Private Security Firm Seeking Same Rights as US Army

One of the new features of modern warfare are private security firms that act much as private armies. While many see a true role for such organizations, others view the practice as a slippery slope. A company called Blackwater, under the direction of Erik Prince, a former Navy Seal, is arguably the world's largest private army. "Blackwater has sent thousands of armed contractors to places such as Afghanistan, Iraq and even New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina." (Roelofs) However, the company also landed lucrative government security contracts. "The firm received a $21 million no-bid contract to guard L. Paul Bremer, former head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, in Iraq." (Roelofs) It is the unregulated nature of the business, as well as the relative secrecy of Blackwater and its owner Erik Prince, that have led some critics to voice their concerns.

Critics of the increasing use of private security firms like Blackwater, such as U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat from Illinois, have several objections to the practice. For instance, as with much-maligned Halliburton and its subsidiary KBR, Blackwater is not subject to any type of oversight. This is due to the fact that many of the contracts that Blackwater has with the US Government are no-bid contracts, same as Halliburton. In addition, as US forces are increasingly stretched in both Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving a larger market for companies such as Blackwater. For example, as US forces are less able to assist in many routine activities, such as providing armed security for other contractors, Blackwater finds itself with even more lucrative contracts with the US Government. As a result, an increasing number of Blackwater employees, many of whom are ex-military, are coming under attack.

At the surface, the entire issue might not be entirely clear. However, an increasing number of employees of private armies (such as Blackwater) pose serious risks. Not only do they not have to answer to the US Government, there is a risk of retaliation on behalf of a company such as Blackwater that could lead to an international incident. In essence, it raises the risk of unchecked mercenary warfare in the future. In addition, there is no clear way to determine exactly who is at fault for the death of employees of companies such as Blackwater.

The current system isn't good enough for all lawmakers, however. As companies such as Blackwater claim the same rights as the US military, there are lawmakers working to provide greater oversight of companies such as Blackwater. "'We have had virtually no oversight over the role of the private military or security contractors,' said Schakowsky, who has introduced a bill requiring greater oversight and accountability for private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan." (Roelofs) She sites the lack of information regarding companies such as Blackwater among her greatest concerns.

Information about the founder of Blackwater, Erik Prince, is just as scarce. However, he did provide a question and answer interview to the Virginian-Pilot. In the question and answer interview, he outlines the nature of the private security force industry, calls for oversight, as well as the financial scandals that have rocked the industry. However, it does not shed light on hiring practices, death rates, specific oversight policies, and does not address many of the concerns shared by lawmakers seeking great oversight.

Sources -

The Virginian-Pilot. "Q & A: Blackwater's founder on the record." 24 July 2006.
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=107985&ran=89575

Roelofs, Ted. The Grand Rapids Press. "Security firm claims same rights as Army."
29 April 2007. http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-36/1177829071186650.xml&coll=6&thispage=1