Who runs Blackwater USA and are they mercenaries?

Question

one of the largest private security companies in the country... first came on the scene after the USS Cole bombing...based in Moyock N.C... 4 of their contractors died in Iraq....it costs $20,000 to join their training.they have representatives from each branch of the service ...they are just like a private army for hire

Answer 1

First, at least in my opinion they were not mercenaries but well trained professionals.
They are strictly a US company comprised of former US service member trained in basic and advanced military tactics. They focus on counter terrorism, anti-terrorism and force protection. Their profile was on the protection of high threat targets (ambassadors, US and allied Generals,CEOs and on occasion guys like me who needed a ride to where they were head and were kind enough to say jump on board, if they had room). They worked in both CONUS and OCONUS.
Applicants must be US citizens verified by providing a copy of their passport. They can be from any branch of the service but must have served a minimum of 4 years of active duty. I am nor sure about the coast guard however as they are not part of the DoD but Dept of Commerce But I imagine if they are qualified. While I was a was a DoD contractor over in Iraq I traveled with the Blackwater guys a few time going from Kirkuk to Tikrit when my duties required it as they have no helicopter pad at Tikrit; at least not 6 months ago.

Most of the Blackwater guys I traveled with (I usually went from place to place by Blackhawk or Army convoy) were former Marines. Pretty good bunch of guys but over there you watched out for each other. I wasn't allowed to carry a weapon but the Blackwater guys asked me (us) if we had a military background and if the answer was yes and we could demonstrate we knew how to operate an M16 or M4 they gave us the weapon and a field of fire in the event we were attacked or were hit by an IED or VBIED. Like I said, we all watched out for each other when moving through unfriendly towns.

The Blackwater guys had to pass an intense 8 week Academy when they trained extensively in firearms, surveillance, force protection, defensive driving and close quarter combat. It cost alot to train those guys but they were required to repay the cost in installments. I felt just as safe traveling with Blackwater as I did traveling with our troops.

Answer 2

basically that is what they are. they have different rulse for engagement that army soldiers do. they are more like a private security company only not a bunch of donut eating lazy asses.