A private military company (PMC) provides specialised expertise or services of a military nature, sometimes called or classified as mercenary ("soldiers for hire").^[1] Such companies are equally known as Private Security Contractors (PSCs), Private Military Corporations, Private Military Firms, Military Service Providers, and generally as the Private Military Industry. For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ...

The services and expertise cover those typically found in governmental military or police forces, but most often on a smaller scale. While PMCs often provide services to train or supplement official armed forces in service of governments, but they are also employed by private firms. PMCs tend to be concentrated in areas of low intensity conflict, where deploying traditional armed forces might be too politically, diplomatically, or economically risky.^{[citation needed]} However, contractors who use offensive force in a war zone could be considered unlawful combatants, thereby referring to the ”concept” being implicitly mentioned in the Geneva Convention and explicitly specified by the Military Commissions Act.^[2] Alternate cover US 1979 and 2002 reissue cover, also known as paint spatter cover For the military meaning, see Armed forces. ... Low intensity conflict (LIC) is the use of military forces applied selectively and with restraint to enforce compliance with the policies or objectives of the political body controlling the military force. ... For other uses, see Conflict (disambiguation) In political terms, conflict refers to an ongoing state of hostility between two or more groups of people. ... 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 Geneva Conventions consist of treaties formulated in Geneva, Switzerland that set the standards for international law for humanitarian concerns. ... The United States Military Commissions Act of 2006, Pub. ...

Private military companies supply bodyguards for the Afghan president, build detention camps at Guantanamo Bay, and pilot armed reconnaissance planes and helicopter gunships to destroy coca crops in Colombia.^{[citation needed]} They operate the intelligence and communications systems at the United States Northern Command in Colorado, which is responsible for coordinating a response to any attack on the United States.^{[citation needed]} And licensed by the State Department, they are contracting with foreign governments, training soldiers and reorganizing militaries in Nigeria, Bulgaria, Taiwan, and Equatorial Guinea.^{[citation needed]} The PMC industry is now worth over $100 billion a year. ^[3] Detainees upon arrival at Camp X-Ray, January 2002 Guantánamo Bay detainment camp serves as a joint military prison and interrogation center under the leadership of Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO), has occupied a portion of the United States Navys base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba since 2002. ... For other uses, see Coca (disambiguation). ... Emblem of the United States Northern Command. ... Official language(s) English Capital Denver Largest city Denver Largest metro area Denver-Aurora Metro Area Area  Ranked 8th  - Total 104,185 sq mi (269,837 km²)  - Width 280 miles (451 km)  - Length 380 miles (612 km)  - % water 0. ...

General terms

PMCs are also known as security contractors, although this term usually refers to individuals employed or contracted by PMCs. Services are mainly rendered for other business corporations, international and non-governmental organizations, and state forces.

Private military companies are sometimes grouped into the general category of defense contractors. However, most defense contractors supply specialized hardware and perhaps also personnel to support and service that hardware, whereas PMCs supply personnel with specialized operational and tactical skills, which often include combat experience. A defense contractor (sometimes called a military contractor) is a business organization or individual that provides products or services to a defense department of a government. ...

The 1949 Third Geneva Convention (GCIII) does not recognize the difference between defense contractors and PMCs; it defines a category called supply contractors. If the supply contractor has been issued with a valid identity card from the armed forces which they accompany, they are entitled to be treated as prisoners of war upon capture (GCIII Article 4.1.4). If, however, the contractor engages in combat, he/she can be classified as a mercenary by the captors under the 1977 Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions (Protocol I) Article 47.c, unless falling under an exemption to this clause in Article 47. If captured contractors are found to be mercenaries, they are unlawful combatants and lose the right to prisoner of war status. Protocol I was not ratified by the United States because, among other issues, it does not require "freedom Fighters" to obey the convention in order to be granted its protections. Wikisource has original text related to this article: Third Geneva Convention The Third Geneva Convention (or GCIII) of 1949, one of the Geneva Conventions, is a treaty agreement that primarily concerns the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs), and also touched on other topics. ... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ... Protocol I: Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts. ... 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. ...

United States

The United States State Department employs several companies to provide support in danger zones that would be difficult for conventional U.S. forces. The military employs many of them as guards to extremely high ranking U.S. government officials in hot spots all around the world. The term most often refers to the two dozen U.S. firms that provide services for the Pentagon and indirectly assist in overseas theaters of operation. Some contractors have served in advisory roles that help train local militaries to fight more effectively instead of intervening directly. Much of the peacekeeper training the United States provides to African militaries is done by private firms, and with the increasing absence of Western military support to international peace operations, the private sector is commonly utilized to provide services to peace and stability operations from Haiti to Darfur. 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. ... This article is about the United States military building. ...

The Center for Public Integrity reported that since 1994, the Defense Department entered into 3,601 contracts worth $300 billion with 12 U.S. based PMCs. Some view this as an inevitable cost cutting measure and responsible privatization of critical aspects of a military. However, many feel this is a troubling trend, since these private companies are not directly accountable to a legislative body and may cost more than providing the same functions within the military. 17 of the nation's leading private military firms have contributed $12.4 million in congressional and presidential campaigns since 1999.^[3] The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to producing investigative reporting on public officials, government policy and its effects[1]. // Located in Washington, DC, USA, the Center for Public Integrity produces reports aimed to provide transparent and insightful reporting. ... Department of Defense redirects here. ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Another issue of concern has been the recent high-profile operation of various PMCs within the United States, specifically during the initial response after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Supporters are quick to point out the stabilizing influence that the operators of these companies put into place in the first few days provided, whereas detractors have levied claims of abuse and unlawful activities. Neither side has provided much proof to back their claims, however, beyond anecdotal evidence. This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2005. ... New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ...

Domestic operations are generally under the auspice of state or federal agencies such as the Department of Energy or the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense. Driven by increasingly greater fears of domestic terror attacks and civil unrest and disruption in the wake of disasters, more conventional security companies are moving into operations arenas that would fall within the definition of a PMC. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government responsible for energy policy and nuclear safety. ... DHS redirects here. ...

U.S. administration policy on PMCs

On 5 December 2005, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld held a lecture dubbed "The Future of Iraq" at Johns Hopkins Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.^[4] During a Q&A session afterwards he was asked a question by graduate student Kate Turner regarding PMCs. is the 339th day of the year (340th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Donald Henry Rumsfeld (born July 9, 1932) is a businessman, a U.S. Republican politician, the 13th Secretary of Defense under President Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, and the 21st Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2006. ... The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), based in Washington D.C., is one of the worlds leading graduate schools devoted to the study of international affairs, economics, diplomacy, and policy research and education. ...

Turner: "There are currently thousands of private military contractors in Iraq and you were just speaking of rules of engagement in regards to Iraqi personnel and US personnel. Could you speak to, since the private contractors are operating outside the Uniform Code of Military Justice, can you speak to what law or rules of engagement do govern their behavior and whether there has been any study showing that it is cost effective to have them in Iraq rather than US military personnel. Thank you." This article describes the military term of the rules of engagement. ... The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the foundation of military law in the United States. ...

Rumsfeld: "Thank you. It is clearly cost-effective to have contractors for a variety of things that military people need not do, and that for whatever reason other civilians, government people, cannot be deployed to do. There are a lot of contractors, a growing number. They come from our country but they come from all countries, and indeed sometimes the contracts are from our country or another country and they employ people from totally different countries including Iraqis and people from neighboring nations. And there are a lot of them. It's a growing number. Of course we've got to begin with the fact that, as you point out, they're not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. We understand that. There are laws that govern the behavior of Americans in that country. The Department of Justice oversees that. There is an issue that is current as to the extent to which they can or cannot carry weapons, and that's an issue. It's also an issue, of course, with the Iraqis. But if you think about it, Iraq’s a sovereign country. They have their laws and they're going to govern, the UN resolution and the Iraqi laws, as well as U.S. procedures and laws govern behavior in that country depending on who the individual is and what he's doing. But I personally am of the view that there are a lot of things that can be done for a short time basis by contractors that advantage the United States and advantage other countries who also hire contractors, and that any idea that we shouldn't have them I think would be unwise." The Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C. “Justice Department” redirects here. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ...

[1]

New U.S. law on PMCs

According to the FY2007 Defense Budget appropriation bill, the text of the UCMJ has been amended to allow for prosecution of military contractors who are deployed in a "declared war or a contingency operation." A fiscal year (or financial year or accounting reference date) is a 12-month period used for calculating annual (yearly) financial statements in businesses and other organizations. ... An appropriation bill or supply bill is a legislative motion which authorizes the government to spend money. ...

"SEC. 552. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICATION OF UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE DURING A TIME OF WAR. Paragraph (10) of section 802(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 2(a) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking `war' and inserting `declared war or a contingency operation'." ^[5][6]

Farah Stockman of the Boston Globe, (7 January 2007) writes: "Previously, the code applied to "persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field" only during a war, which US courts interpreted to mean a war declared by Congress. No such declaration was made in the Iraq conflict. Now, Congress has amended the code to apply to persons accompanying an armed force during a "declared war or contingency operation." is the 7th 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. ...

But the provision might also have unintended consequences, if the military chooses to use its new power to court-martial civilians. For instance, the language in the law is so broad that it can be interpreted as saying that embedded journalists and contract employees from foreign countries would also be liable under the military code. Other punishable offenses under the code include disobeying an order, disrespecting an officer, and possession of pornography in a combat zone."^[7]

"Shadow Company" is a documentary about the history, origins and current issues with the existence of PMCs - it traces the history long before the Iraq conflict and well into the international scope. The film covers the Executive Outcomes story and also delves into how this phenomenon in warfare has affected the entertainment and gaming industries. It is the only film that is endorsed by both Amnesty Int and employees of Blackwater as a fair and balanced portrayal of the subject matter. The film's creator/director, Nick Bicanic, was invited to testify in Senate on Sept. 21, 2007 on the subject of PMCs in relation to the incident in Iraq involving Blackwater.

The International Peace Operations Association

The International Peace Operations Association (IPOA) is U.S. trade organisation for private military companies, with membership including Blackwater USA, Defensecurity [2], ArmorGroup International PLC, Pacific Architects and Engineers, Hart Security and MPRI. The IPOA was founded by former academic Doug Brooks in April 2001 and now has its own in-house journal, The Journal of International Peace Operations.^[8] Blackwater USA withdrew from the IPOA in October 2007. ^[9] 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... Blackwater USA is an international security contractor founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. ... ArmorGroup International is a British private security company, or PSC. ArmorGroup has provided defensive, protective security services to national governments, multinational corporations and international peace and security agencies operating in hostile environments since 1981. ... Military Professional Resources Inc. ...

Recruitment

In light of the above issues, some commentators have argued that there has been a recent exodus from many special forces across the globe towards these private military corporations. The British Special Air Service^[10][11], the American Special Forces^[12] and the Canadian Joint Task Force 2^[13] have allegedly been severely affected. Military staff are lured by the fact that entry level positions with the various companies can pay up to US$100,000 a year in some instances, or as high as US$1000 an hour^{[citation needed]} (most are deployed for a year and a half)^{[citation needed]}, which is 2-3 times more than what an average special forces soldier is paid. However, this conventional wisdom has been disputed especially in the United States where Government Accountability Office (GAO) research has detected no noticeable exodus.^{[citation needed]} For other uses, see Special forces (disambiguation). ... See also Australian Special Air Service Regiment and New Zealand Special Air Service: The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces unit of the British Army. ... Blue Light redirects here. ... Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) was formed on April 1, 1993 and is the Canadian Forces unit responsible for federal Counter-Terrorist operations. ... General Accounting Office headquarters, Washington, D.C. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the non-partisan audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress, and an agency in the Legislative Branch of the United States Government. ...

PMC activities in Iraq

Currently in Iraq there are thought to be at least 100,000 contractors working directly for the United States Department of Defense which is a tenfold increase in the use of private contractors for military operations since the Persian Gulf War, just over a decade earlier.^[14] The prevalence of PMCs has led to the foundation of trade group the Private Security Company Association of Iraq. In Iraq, the issue of accountability, especially in the case of contractors carrying weapons is a sensitive one. Iraqi laws do not hold over contractors. Just before leaving office as head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, Paul Bremer signed Coalition Provisional Authority Order 17 where it is stated that: Department of Defense redirects here. ... See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ... An industry trade group is generally a public relations organization funded, founded and formed by corporations that operate in a specific industry. ... The Private Security Company Association of Iraq is an organization consisting of around 40 companies opporating inside Iraq. ... Accountability is a concept in ethics with several meanings. ... 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. ... L. Paul Bremer Lewis Paul Bremer III, also known as Jerry Bremer, (born September 30, 1941) was named Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance for post-war Iraq following the 2003 invasion of Iraq to replace Jay Garner on May 6, 2003. ... Currently in Iraq there are thought to be at least 100,000 contractors working directly for the United States Department of Defense which is a tenfold increase in the use of private contractors for military operations since the Persian Gulf War, just over a decade earlier. ...

Contractors shall not be subject to Iraqi laws or regulations in matters relating to the terms and conditions of their Contracts, including licensing and registering employees, businesses and corporations; provided, however, that Contractors shall comply with such applicable licensing and registration laws and regulations if engaging in business or transactions in Iraq other than Contracts. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Order, Private Security Companies and their employees operating in Iraq must comply with all CPA Orders, Regulations, Memoranda, and any implementing instructions or regulations governing the existence and activities of Private Security Companies in Iraq, including registration and licensing of weapons and firearms.^[15]

PMCs supply essential support to U.S. military bases throughout the Persian Gulf, from operating mess halls to providing security. They supply armed guards at a U.S. Army base in Qatar, and they use live ammunition to train soldiers at Camp Doha in Kuwait. They maintain an array of weapons systems vital to an invasion of Iraq, including the B-2 bomber, F-117 stealth fighter, Apache helicopter, KC-10 refueling tanker, U-2 reconnaissance plane, and the unmanned Global Hawk reconnaissance unit. They also provide bodyguards for VIPs, guard installations, and escort supply convoys from Kuwait. All these resources are called upon constantly due to the war in Iraq.^[3] Map of the Persian Gulf. ... The RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft The RQ-4 Global Hawk is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by the US Air Force as a surveillance aircraft. ... There have been three conflicts in the late 20th century and early 21st century called Gulf War, all of which refer to conflicts in the Persian Gulf region: Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) (aka First Gulf War). ...

Events involving PMCs in Iraq

• Employees of private military company CACI were involved in the Iraq Abu Ghraib prison scandal in 2003, and 2004.
• On March 31, 2004, four American private contractors belonging to the company Blackwater USA were killed by citizens of Fallujah as they drove through the town, 3 days after US troops had killed 17 Iraqis demonstrating outside a primary school. They were dragged from their car in one of the most violent attacks on U.S. citizens in the conflict. Following the attack, an angry mob mutilated and burned the bodies, dragging them through the streets before they were hung on a bridge. (See also: 31 March 2004 Fallujah ambush, Operation Vigilant Resolve)
• On March 28, 2005, 16 American contractors and three Iraqi aides from Zapata Engineering, under contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers to manage an ammunition storage depot, were detained following two incidents in which they allegedly fired upon U.S. Marine checkpoint. While later released, the civilian contractors have levied complaints of mistreatment against the Marines who detained them.
• On June 5, 2005, colonel Theodore S. Westhusing committed suicide, after writing a report exonerating US Investigations Services of allegations of fraud, waste and abuse he received in an anonymous letter in May.
• On October 27, 2005, a "trophy" video, complete with post-production Elvis music, appearing to show private military contractors in Baghdad shooting Iraqi civilians sparked two investigations after it was posted on the Internet. ^[16][17][18] The video has been linked unofficially to Aegis Defence Services. According to the posters, the man who is seen shooting vehicles on this video in Iraq was a South African employee of Aegis Victory team named Danny Heydenreycher. He served in the British military for six years. After the incident the regional director for Victory ROC tried to fire Heydenreycher, but the team threatened to resign if he did. As of December 2005, Aegis is conducting a formal inquiry into the issue, although some concerns on its impartiality have been raised.
• On September 17, 2007, the Iraqi government announced that it was revoking the license of the American security firm Blackwater USA over the firm's involvement in the deaths of eight civilians in a firefight that followed a car bomb explosion near a State Department motorcade. Blackwater is currently one of the most high-profile firms operating in Iraq, with around 1,000 employees as well as a fleet of helicopters in the country. Whether the group may be legally prosecuted is still a matter of debate. ^[19]

Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... CACI NYSE: CAI is a United States-based private military contractor. ... ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 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. ... Blackwater USA is an international security contractor founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. ... Fallujah skyline before November 2004 battle Fallujah (Arabic: ; sometimes transliterated as Falluja or Fallouja) is a city in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, located roughly 69 km (43 miles) west of Baghdad on the Euphrates. ... A throng of people returning from a show of fireworks spill in to the street stopping traffic at the intersection of Fulton Street and Gold Street in Lower Manhattan. ... Mutilation or maiming is an act or physical injury that degrades the appearance or function of the (human) body, usually causing death. ... The crematorium at Haycombe Cemetery, Bath, England. ... 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... Combatants United States Iraqi insurgents Commanders James T. Conway Abu Musab al-Zarqawi Strength 1,200[1] 3,000 - 6,000 Casualties 83 KIA , WIA 90+ (U.S) [1] 615 military and civilian KIA Operation Vigilant Resolve, sometimes referred to as the First Battle of/for Fallujah was an abortive... is the 87th day of the year (88th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... United States Army Corps of Engineers logo The United States Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, is made up of some 34,600 civilian and 650 military men and women. ... The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States military responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[1] utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. ... is the 156th day of the year (157th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Colonel Theodore S. Westhusing (December 17, 1960 – June 5, 2005), a West Point professor of English and Philosophy, volunteered to serve in Iraq in late 2004 and died in Baghdad from a single gunshot wound in June of 2005, apparently self-inflicted. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Elvis Aron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), also known as The King of Rock and Roll, or as just simply The King, was an American singer who had an immeasurable effect on world culture. ... 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. ... December 2005 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → 31 December 2005 (Saturday) 25-year-old Scottish human rights worker Kate Burton and her parents are freed unharmed in the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian gunmen who kidnapped them two days earlier. ... 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. ... Blackwater USA is an international security contractor founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. ...

Legal position

Two days before he left Iraq, L. Paul Bremer signed "Order 17"^[20] giving all Americans associated with the CPA and the American government immunity from Iraqi law.^[21]. 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.^[22] 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. ...

PMC activities elsewhere

• In 1999, an episode with DynCorp in Bosnia was particularly embarrassing for the U.S. military. A Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) lawsuit was filed against DynCorp employees stationed in Bosnia, which claimed: "employees and supervisors from DynCorp were engaging in perverse, illegal and inhumane behavior and were illegally purchasing women, weapons, forged passports and participating in other immoral acts."
• 2001, Antonio Marrapese [3] CEO Defensecurity [4], been involved in the Iran-Contra scandal
• On April 5, 2005, Jamie Smith, CEO of SCG International Risk announced the expansion of services from the traditional roles of PMCs of protection and intelligence to military aviation support. SCG International Air would provide air support, medevac (medical evacuation), rotary and fixed-wing transportation, heavy-lift cargo, armed escort and executive air travel to "any location on earth." This marks a unique addition and expansion of services to rival the capabilities of some country's armies and air forces.
• On March 27, 2006, J. Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater USA announced to attendees of a special operations exhibition in Jordan that his company could now provide a brigade-size force for low intensity conflicts. According to Black, "There is clear potential to conduct security operations at a fraction of the cost of NATO operations".^[23]
• In mid-May 2006, police in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrested 32 alleged mercenaries of different nationalities; 19 South Africans, 10 Nigerians and three Americans. Half of them worked for a South African company named Omega Security Solutions and the Americans for AQMI Strategy Corp. The men were accused of plotting to overthrow the government but charges weren't pressed. The men were deported to their home countries.^[24][25]

This article is about the year. ... DynCorp International is a U.S.-based private military contractor (PMC). ... This article is about the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. ... The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly referred to as RICO) is a United States federal law which provides for extended penalties for criminal acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... SCG International Risk is a private military contractor and security firm based in the U.S. state of Mississippi and Virginia with satellite support offices in Kabul, Dubai and London. ... is the 86th day of the year (87th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... J. Cofer Black J. Cofer Black was the United States Department of State Coordinator for Counterterrorism with the rank of Ambassador at Large from December 2002 to November 2004. ... Blackwater USA is an international security contractor founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. ... 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. ... Low intensity conflict (LIC) is the use of military forces applied selectively and with restraint to enforce compliance with the policies or objectives of the political body controlling the military force. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

List of PMCs

U.S. companies

Blackwater USA is an international security contractor founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. ... TRW Incorporated was an American corporation involved in a number of businesses, mostly defense-related, but including automotive supply and credit reporting. ... The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an aerospace and defense conglomerate that is the result of a 1994 merger between Northrop and Grumman. ... CACI NYSE: CAI is a United States-based private military contractor. ... Arlington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Virginia (which calls itself a commonwealth), directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. By an act of Congress July 9, 1846, the area south of the Potomac was returned to Virginia effective in 1847 As of 2000... Custer Battles, LLC is a security company based in McLean, Virginia, that promotes its services as including security services, litigation support, global risk consulting, training and business intelligence. // Background The companys founders are Scott Custer, a former Army Ranger and defense consultant, and former CIA officer Michael Battles, who... DynCorp International is a U.S.-based private military contractor (PMC). ... An editor has expressed a concern that the subject of the article does not satisfy the notability guideline or one of the following guidelines for inclusion on Wikipedia: Biographies, Books, Companies, Fiction, Music, Neologisms, Numbers, Web content, or several proposals for new guidelines. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... For other uses, see ITT (disambiguation). ... White Plains is a city located in Westchester County, New York. ... Kellogg, Brown and Root is an American engineering and construction company, a private military contractor and a subsidiary of Halliburton. ... For other uses, see Haliburton. ... MPRI [Military Professional Resources Incorporated] is a private military firm, founded in 1988 by ex-officers of the United States army. ... Northbridge Services Group Ltd is a private military company (PMC) which is registered in the Dominican Republic and has offices in the United Kingdom and Ukraine. ... The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an aerospace and defense conglomerate that is the result of a 1994 merger between Northrop and Grumman. ... Paratus Worldwide Protection is a private security firm whose headquarters is located in Charlotte, New Jersey. ... 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. ... SCG International Risk is a private military contractor and security firm based in the U.S. state of Mississippi and Virginia with satellite support offices in Kabul, Dubai and London. ... // Sharp End International is a private military company (PMC) that trains Government and corporate entities. ... The SkyLink Group of Companies SkyLink USA is one of the world’s leading providers of aviation and ground logistics in unsecured and hostile environments. ... SkyLink Aviation Inc. ... Richard Marcinko Commanding Officer of SEAL Team 6 Richard Dick Marcinko (born November 21, 1940 in Lansford, Pennsylvania), is one of the United States most accomplished and recognized special operations experts, with over 30 years of experience in a variety of specialties including counter-terrorism, intelligence and special operations. ... Titan Corporation is a United States-based company headquartered in San Diego, California. ... Founded in 2003, Triple Canopy delivers security and protection solutions to governments and private corporations worldwide. ... An international Corporation based in the United States with strong military and political connections, whose most recent claim to fame is their training of portions of the Saudi Arabian Military. ... Location in Oregon Coordinates: , County Washington County Incorporated 1893 Government  - Mayor Rob Drake Area  - City 42. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Pathfinder Security Services (PSS) is a Wyoming based private security firm. ...

U.K. companies

• Adson Holdings - (registered in Guernsey) – owners of Sandline International
• ALGIZ Services Ltd - Security Solutions of the Future, Algiz Services provides Security Consultancy, Development, Training & Protection
• Aegis Defence Services - Previously Sandline International
• Ake Group or Aegis World
• Website ArmorGroup
• Blue Hackle
• Black- Op's (pmc) - British Company registered with British Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade & Invest to trade and work for Companies and Agencies in Africa and Mid-East, also massive training facility in Mid-East seeBlack Op's
• Branch Energy Limited - registered in the Isle of Man
• Control Risks Group ([5] Provider of security and armed guards for British Embassies and Consulates.
• Defence Services Limited
• Erinys International - joint South Africa-Britain
• Gurkha Security Guards, (registered in Guernsey)
• Hart Security Limited
• Hostile Control Tactics
• Sandline International (ceased operations on April 16, 2004)
• Plaza 107
• Securiforce not to be confused with Securicor, a private security company.

Sandline International was a private security (military) company based in London, established in the early 1990s. ... Control Risks Group, based out o f London, was founded in 1975 by Timothy Royle, CEO of the Hogg Robinson insurance and travel group as a subsidiary of Hogg Robinson, it became the first company to provide advice to clients involved in kidnap situations. ... Erinys International is a British security company founded in 2001. ... Sandline International was a private security (military) company based in London, established in the early 1990s. ... is the 106th day of the year (107th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Group 4 Securicor, formed in July 2004 from the merger of Securicor and the security businesses of Group 4 Falck, is a multinational corporation based in Crawley, UK. Group 4 Securicor is the second largest security guard service provider on Earth. ...

Others

• Security Contractors - list of companies with links
• Diamond Works Canada (purchased Branch Energy in 1996)
• EUBSA PMC - Division and PMC Wing of the Brillstein Security Group, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
• Executive Outcomes, South Africa (ceased operations on January 1, 1999)
• Fulcrum International Group Switzerland/USA
• Levdan - Israel
• Meteoric Tactical Solutions, South Africa
• Olive Group, Nesbit, MS, USA
• Omega Group - Norway
• Omega Security Solutions - South Africa
• Sharp End International
• Strategic Resources Corporation, South Africa
• Website OMEGA SERVICES pmc - Russia/Ukraine. Ex- Russian SpN VMF, PDSS, Marines personnel.
• Praesidia Defence, Munich, Germany
• Greystone Ltd
• Unity Resources Group Based in Dubai - Special Forces veterans from Australia, the US, New Zealand and Great Britain - as well as former law enforcement officers from those countries.

Location in Oregon Coordinates: , County Washington County Incorporated 1893 Government  - Mayor Rob Drake Area  - City 42. ... Executive Outcomes logo. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Omega Group was started by veterans of the Vietnam War who looked for brotherhood after the war. ... Munich: Frauenkirche and Town Hall steeple Munich (German: München pronunciation) is the state capital of the German Bundesland of Bavaria. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ...

In popular culture

Video games

• The elite StarFox Mercenary Squadron, in Nintendo's StarFox video game series is one of the most well-known video-game mercenary contractors, and arguably one of the few to be depicted as giving ethics priority over monetary profit.
• In the Descent video game series, the player assumes the role of an anonymous mercenary, addressed rather impersonally as "Material Defender" by the shamelessly materialistic Post Terran Minerals Corporation.
• In the video games Soldier of Fortune and Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix by Raven Software, the player takes the role of John Mullins, a mercenary in employment with a PMC known simply as "The Shop".
• In the video game Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction the player plays as a mercenary working for a PMC known as "Executive Operations".
• In the video game Army of Two, the player characters, Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem, work for a PMC called the Security & Strategy Corporation (SSC).
• In the video game Haze, the player plays as a mercenary, Shane Carpenter, working for a PMC owned by "Mantel Global Industries", which has apparently replaced both the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
• In the Tom Clancy video game series Splinter Cell, a character named Douglas Shetland was CEO and founder of a PMC named Displace International. Also in the multiplayer modes of Splinter Cell, there is another PMC named ARGUS, which constantly become contracted to terrorists.
• In the Jagged Alliance series of turn-based, squad-level strategy video games, the player commands squads of mercenaries hired from a fictional PMC-like union known as the Association of International Mercenaries.
• In the yet to be released video game, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, a conflict in the middle east is sparked by a large amount of PMC organizations all working under one single dummy company, led by Liquid Ocelot. These put together are enough to rival the United States military and create "Outer Haven", a soldiers paradise. Solid Snake is deployed to assassinate Liquid and dissolve Outer Haven.
• In the ten year running video game series Armored Core, you play as a Mercenary called a "Raven" under a PMC.
• In the Mechwarrior franchise, the second expansion to the 4th game in the series, Mechwarrior IV: Mercenaries, you play as a mercenary named Spectre and are allowed to recruit other mercenaries to fight with you and you can buy things from the black market.

Star Fox (called Starwing in Europe, due to copyright issues) was the first game in the Star Fox series of video games. ... This article concerns the first-person shooter. ... ... Raven Software is a computer game software developer based in Madison, Wisconsin. ... Army of Two is a video game developed by Electronic Arts, coming out on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in late 2007. ... Haze is a first-person shooter video game developed by Free Radical Design, which was announced at E³ 2006. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ... NATO 2002 Summit The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), sometimes called North Atlantic Alliance, Atlantic Alliance or the Western Alliance, is an international organisation for defence collaboration established in 1949, in support of the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington, DC, on April 4, 1949. ... For the member of the Irish folk band The Clancy Brothers, see Tom Clancy (singer) and for the American Celticist, see Thomas Owen Clancy. ... An image from the original Splinter Cell Splinter Cell is a series of video games endorsed by American author Tom Clancy. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Splinter Cell. ... Jagged Alliance is a series of turn-based strategy computer games. ... This is a list of recurring characters appearing in the Metal Gear series. ... Solid Snake ) is the protagonist of the Metal Gear video game series. ... Armored Core is a mecha-based video game series for the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Mobile Phone platforms. ... MechWarrior is the title of a number of games set in the fictional universe created for the tabletop wargame BattleTech. ...

Film and television

• In the CBS show The Unit, the protagonist, Jonas Blane, is urged by his wife, Molly, to join a PMC. Molly Blane also freelances for a PMC.
• In an episode of the TV series Kidnapped, aired on October 21, 2006, lead character Lucian Knapp posed as a job applicant to a PMC to gain access to its internal computer system. When discovered by the PMC's security, they detained him and attempted to transport him as a prisoner to Dubai, stating he now had "no future". In the same episode, a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent described PMCs as the kind of organization that "has Dick Cheney on their speed dial".
• Episodes of the TV series Jericho feature appearances by members of a fictional PMC called Ravenwood, originally being employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but later started working for themselves.
• The short-lived British TV series The State Within featured a PMC called CMC Secure Operations which was involved in human rights abuses in the fictional former Soviet republic of Tyrgyzstan.
• In movie Proof of Life, Russell Crowe plays a former SAS operator works for a British PMC called Lothan Risk.
• The movie Blood Diamond features a PMC contracted to fight in Sierra Leone.

The Unit is an American action-drama television series that focuses on a top-secret military unit modeled after the real life Delta Force. ... Sergeant Major Jonas Blane Sergeant Major Jonas Blane (United States Army, callsign: Snake Doctor) is a fictional character on the CBS television series The Unit. ... is the 294th day of the year (295th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the CBS television drama. ... This article contains a summary of the fate of various cities in the American fictional drama/adventure television series Jericho. ... FEMA redirects here. ... The State Within is a 2006 British television drama starring Jason Isaacs, Sharon Gless and Ben Daniels. ... Map of the Land of Oz, the fictional country in the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Map of the fictional island of Sodor used in the Thomas the Tank Engine stories Fictitious countries used in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four A guidebook produced about the fictional country Molvanîa... Soviet Republic may refer to one of the following states. ... Proof of Life is an American film released in 2000, directed by Taylor Hackford. ... Russell Ira Crowe (born April 7, 1964) is a New Zealand-Australian[1] actor. ... Blood Diamond is an Academy Award-nominated 2006 adventure/drama/thriller film. ...

Books

• In Lee Child's thriller The Hard Way, the novel's hero Jack Reacher is hired by and subsequently brings down a PMC which has been involved in a number of illegal and unethical operations.
• The book Outsourced, by Raelynn Hillhouse centers around the "mercenary for hire" theme, involving the Central Intelligence Agency and the Pentagon.

Lee Child accepting Barry Award Lee Child (born 1954, Coventry, England) is a British thriller writer currently living in New York City with his wife Jane, daughter Ruth, and a dog named Jenny. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Jack Reacher, commonly known simply as Reacher, is a fictional character created by author Lee Child. ... Raelynn Hillhouse Raelynn Hillhouse is an American novelist, expert on Central and Eastern Europe and former smuggler. ... CIA redirects here. ... This article is about the United States military building. ...

Resources

Academic publications

• The Market for Force: The Consequences of Privatizing Security, by Deborah D. Avant, George Washington University, August 2005. ISBN 0-521-61535-6

• Armies Without States: The Privatization of Security, by Robert Mandel, Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2002.

• Private Armies and Military Intervention, David Shearer, April 1998. ISBN 0-19-829440-9

• Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry, Peter W. Singer, Cornell University Press, March 2004. ISBN 0-8014-8915-6

• Brillstein, Arik: Antiterrorsystem. Engel Publishing 2005 - ISBN 3938547006

• "Privatising Security: Law, Practice and Governance of Private Military and Security Companies" by Fred Schreier and Marina Caparini, DCAF Occasional Paper 6, The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, March 2005.

• "Soldiers of Misfortune – Is the Demise of National Armies a Core Contributing Factor in the Rise of Private Security Companies?" by Maninger, Stephan in Kümmel, Gerhard and Jäger, Thomas (Hrsg.) Private Security and Military Companies: Chances, Problems, Pitfalls and Prospects, VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden, 2007. ISBN 978-3-531-149011

Non-academic publications

• Making A Killing, James Ashcroft. Virgin Books. ISBN 1-85227-311-9

• Licensed to Kill : Privatizing the War on Terror, Robert Young Pelton ISBN 1-4000-9781-9

• Three Worlds Gone Mad: Dangerous Journeys through the War Zones of Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific, Robert Young Pelton, August 2006. ISBN 1-59228-100-1

• An Unorthodox Soldier, Tim Spicer, September 2000. ISBN 1-84018-349-7

• Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, Jeremy Scahill, Nation Books. February 2007. ISBN-13 978-1560259794

See also

• Command responsibility
• Jus in bello
• Private defense agency
• Mercenaries
• UN Mercenary Convention
• Unlawful combatant#Mercenaries
• Arms trade
• Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army (Book)

Peace Palace in The Hague Command responsibility, sometimes referred to as the Yamashita standard, or the Medina standard is the doctrine of hierarchical accountability in cases of war crimes. ... The laws of war (Jus in bello) define the conduct and responsibilities of belligerent nations, neutral nations and individuals engaged in warfare, in relation to each other and to protected persons, usually meaning civilians. ... A private defense agency (PDA) is a hypothetical agency that provides defense voluntarily through the free market. ... 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. ...

References

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 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 152nd day of the year (153rd 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 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The National Post is a Canadian English-language national newspaper based in Don Mills, Ontario, a district of Toronto. ... is the 238th day of the year (239th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 339th day of the year (340th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article deals with The Daily Telegraph in Britain, see The Daily Telegraph (Australia) for the Australian publication The Daily Telegraph is a British broadsheet newspaper founded in 1855. ... 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 263rd day of the year (264th 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. ... 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 88th day of the year (89th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to producing investigative reporting on public officials, government policy and its effects[1]. // Located in Washington, DC, USA, the Center for Public Integrity produces reports aimed to provide transparent and insightful reporting. ...

External links

Image File history File links Broom_icon. ...

Websites focusing on private military companies

• [6] award winning documentary on PMCs with footage of Blackwater, 2007
• World Defense Industry Files
• Statecraft & Security A Discussion of International Security and Private Contractors
• PrivateMilitary.org: a private, independent, non-profit initiative that offers people interested in PMCs a selection of hyperlinks pointing at various firms, documents, organizations, and resources related to the PMC subject and debate. A free and open resource: no sign-in, log-in, or tracking.
• International Peace Operations Association (IPOA). Lobby organization for PMC companies.
• Private Security Company Association of Iraq. Lobby group for Iraq-contractors.
• www.SecureAspects.com a forum and online magazine for people working in the High Risk Civilian Contractor or High Risk Security Contractor Business
• www.CivilianContractorJobs.com a resource for people working as Civilian Contractors for PMCs, primarily used by those in non-security related careers
• [7] Robert Young Pelton's article in Popular Mechanics about his month spent with Blackwater running Route Irish between the Green Zone and Baghdad International Airport.
• PSD Training - A UK based training firm offering High Risk PSD Operator and PSD Team Leader courses, along with a 5 week close protection officer course.
• "Making a Killing: The Business of War", Center for Public Integrity, October 2002.
• PMCs Monitor Association an international association which advocates for tighter rules to monitor PMCs.
• Tactical Firearms Training- Swiss based SET Operator firearms training company run by PSD Contractors
• Sourcewatch - extensive list of international PMCs.
• CombatContractor.com - Community of Combat Contractors.
• Security Resources- International Security Directory

The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to producing investigative reporting on public officials, government policy and its effects[1]. // Located in Washington, DC, USA, the Center for Public Integrity produces reports aimed to provide transparent and insightful reporting. ...

Selected items focusing on Iraq

• "Fury at 'shoot for fun' memo: Outburst by US security firm in Iraq is attacked by human rights groups", Guardian Unlimited, April 3, 2005 - on civilian casualties Blackwater is responsible for.
• "Security Contractors: Riding Shotgun with Our Shadow Army in Iraq," Mother Jones, May 2007
• "Intelligence, Inc.", Alternet, 7 March 2005 - on the role of private military contractors in Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal
• The New York Times ran an article in the Magazine section in the August 14, 2005 issue about the use of PMCs in Iraq (and mentions previous uses). The article does not seem to be freely available anymore.
• "Private Security Workers Living On Edge in Iraq: Downing of Helicopter Shows Heightened Risks", Washington Post, April 23, 2005 - on contractors failing to follow formal rules of engagement.
• "Private Warriors", June 2005, PBS - Frontline TV-series documentary, first aired in June 21, 2005, that can be downloaded online.
• "Reconstruction of Iraq contractors", overview profile at Sourcewatch
• "article "At war Sean Penn finds getting out of Iraq even tougher than getting in"", January 15, 2005, San Francisco Chronicle - Sean Penn writes about his visit to Iraq a week before Saddam Hussein was captured. The article includes his personal encounter with DynCorp and some information about PMCs.
• Barry Yeoman, "Dirty Warriors", Mother Jones
• Barry Yeoman, "Need an Army? Just Pick Up the Phone", The New York Times
• "Soldier's journey ends in anguish", LA Times, December 4, 2005
• "Private Security Guards Operate with Little Supervision", LA Times, December 4, 2005
• "Hired guns unaccountable", The News & Observer, March 23, 2006
• "Blood Is Thicker Than Blackwater", The Nation, April 19, 2006
• "The Private Military Industry and Iraq : What Have We Learned and Where To Next?", DCAF Policy Paper 6, 2005
• "Riding Shotgun With Our Shadow Army in Iraq", first-person account by Nir Rosen, Mother Jones magazine, May/June 2007
• The Strategic Contractor - op-ed 19 September 2007 by The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
• "Can't Win with 'Em, Can't Go To War without 'Em: Private Military Contractors and Counterinsurgency"PDF by P.W. Singer, Brookings Institution Policy Paper No. 4, September 2007

Guardian Unlimited is a British website owned by the Guardian Media Group. ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 66th day of the year (67th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse Beginning in 2004, accounts of abuse, torture, rape[1] and homicide[2][3] of prisoners held in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq (also known as Baghdad Correctional Facility) came to public attention. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. ... is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... ... is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Not to be confused with Public Broadcasting Services in Malta. ... FRONTLINE is a public affairs television program of varying length produced at WGBH in Boston, Massachusetts, and distributed through the Public Broadcasting Service network in the United States. ... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Todays San Francisco Chronicle was founded in 1865 as The Daily Dramatic Chronicle by teenage brothers Charles de Young and Michael H. de Young. ... Sean Justin Penn (born August 17, 1960) // Penn was born in Santa Monica, California, the son of Leo Penn, an actor and director, and Eileen Ryan (née Annucci), an actress. ... DynCorp International is a U.S.-based private military contractor (PMC). ... The Los Angeles Times (also L.A. Times) is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California and distributed throughout the Western United States. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Los Angeles Times (also L.A. Times) is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California and distributed throughout the Western United States. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The News & Observer logo The front page of The News & Observer from January 26, 2005 The News & Observer is the regional daily newspaper of the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, USA. It is based in Raleigh and also covers Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill. ... is the 82nd day of the year (83rd 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. ... 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. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd 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. ... “PDF” redirects here. ... The Brookings Institution is a United States nonprofit public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C.. Described in 1977, by TIME magazine as as the nations pre-eminent liberal think tank,[1] the institution is devoted to public service through research and education in the social sciences, particularly...

Other sites

• World Defense Industry Files
• PRIVATEFORCES.COM - best reference and starting point for further studies on private military companies.
• U.S. Army Sustainment Command. A site to accumulate and offer materials helpful to the resolution of legal issues arising from the in-theater use of contractor support to military operations.
• Shadow Company - Documentary film about the privatisation of warfare
• The UK Foreign Affairs Committee agreed to the following (Ninth) Report: On Private Military Companies on 23 July 2002.
• Barry Yeoman, Soldiers of Good Fortune, Mother Jones
• Original research source for BBC Radio 4 documentary on UK activities of ArmorGroup, September 2006
• CombatContractor.com - Community for Combat Contractors
• ShadowSpear.com - Special Operations & Contractor Community Website