America's Elite Mercenaries: The Untold Story of Their Role in Iraq

America's Elite Mercenaries: Fighting In Iraq

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the United States government turned to private military contractors (PMCs) to supplement its armed forces in Iraq. These mercenaries, often referred to as "contractors," played a vital role in the war, taking on a wide range of tasks from combat operations to security and intelligence gathering.

Big Boy Rules: America's Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq

by Steve Fainaru

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1381 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	277 pages
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The use of PMCs in Iraq was a controversial topic. Critics argued that these mercenaries were unaccountable and that their presence in the country led to increased violence. Supporters, on the other hand, maintained that PMCs were essential to the war effort and that they provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional military forces.

Whatever one's opinion on the use of PMCs in Iraq, there is no doubt that these mercenaries played a significant role in the conflict. Their story is a complex one, filled with both heroism and tragedy.

The Early Days

The use of PMCs in Iraq began in the early days of the war. In the aftermath of the invasion, the United States government contracted with a number of private companies to provide security for its personnel and facilities in the country. These companies included Blackwater, DynCorp, and Triple Canopy.

Initially, the role of PMCs in Iraq was limited to providing security. However, as the war progressed, their responsibilities expanded to include combat operations. PMCs were used to conduct raids, ambushes, and other offensive operations against insurgent forces.

The use of PMCs in combat was controversial. Critics argued that these mercenaries were not trained or equipped to conduct military operations. They also worried that the use of PMCs would lead to increased violence and instability in Iraq.

Despite these concerns, the United States government continued to rely on PMCs in Iraq. By the end of the war, there were over 100,000 contractors working in the country. PMCs played a vital role in the war effort, providing a wide range of services that would have been difficult or impossible for the military to provide on its own.

Blackwater

One of the most well-known PMCs that operated in Iraq was Blackwater. Blackwater was founded in 1997 by Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL. The company quickly became one of the largest PMCs in the world, and it played a major role in the Iraq War.

Blackwater's contractors were involved in a number of controversial incidents in Iraq. In 2004, Blackwater guards were involved in the Nisour Square massacre, in which 17 unarmed Iraqi civilians were killed. The incident led to a public outcry and calls for Blackwater to be held accountable for its actions.

Despite the controversy, Blackwater continued to operate in Iraq until 2009. The company eventually changed its name to Xe Services, and it continues to operate as a private security contractor.

DynCorp

DynCorp is another major PMC that operated in Iraq. DynCorp was founded in 1959, and it has a long history of working with the United States government. In Iraq, DynCorp provided a wide range of services, including security, logistics, and training.

DynCorp's contractors were also involved in a number of controversial incidents in Iraq. In 2005, DynCorp guards were involved in the Haditha massacre, in which 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians were killed. The incident led to a criminal investigation, and several DynCorp guards were charged with murder.

Despite the controversy, DynCorp continued to operate in Iraq until 2011. The company eventually sold its Iraqi operations to another PMC, Triple Canopy.

Triple Canopy

Triple Canopy is a PMC that was founded in 2003. The company quickly became one of the largest PMCs in the world, and it played a major role in the Iraq War.

Triple Canopy's contractors provided a wide range of services in Iraq, including security, logistics, and training. The company's contractors were also involved in a number of controversial incidents in Iraq. In 2007, Triple Canopy guards were involved in the killing of an Iraqi civilian. The incident led to a criminal investigation, and several Triple Canopy guards were charged with murder.

Despite the controversy, Triple Canopy continued to operate in Iraq until 2011. The company eventually sold its Iraqi operations to another PMC, Academi.

The Legacy of PMCs in Iraq

The use of PMCs in Iraq was a controversial issue. Critics argued that these mercenaries were unaccountable and that their presence in the country led to increased violence. Supporters, on the other hand, maintained that PMCs were essential to the war effort and that they provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional military forces.

Whatever one's opinion on the use of PMCs in Iraq, there is no doubt that these mercenaries played a significant role in the conflict. Their story is a complex one, filled with both heroism and tragedy.

The legacy of PMCs in Iraq is still being debated. Some argue that the use of these mercenaries led to increased violence and instability in the country. Others maintain that PMCs were essential to the war effort and that they provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional military forces.

Whatever one's opinion on the use of PMCs in Iraq, there is no doubt that these mercenaries played a significant role in the conflict. Their story is a complex one, filled with both heroism and tragedy.

Big Boy Rules: America's Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq

by Steve Fainaru

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1381 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	277 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE