince (born June 6, 1969 in Holland, Michigan) is the founder and owner of the military support contractor Blackwater USA. A millionaire and former US Navy SEAL, after high school he briefly attended the United States Naval Academy before attending and graduating from Hillsdale College. ... Moyock is an unincorporated community in Currituck County, North Carolina. ... J. Cofer Black was the State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism with the rank of Ambassador at Large from December 2002 to November 2004. ... Joseph Edward Schmitz is a conservative lawyer, former Inspector General of the Department of Defense and executive with Blackwater USA, a private contractor providing security services to the U.S. military. ... Contracting with the U.S. Government is based on the same principles as commercial contracting and can be very profitable, but is sufficiently different from commercial contracting to require special care. ... A division of a business entity is a portion of that business that operates under a different name. ... A subsidiary, in business, is an entity that is controlled by another entity. ... A website (alternatively, Web site or web site) is a collection of Web pages, images, videos and other digital assets that is hosted on one or several Web server(s), usually accessible via the Internet, cell phone or a LAN. A Web page is a document, typically written in HTML... Erik Prince (born June 6, 1969 in Holland, Michigan) is the founder and owner of the military support contractor Blackwater USA. A millionaire and former US Navy SEAL, after high school he briefly attended the United States Naval Academy before attending and graduating from Hillsdale College. ... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Largest metro area Charlotte metro area Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (901 km)  - % water 9. ... This article is about people called professionals. ... For the band, see The Police. ... For other uses, see Security (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page. ...

Blackwater is currently the largest of the U.S. State Department's three private security contractors.^[7] At least 90% of its revenue comes from government contracts, two-thirds of which are no-bid contracts.^[8] Missions conducted by Blackwater Security Consulting have raised significant controversy both through casualties suffered^[9] and inflicted by their employees.^[10] Blackwater USA is currently contracted by the United States government to provide security services in the Iraq War.^[1] The cost for each Blackwater guard in Iraq, $445,000 per year, has come under fire.^[11] “Department of State” redirects here. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ...

Personnel

Erik Prince, Blackwater founder and owner.

J. Cofer Black, Vice chairman of Blackwater.

Blackwater's owner and founder is Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL. Erik Prince attended the Naval Academy, graduated from Hillsdale College, and was an intern in George H.W. Bush's White House. Prince has contributed $168,000 to the Republican National Committee since 1998, and also has supported the candidacies of politicians such as President George W. Bush and Senator Tom Coburn.^[12] No file by this name exists; you can upload it. ... No file by this name exists; you can upload it. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Erik Prince (born June 6, 1969 in Holland, Michigan) is the founder and owner of the military support contractor Blackwater USA. A millionaire and former US Navy SEAL, after high school he briefly attended the United States Naval Academy before attending and graduating from Hillsdale College. ... SEALs in from the water. ... Hillsdale College is an independent, co-educational, nonsectarian, liberal arts college located on the north side of the city of Hillsdale in central-southern Michigan, United States. ... Order: 41st President Vice President: Dan Quayle Term of office: January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993 Preceded by: Ronald Reagan Succeeded by: Bill Clinton Date of birth: June 12, 1924 Place of birth: Milton, Massachusetts First Lady: Barbara Pierce Bush Political party: Republican George Herbert Walker Bush, KBE (born... The Republican National Committee (RNC) provides national leadership for the Republican Party of the United States. ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the 43rd and current President of the United States, inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... Thomas Allen Tom Coburn, M.D. (born March 14, 1948) is a medical doctor and a Republican U.S. Senator from Oklahoma. ...

Blackwater's president, Gary Jackson, is also a former Navy SEAL.^[13]

Cofer Black, the company's current vice chairman, was the Bush administration's top counter terrorism official when 9/11 occurred. Blackwater has become home to a number of former senior CIA and Pentagon officials. Robert Richer became the firm's Vice President of Intelligence immediately after he resigned his position as Associate Deputy Director of Operations in fall 2005. He is formerly the head of the CIA's Near East Division.^[14] J. Cofer Black was the State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism with the rank of Ambassador at Large from December 2002 to November 2004. ... Counter-terrorism or counterterrorism refers to the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ... The CIA Seal The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an American intelligence agency, responsible for obtaining and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals, and reporting such information to the various branches of the U.S. Government. ... Look up pentagon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Robert Richer was the associate deputy director of operations of the United States Central Intelligence Agency, the number two in command after the Director, Porter Goss. ...

Facilities

Blackwater's training facility, located on 7,000 acres (28 km²) in North Carolina, comprises several ranges, indoor, outdoor, urban reproductions, a man-made lake, and a driving track in Camden and Currituck counties. Company literature claims that it is the largest training facility in the country. Camden County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Currituck County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ...

In November 2006 Blackwater USA announced it recently acquired an 80-acre (30 ha) facility 150 miles (240 km) west of Chicago, in Mount Carroll, Illinois to be called Blackwater North. That facility has been operational since April 2007 and serves law enforcement agencies throughout the midwest. An acre is the name of a unit of area in a number of different systems, including Imperial units and United States customary units. ... A hectare (symbol ha) is a unit of area, equal to 10 000 square metres, commonly used for measuring land area. ... “Miles” redirects here. ... KM, Km, or km may stand for: Khmer language (ISO 639 alpha-2, km) Kilometre Kinemantra Meditation Knowledge management KM programming language KM Culture, Korean Movie Maker. ... Nickname: Motto: Urbs in Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: , Country State Counties Cook, DuPage Settled 1770s Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ... Mount Carroll is a city in Carroll County, Illinois, United States. ...

Blackwater is also trying to open a facility in California for military and law enforcement training,^[15][16] in Potrero, San Diego County.^{[17] [18]} Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... San Diego County is a county located on the Pacific Ocean in the far southwest of California, along the border with Mexico. ...

History

Blackwater USA was formed in 1997 to provide training support to military and law enforcement organizations. In 2002 Blackwater Security Consulting (BSC) was formed. It was one of several private security firms employed following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. BSC is one of over 60 private security firms employed during the Iraq War to guard officials and installations, train Iraq's new army and police, and provide other support for occupation forces.^[19] Blackwater was also hired during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by the Department of Homeland Security, as well as by private clients, including communications, petrochemical and insurance companies.^[20] In each case, Blackwater received a no-bid contract. Overall, the company has received over one billion dollars in government contracts.^[21] Combatants Taliban al-Qaeda IMU Hezbi Islami Afghanistan Northern Alliance ISAF Image:Nato 1. ... For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2005. ... The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a Cabinet department of the federal government of the United States that is concerned with protecting the American homeland and the safety of American citizens. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Corporate structure

Main article: Blackwater USA businesses

Blackwater USA consists of nine divisions, and a subsidiary Blackwater Vehicles. Blackwater USA is a private military company and security firm founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. ... A division of a business entity is a portion of that business that operates under a different name. ... A subsidiary, in business, is an entity that is controlled by another entity. ...

Iraq involvement

In 2003, Blackwater attained its first high-profile contract: guarding the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, Administrator L. Paul Bremer in Iraq, at the cost of $21 million for 11 months. Since June 2004, Blackwater has been paid more than $320 million out of a $1 billion, five-year State Department budget for the Worldwide Personal Protective Service, which protects U.S. officials and some foreign officials in conflict zones.^[22] In 2006, Blackwater won the remunerative contract to protect the U.S. embassy in Iraq, which is the largest American embassy in the world. It is estimated by the Pentagon and company representatives that there are 20,000 to 30,000 armed security contractors working in Iraq, and some estimates are as much as 100,000, though no official figures exist.^[23][24] Of the State Department's dependence on private contractors like Blackwater for security purposes, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, told the U.S. Senate: "There is simply no way at all that the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security could ever have enough full-time personnel to staff the security function in Iraq. There is no alternative except through contracts."^[25] The Seal of the CPA in Iraq The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was established as a transitional government following the invasion of Iraq by the United States, United Kingdom and the other members of the multinational coalition which was formed to oust the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003. ... Paul Bremer Lewis Paul Bremer III (born September 30, 1941), known as Paul Bremer and also nicknamed Jerry Bremer, was named Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance for post-war Iraq following the Iraq War of 2003, replacing Jay Garner on May 6, 2003. ... U.S. Ambassador to Iraq John D. Negroponte, right, shows honors to the colors as U.S. Marine Security Guards lift the U.S. flag on the grounds of the new U.S. Embassy in Iraq on July 1, 2004. ...

For work in Iraq, Blackwater has drawn contractors from their international pool of professionals, a database containing "21,000 former Special Forces operatives, soldiers, and retired law enforcement agents," overall.^[26] For instance, Gary Jackson, the firm's president, has confirmed that Bosnians, Filipinos, and Chileans, "have been hired for tasks ranging from airport security to protecting Paul Bremer, the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority."

Between 2005 and September 2007, Blackwater security staff was involved in 195 shooting incidents; in 163 of those cases, Blackwater personnel fired first. 25 members of staff have been sacked for violations of Blackwater's drug and alcohol policy and 28 more for weapons-related incidents. ^[27]

Fallujah mission

Main article: 31 March 2004 Fallujah ambush

On March 31, 2004, Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah attacked a convoy containing four American private military contractors from Blackwater USA who were conducting delivery for food caterers ESS.^[28] The four armed contractors Scott Helvenston, Jerko Zovko, Wesley Batalona and Michael Teague, were attacked and killed with grenades and small arms fire. Their bodies were hung from a bridge crossing the Euphrates.^[9] In the fall of 2007, a congressional report found that Blackwater intentionally "delayed and impeded" investigations into the contractors' deaths.^[29] Combatants Blackwater USA Iraqi insurgents Commanders unknown Abu Musab al-Zarqawi Strength 4 N/A Casualties 4 killed none The 31 March 2004 Fallujah ambush saw Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah ambush a convoy containing four American private military contractors from Blackwater USA who were conducting delivery for food caterers ESS... is the 90th day of the year (91st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Iraqi insurgency comprises diverse groups of armed resistance to the US occupation of Iraq. ... This article is about the city of Fallujah in Iraq. ... A private military contractor (PMC) is a corporation that provides armed forces trained in combat, private military, for other corporations, organizations, individuals and state military forces. ... Eurest Support Services (ESS), a subsidiary of the giant catering company, the Compass Group. ... Scott Helvenston (1965-March 31, 2004) was a former United States Navy SEAL, and worked as a civilian contractor when he was killed while employed by private military contractor Blackwater Security in Iraq. ... A hand grenade is a hand-held bomb, made to be thrown by a soldier. ... Small arms captured in Fallujah, Iraq by the US Marine Corps in 2004 The term small arms generally describes any number of smaller infantry weapons, such as firearms that an individual soldier can carry. ... Surfer Rosa The Euphrates (IPA: /juːˈfreɪtiːz/; Greek: Euphrátēs; Akkadian: Pu-rat-tu; Hebrew: פְּרָת Pĕrāth; Syriac: Prâth; Arabic: الفرات Al-Furāt; Turkish: Fırat; Kurdish: فرهات, Firhat, Ferhat, Azeri: Fərat) is the western of the two great rivers that define Mesopotamia (the other...

Later incidents

In April 2004, a few days after the Fallujah bridge hanging, a small team of Blackwater employees, along with a fire team of U.S. Marines, held off over four hundred insurgents outside the Coalition Provisional Authority Headquarters in Al Najaf, Iraq, waiting for U.S. troops to arrive. Due to details of the situation, U.S. commanders would not risk inserting additional troops. The Headquarters was surrounded and it was the last area in the city that remained in Coalition control. During the siege, as supplies and ammunition ran low, a team of Blackwater contractors 70 miles (113 km) away flew on a rescue mission to the compound to resupply, maintain Coalition control, and bring an injured U.S. Marine back to safety outside of the city. ^[30][31][32] The Seal of the CPA in Iraq The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was established as a transitional government following the invasion of Iraq by the United States, United Kingdom and the other members of the multinational coalition which was formed to oust the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003. ... Najaf (نجف in the Arabic language) is a city in Iraq, about 160 km south of Baghdad, located at 31. ...

In April 2005 six Blackwater independent contractors were killed in Iraq when their Mi-8 helicopter was shot down. Also killed were three Bulgarian crewmembers and two Fijian gunners. Initial reports indicate the helicopter was shot down by rocket propelled grenades. The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name Hip) is a large twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. ... An RPG-7 captured by the US Army RPG, or Rocket propelled grenade is a loose term describing hand-held, shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons capable of firing an unguided rocket equipped with an explosive warhead. ...

On January 23, 2007, five Blackwater contractors were killed in Iraq when their Hughes H-6 helicopter was shot down. The incident happened in Baghdad, Haifa Street. The crash site was secured by a Personal Security Detail Platoon, callsign "Jester" from 1/26 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Three Iraqi insurgent groups claimed responsibility for shooting down the helicopter, however, this has not been confirmed by the US.^[33] A US defense official has confirmed that four of the five killed were shot execution style in the back of the head, but did not know whether the four had survived the crash.^[34] Robert Young Pelton broke the full details of the crash on his site. Pelton also met and flew with the Little Bird pilots.^[35] is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... The Hughes H-6 is a family of light utility civilian and assault helicopters of the United States Army. ... Robert Young Pelton ©Spencer Mandell. ...

In late May 2007, Blackwater contractors, "opened fire on the streets of Baghdad twice in two days... and one of the incidents provoked a standoff between the security contractors and Iraqi Interior Ministry commandos, U.S. and Iraqi officials said."^[23] And on May 30, 2007, Blackwater employees shot an Iraqi civilian deemed to have been "driving too close" to a State Department convoy being escorted by Blackwater contractors.^[36][23] Other private security contractors, such as Aegis Defence Services have also been accused of similar actions.^[37] However, "Doug Brooks, the president of the International Peace Operations Association, a trade group representing Blackwater and other military contractors, said that in his view, military law would not apply to Blackwater employees working for the State Department."^[38] is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... Aegis Defence Services is a London, U.K.–based private military company with overseas offices in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. ... The International Peace Operations Association (IPOA) is a non-governmental trade association committed to promoting high operational and ethical standards of firms active in the Peace and Stability Industry; engaging in a constructive dialogue with policy-makers about the growing and positive contribution of these firms to the enhancement of...

Killing of Vice-presidential guard

Main article: Andrew J. Moonen

On Christmas Eve, 2006, a security guard of the Iraqi Vice-president, Adel Abdul Mahdi, was killed. Andrew J. Moonen, a former employee of Blackwater USA, is accused by the Iraq government of murdering him while drunk. Moonen left Iraq days after the killing, returning home to Seattle, Washington in the United States, where the United States Attorneys are currently investigating .^[39] The United States State Department and Blackwater USA had attempted to keep his identity secret.^[40] Andrew J. Moonen is a former employee of Blackwater USA, accused by the Iraq government of murdering a security guard of the Iraqi Vice-president, Adel Abdul Mahdi. ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... Adel Abdul Mahdi (Arabic: عادل عبد المهدى ) is one of the two current (February, 2006) Deputy Presidents of Iraq and a leading candidate for prime minister under the United Iraqi Alliance. ... Andrew J. Moonen is a former employee of Blackwater USA, accused by the Iraq government of murdering a security guard of the Iraqi Vice-president, Adel Abdul Mahdi. ... “Seattle” redirects here. ... United States Attorneys (also known as federal prosecutors) represent the United States federal government in United States district court and United States court of appeals. ... The United States Department of State, often referred to as the State Department, is the Cabinet-level foreign affairs agency of the United States government, equivalent to foreign ministries in other countries. ...

Baghdad shooting controversy

Main article: Blackwater Baghdad shootings

On September 17, 2007, Blackwater's license to operate in Iraq was revoked, resulting from a highly contentious incident that occurred the previous day during which eleven Iraqis were killed.^[10] The fatalities occurred while a Blackwater Private Security Detail (PSD) was escorting a convoy of U.S. State Department vehicles en route to a meeting in western Baghdad with United States Agency for International Development officials. Although PM Nuri al-Maliki promised on September 18 to expel Blackwater from the country, since then this demand has been dropped. As of October 2007, several American and Iraqi investigations are being conducted on the incident. Some of those investigating on behalf of the U.S. government are to be protected by Blackwater guards while in Iraq.^[41] An SR-25 semi-automatic sniper rifle used by at least one Blackwater USA in the incident. ... is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... Baghdad (Arabic: ) is the capital of Iraq and of Baghdad Governorate. ... USAID logo The United States Agency for International Development (or USAID) is the U.S. government organization responsible for most non-military foreign aid. ... Nouri al-Maliki Nouri Kamel al-Maliki (Arabic: نوري كامل المالكي, transliterated Nūrī Kāmil al-Mālikī; born c. ...

On October 5, 2007, the Washington Post reported that the U.S. military has faulted Blackwater for opening fire without provocation and using excessive force in the incident.^[42] For other uses, see 5th October (Serbia). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... ...

Evacuation of Polish diplomat

In spite of the fallout from the September 17 shooting, Blackwater helicopters were dispatched to evacuate the Polish ambassador following an insurgent assassination attempt on October 3, 2007.^[43] Footage of the aftermath was carried by the Euronext network.[4]

Legal status

The legal status of Blackwater and other security firms in Iraq is a subject of contention. Two days before he left Iraq, L. Paul Bremer signed "Order 17"^[44] giving all Americans associated with the CPA and the American government immunity from Iraqi law.^[45] A July 2007 report from the American Congressional Research Service indicates that the Iraqi government still has no authority over private security firms contracted by the U.S. government.^[46] Paul Bremer Lewis Paul Bremer III (born September 30, 1941), known as Paul Bremer and also nicknamed Jerry Bremer, was named Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance for post-war Iraq following the Iraq War of 2003, replacing Jay Garner on May 6, 2003. ... CPA Order 17 is a law passed by the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq reducing the power of the Iraqi government to persue legal action against foreigners working with the CPA. Depending on interpretation, it either takes power away from the Iraqi government, giving it to the CPA, or it... The Seal of the CPA in Iraq The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was established as a transitional government following the invasion of Iraq by the United States, United Kingdom and the other members of the multinational coalition which was formed to oust the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003. ... The Congressional Research Service is the public policy research arm of the United States Congress. ...

On September 23, 2007, the Iraqi government said that it expects to refer criminal charges to its courts in connection with a shooting involving Blackwater guards.^[47]

Litigation

Further information: Helvenston et al. v. Blackwater Security

Blackwater is currently being sued by the families of the four contractors killed in Fallujah in March, 2004. The families say they are not suing for financial damages, but rather for the details of their sons' and husbands' deaths. They claim that Blackwater has refused to supply these details, and that in its "zeal to exploit this unexpected market for private security men," the company "showed a callous disregard for the safety of its employees."^[48] Four family members testified in front of the House Government Reform Committee on February 7, 2007. They asked that Blackwater be held accountable for future negligence of employees' lives, and that Federal legislation be drawn up to govern contracts between the Department of Defense and the defense contractor.^[49] Blackwater has counter-sued the lawyer representing the empty estates of the deceased for $10 million on the grounds that the lawsuit was contractually prohibited from ever being filed.^[50] Helvenston et al. ... Helvenston et al. ... This article is about the city of Fallujah in Iraq. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... is the 38th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... The United States Department of Defense, abbreviated DoD or DOD and sometimes called the Defense Department, is a civilian Cabinet organization of the United States government. ...

On April 19, 2006, The Nation magazine published an article titled, "Blood Is Thicker Than Blackwater," concerning the lawsuit against Blackwater brought by some of the families of the four deceased employees.^[51] The article discussed the removal of the word "armoured" from already-signed contracts, and other allegations of wrongdoing. is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Nation (ISSN 0027-8378) is a weekly [1] U.S. periodical devoted to politics and culture, self-described as the flagship of the left. [2] Founded on July 6, 1865 as an Abolitionist publication, it is the oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the United States. ...

According to an Army report, in November 2004, a Blackwater plane, "in violation of numerous government regulations and contract requirements," crashed into a mountainside, killing all six aboard.^[52] The families of the three soldiers killed — Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, Chief Warrant Officer Travis Grogan and Spec. Harley Miller — filed a wrongful death suit against Blackwater, alleging negligence. However, Presidential Airways, a division of Blackwater, questioned the hastiness of the Army's report, stating that it "contains numerous errors, misstatements, and unfounded assumptions."^[52]

Post-Katrina involvement

Blackwater USA was employed to assist the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. According to a company press release, it provided airlift, security, and logistics and transportation services, as well as humanitarian support. It was reported that the company also acted as law enforcement in the disaster stricken areas, such as securing neighborhoods and "confronting criminals".^[53] This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2005. ... The Gulf of Mexico is a major body of water bordered and nearly landlocked by North America. ...

Blackwater moved about 200 personnel into the area hit by Hurricane Katrina, most of whom (164 employees) were working under a contract with the Department of Homeland Security to protect government facilities,^[54] but the company held contracts with private clients as well.

Overall, Blackwater had a "visible, and financially lucrative, presence in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as the use of the company contractors cost U.S. taxpayers $240,000 a day."^[55] There has been much dispute surrounding governmental contracts in post-Katrina New Orleans, especially no-bid contracts such as the one Blackwater was awarded. Blackwater's heavily-armed presence in the city was also the subject of much confusion and criticism.^[56] New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ...

Other employments

Blackwater USA is one of five companies picked by the Department of Defense Counter-Narcotics Technology Program Office in a five-year contract for equipment, material and services in support of counter-narcotics activities. The contract is worth up to $15 billion. The other companies picked are Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Arinc Inc.^[57] The United States Department of Defense, abbreviated DoD or DOD and sometimes called the Defense Department, is a civilian Cabinet organization of the United States government. ... Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in defense systems and defense and commercial electronics. ... Lockheed/BAE/Northrop F-35 Lockheed Trident missile C-130 Hercules; in production since the 1950s, now as the C-130J Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is an aerospace manufacturer formed in 1995 by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta. ... The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an aerospace and defense conglomerate that is the result of a 1994 merger between Northrop and Grumman. ... Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC), established in 1929, is the leading provider of transport communications and systems engineering solutions for five major industries: (aviation, airports, defense, government and transportation). ...

Blackwater USA has also been contracted by various foreign governments. In 2005, it worked to train the Naval Sea Commando regiment of Azerbaijan, enhancing their interdiction capabilities on the Caspian Sea.^[58] The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth by area, variously classed as the worlds largest lake or a full-fledged sea. ...

Controversy and criticism

In March 2006, Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater USA, allegedly suggested at an international conference in Amman, Jordan, that the company is ready to move towards providing security professionals up to brigade size for humanitarian efforts and low intensity conflicts. Critics have suggested this may be going too far in putting political decisions in the hands of privately owned corporations.^[59] The company denies this was ever said.^[60] J. Cofer Black was the State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism with the rank of Ambassador at Large from December 2002 to November 2004. ... For other meanings, see Amman (disambiguation) and Ammann. ... In military science a brigade is a military unit that is part of a division and includes regiments (where that level exists), or (in modern armies) is composed of several battalions (typically two to four) and directly attached supporting units. ...

Critics consider that Blackwater's self-description as a private military company is a euphemism for mercenary activities.^[61] They point out, for example, that Chilean nationals, mostly former soldiers, whose country of origin does not participate in and actually opposes the occupation of Iraq, work for Blackwater in that country, thus those Chileans meet the definition of a "mercenary."^[62][63] Former Chilean soldiers are currently employed by the USA to carry on military assignments, most of them motivated by salaries that are high by the standards of their home country, at least 60 of whom are commandos trained during dictator Augusto Pinochet's regime.^[64][65][66] A private military company (PMC) is a for-profit enterprise, sometimes a corporation or a limited liability partnership, which provides specialised services and expertise related to military and similar activities. ... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ... Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte[1] (November 25, 1915 – December 10, 2006) was President of Chile from 1974 to 1990, as well as head of the government junta from 1973 to 1974. ...

Author Chris Hedges wrote about the establishment of mercenary armies, referring to Blackwater USA is an example of such a force, asserting their existence as a threat to democracy, and a step towards the creation of a modern day Praetorian Guard in a June 3, 2007 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.^[67] This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Praetorian Guard of Augustus - 1st century. ... is the 154th day of the year (155th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of a two Knight Ridder newspaper duopoly daily for the Philadelphia area. ...

According to Erik Prince, there has been a “rush to judgment” about Blackwater, due to "inaccurate information". ^[68]

Arms smuggling

Main article: Blackwater USA arms smuggling

On September 22, 2007, U.S. federal prosecutors announced an investigation into whether Blackwater employees illegally smuggled weapons into Iraq, that were later possibly transferred to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish nationalist group designated a terrorist organization by the US, NATO and the EU.^[69][70][71] The United States government is presently investigating Blackwater for these alleged crimes.^[72] On October 4, 2007, the FBI took over the investigation.^[73] Flag of the Kurdistan Workers Party, a terrorist group Blackwater is accused of selling to. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... The Kurdistan Workers Party (Kurdish: or PKK, Turkish: , also called KADEK, Kongra-Gel, and KCK) is an armed militant group founded in the 1970s and led, until his capture in 1999, by Abdullah Öcalan. ... Look up Kurdish in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Terrorist redirects here. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal criminal investigative, intelligence agency, and the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ...

Congressional investigation

On October 2, 2007 Erik Prince was subject to a congressional hearing conducted by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform following the controversy related to Blackwater's conduct in Iraq and Afghanistan.^[74][75] is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... Congressional hearings are the principal formal method by which committees collect and analyze information in the early stages of legislative policymaking. ... The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is a United States House of Representatives committee that has existed in varying forms since 1816. ...

• When testifying before Congress on October 2, 2007, about Blackwater USA's activities in Iraq, Prince complained about the lack of remedies his company has to deal with employee misdeeds. When asked why an employee involved in the killing of a Vice-presidential guard incident had been "whisked out of the country" he replied, "We can't flog him, we can't incarcerate him." ^[76]

• When asked by a member of Congress for financial information about his company, he declined to provide it. "We're a private company, and there's a key word there — private," Prince answered.^[77] Later he stated that the company could provide it at a future date if questions were submitted in writing.^[78][79]

• When the term "mercenaries" was used to describe Blackwater employees, Prince objected, characterizing them instead as "loyal Americans".^[80]

• A Committee on Oversight and Government Reform staff report, based largely on internal Blackwater e-mail messages and State Department documents, describes Blackwater as "being staffed with reckless, shoot-first guards who were not always sober and did not always stop to see who or what was hit by their bullets."^[11]

• A staff report compiled by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on behalf of Representative Waxman questioned the cost-effectiveness of using Blackwater forces instead of United States troops. Blackwater charges the government $1,222 per day per guard, "equivalent to $445,000 per year, or six times more than the cost of an equivalent U.S. soldier," the report alleged.^[81] During his testimony on Capitol Hill, Erik Prince disputed this figure, saying that it costs money for the government to train a soldier, to house and feed them, they don't just come prepared to fight. "That sergeant doesn't show up naked and untrained", Prince stated. ^[82][83]

is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... Andrew J. Moonen is a former employee of Blackwater USA, accused by the Iraq government of murdering a security guard of the Iraqi Vice-president, Adel Abdul Mahdi. ...

New rules from State Department

In the wake of Prince's Congressional testimony, on October 5, 2007 the State Department announced new rules for Blackwater's armed guards operating in Iraq. Under the new guidelines, State Department security agents will accompany all Blackwater units operating in and around Baghdad. The State Department will also install video surveillance equipment in all Blackwater armored vehicles, and will keep recordings of all radio communications between Blackwater convoys in Iraq and the military and civilian agencies which supervise their activities.^[84] For other uses, see 5th October (Serbia). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... “Department of State” redirects here. ...

Public relations

In early October 2007, Blackwater hired the public relations firm BKSH & Associates Worldwide, a subsidiary of Burson-Marsteller, to help Erik Prince prepare for the congressional hearing. Robert Tappan, a former US State Departement official who worked for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, was one the executives handling the account.^[85] BKSH portrays itself as a "bipartisan" firm and is lead by Charlie Black, a prominent Republican political strategist and former chief spokesman for the Republican National Committee and Scott Pastrick, former Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee.^[86][87]. Burson-Marsteller is one of the largest public relations agencies in the world. ... The Seal of the CPA in Iraq The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was established as a transitional government following the invasion of Iraq by the United States, United Kingdom and the other members of the multinational coalition which was formed to oust the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003. ... The Republican National Committee (RNC) provides national leadership for the Republican Party of the United States. ... Former Vermont Governor Dr. Howard Dean is the current Chairman of the DNC. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is the principal campaign and fund-raising organization affiliated with the United States Democratic Party. ...

Although Burson-Marsteller has historically deep connections to both Republican and Democratic politicians, Mark Penn, the chief adviser to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, is the CEO. Burson-Marsteller is one of the largest public relations agencies in the world. ... Mark J. Penn is worldwide CEO of the public relations firm Burson-Marsteller and president of the polling firm Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates. ... Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26, 1947), was First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001, as the wife of President Bill Clinton. ...

See also

• Private military company
• Mercenary
• UN Mercenary Convention
• Unlawful combatant#Mercenaries
• Arms trade
• International Peace Operations Association
• Ayham al-Samarie
• Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army
• Executive Outcomes, a similar South Africa company

A private military company (PMC) is a for-profit enterprise, sometimes a corporation or a limited liability partnership, which provides specialised services and expertise related to military and similar activities. ... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ... At the 72nd plenary meeting on 4 December 1989 the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 44/34, the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. ... The term unlawful combatant (also unlawful enemy combatant or unprivileged combatant/belligerent) denotes a person denied the privileges of prisoner of war (POW) designation, in accordance with the Geneva Conventions; one to whom protection is recognised as due is a lawful or privileged combatant. ... The arms industry is a massive global industry. ... The International Peace Operations Association (IPOA) is a non-governmental trade association committed to promoting high operational and ethical standards of firms active in the Peace and Stability Industry; engaging in a constructive dialogue with policy-makers about the growing and positive contribution of these firms to the enhancement of... Ayham al-Samarie was Minister of Electricity in the cabinet appointed by the Interim Iraq Governing Council in September 2003 and in the Iraqi Interim Government. ... Executive Outcomes (EO), a private military company (PMC), was founded in South Africa by Lt-Col. ...

Notes

The New York Times is an internationally known daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed in the United States and many other nations worldwide. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 277th day of the year (278th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “NPR” redirects here. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “Harpers” redirects here. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The San Diego Reader is the largest alternative press paper in the county of San Diego, distributed gratis in stands and private businesses throughout the county, funded by advertisements. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 241st day of the year (242nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 277th day of the year (278th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... For other uses, see 5th October (Serbia). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “Department of State” redirects here. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The U.S. State Departments list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations is a list of non-US organizations that are designated as terrorist by the United States Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). ... The modern concept of Small Office and Home Office or SoHo , or Small or Home Office deals with the category of business which can be from 1 to 10 workers. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Terrorism Act 2000 is a current United Kingdom Act of Parliament - An Act to make provision about terrorism; and to make temporary provision for Northern Ireland about the prosecution and punishment of certain offences, the preservation of peace and the maintenance of order. ... Established 1952 Presiding Country Portugal President Luís Amado President in Office José Sócrates Members 27 (at one time) Political parties 7, including: European Peoples Party Party of European Socialists Meeting place Justus Lipsius, Brussels, Belgium, European Union Web site http://www. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... For other uses, see 5th October (Serbia). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links and references

Wikinews has News related to this article:

• wikinews:Blackwater mercenaries used in New Orleans
• wikinews:US army admits to private security contract in Iraq

• Blackwater USA's official website
• Blackwater Watch: Keeping an eye on Blackwater USA
• Blackwater's "Greystone" (international division) website
• "Shadow Company" Award-winning Documentary Film directed and written by Nick Bicanic (the only film with footage of Blackwater employees training and operating in Iraq) - praised for balance by both Democrats and Republicans - ranging from Amnesty International to Blackwater.
• "Private Warriors" episode of Frontline (June 21, 2005), includes piece on Blackwater USA contractors
• The Strategic Contractor — op-ed 19 Sept 2007 by The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
• Blackwater trophy video in Iraq and link to report discussing Blackwater's actions around the world
• Council on Foreign Relations: The Other Army in Iraq
• Peters, Ralph (September 30, 2007). Trouble For Hire: The Mercenaries Who Murder In Your Name. New York Post. Retrieved on 2007-10-01.
• Lardner, Richard (October 2, 2007). Blackwater portrayed as out of control. Associated Press. Retrieved on 2007-10-02.
• Congress of the United States, House of Representatives (October 1, 2007). Additional Information about Blackwater USA. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Retrieved on 2007-10-02.
• Broder, John M. (October 2, 2007). Report Says Firm Sought To Cover Iraq Shootings. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-03.
• DeYoung, Karen (October 2, 2007). Other Killings By Blackwater Staff Detailed: State Dept. Papers Tell of Coverup. Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-10-03.
• Schmitt, Eric (October 2, 2007). Report Details Shooting By Drunken Blackwater Worker. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-03.
• Glanz, James; Alissa J. Rubin (October 3, 2007). From Errand To Fatal Shot To Hail Of Fire To 17 Deaths. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
• Fainaru, Steve (October 3, 2007). Guards In Iraq Cite Frequent Shootings: Companies Seldom Report Incidents, U.S. Officials Say. Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
• Broder, John M. (October 3, 2007). Chief Of Blackwater Defends His Employees. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-04.
• Raghavan, Sudarsan (October 4, 2007). Tracing The Paths Of 5 Who Died In A Storm Of Gunfire. Washington Post. Retrieved on 2007-10-05.
• Broder, John M. (October 4, 2007). Ex-Paratrooper Is Suspect In Killing Of Iraqi. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-05.
• Perry, John M. (October 4, 2007). Blackwater Project Foes Hope For Backlash. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-05.

• Licensed to Kill, Hired Guns in the War on Terror by Robert Young Pelton, Crown Books 2006, 368. pp. Extensive material on Blackwater in Prologue and Chapter 2, "The New Breed," Chapter 5, "The Blackwater Bridge," Chapter 6, "Under Seige" which discusses Blackwater at An Najaf, Chapter 7, "The Dog Track and the Swamp," which chronicles Pelton's visits to Blackwater training facilities, one of which is a dog track, Chapter 8, running the Gauntlet, and Chapter 11, "The Lord and the Prince," partly about Erik Prince.