Private Military Contractors: The good, the bad and the ugly myths

The drawdown and the cutbacks of the military have increased the need for armed security in conflict environments.

Remember, several non-military projects are being done in the country and have no military value, such as the construction of civilian-use airfields, roads, and power and water treatment, just to name a few. These projects are still in a very volatile environment, and the threat of violence against the workers and locals and equipment sabotage is an ever-present danger.

The military’s manpower and resources are limited to designated and specific posts, and they cannot be physically present and provide the needed protection to all sectors 24/7. Private security companies like Triple Canopy, S.O.C, Osen-Hunter, and Academi can meet that gap. With an ample amount of veterans, they have no trouble filling that need.

In the Beginning

In the beginning, most (if not all) private security contractors (PSC) were former door kickers from C.A.G, SEAL Teams, and MARSOC/RECON. However, customer requests expanding, and the former either not leaving the military or wanting a regular 9-to-5 job made that task difficult.

It was then that executives decided to water down the initial criteria. With the lure of making as much in a year in the military in just half the time, many veterans and law enforcement personnel have submitted resumes to land a very sought-after position.

It is a long and drawn-out process, resumes are verified (yes, some put down prior SF/NSW/MARSOC experience), background checks are conducted, passports are applied for, and the good old drug tests are done. This initial vetting process can take anywhere from nine months to a year or more, and when it all comes back, and they have passed the paperwork drill, they are accepted as a candidate for employment.

Attitude

Then the second vetting process begins, including but not limited to shooting proficiency, physical stamina, strength (PT test), and general “attitude.”

Surprisingly most fail the attitude part.

Some arrive looking as if they raped a 511 mannequin, have a chip on their shoulder, and won't shut up about being ” In the shit, back when….” Later it’s found out that they never had any active combat experience, although having just been in theater counts. They then are informed that they did not follow the guidelines for training and are sent home.

For those possessing the NSW/SF/MARSOC background, an offer for a position with the PPD (Personal Protection Detail) element is given. There are, however, more difficult firearms and PT criteria that must be met.

When the vetting process is completed, and the paperwork is in order, the new employee is offered a contract for a certain number of years, with a commitment of deployed days per year at a specific daily rate.

Rules of Engagement

This is where the myths start and dreams are crushed.

Contractors are not mercenaries, they are not employed to carry out overt/covert operations. Contractors are a defensive tool on the broad security spectrum of things. They are either assigned to a PPD, if qualified or a regular detail. Mercenaries, however, are hired by a government to enact a specific offensive goal for a price, as in Executive Outcomes during the ’80s.

Which is not the case today.

The basic Rules of Engagement or R.O.E for contractors are simple; do not engage a target unless threatened. With the tragedy of Scott Helvenston and the incident involving Ray Davis, R.O.Es have been rewritten, rethought, reworked, and re-everything to ensure the contractor's safety while ensuring the customer's accountability.

Okay, what are these guys doing over there if they are not raping and pillaging?

If not assigned to a PPD detail, the contractor will likely stand a post, which may include radio communications, compound patrol foot/vehicle, I.D. checks, building entries, etc., which is not very exciting. The greeter at Walmart or the security guard at Target probably has more excitement.

Myth: Contractors are geared up to knock down doors, man armored vehicles and heavy machine guns, man towers for sniper hides.

Well, that is kind of true, to a point.

Most of the security force is made of local nationals who are THOROUGHLY checked and vetted before being trained. The training is done “boot camp style,” and the force is run like the company of soldiers. They are very well paid to look out for the safety of personnel and equipment protection. They man the entry gates and access points, search local personnel, search vehicles, and patrol outside the compound.

Contractors train and supervise the local guard force to the standard of the customer. There are armored vehicles, and some areas include heavy weapons, but that is a case of a catastrophic event as in Khowst province in 2009. There are qualified snipers in the contractor ranks, but they are not employed for that purpose. The tools provided are for the protection of the workforce and are not used in an offensive posture.

Contractors are issued equipment that rivals some ISAF personnel. The parent company provides the basic tools and safety equipment in which the contractor may perform his duties while being protected.

Issued items include but are not limited to body armor and vests, medical pouches, military-grade helmets, sidearms, and long-range weapons, usually an M-4. Most purchase their gear out of pocket. They are not allowed to use or bring personal firearms and are required to use only that issued by the customer.

Myth: Contractors are not bound by local, state, or federal laws. It’s a lawless country, and they have immunity.

Not quite. If an incident involves a contractor, then an investigation occurs.

The customer is accountable to the local government and governing U.S. body. The customer does not want to lose or revoke their contract for some stupid reason.

There are millions of dollars invested into a project, and contractors are considered a necessary evil. Past incidents like that of Justin Cannon and Christofer Drotleff left a very unsavory flavor for most. This is where the label of mercenary-pirate-raider was coined. There are guidelines and safeguards for the customer to employ if necessary.

The customer will likely not spend an exorbitant amount of time or effort to “save” the contractor and will refer back to the parent company. The parent company will investigate, and if found that the contractor violated any protocol, his contract will be revoked, and all protections and services are terminated.

This means if a contractor does something stupid and depending on the severity of the incident, he is fired and sent home and then possibly charged if warranted.

Myth: Contractors are paid too much for what they do and work for corrupt officials and companies.

Depends on what is defined as too much. The daily rate is based on the bid for the contract.

The adage “you get what you pay for” was proven correct in 2010 in Iraq. A private security company won a contract for security at a site outside of Baghdad. It paid its contractors only 5K per month with a year's commitment in the country, and the qualifications were so basic anybody who had seen a weapon in their military tour was offered a position.

The problem later appeared that more disciplinary issues and the numbers being sent home were mounting and not including those who decided to terminate their contract early, either moving to a better-paying contract or it was not worth the time. They later lost the contract and rebid with the daily rate at its current level.

Lessons learned from the past dictate the current policies and standards that are in place now, and they may even change in the future. American-based companies are given very specific guidelines from U.S. Agencies to prevent corruption and exploitation. These government agencies constantly review licenses, protocols, authorizations, accountability, and inventories to the point where it becomes a nuisance.

There are many other myths and concerns about the private security contractor that are too many to cite and explain here, these are just a few but the most popular.

Your average contractor is a patriot who has found employment close to what he had in the military and can make a decent living. The comradeship and the brotherhood formed have advantages and flaws, as in the military.

You will run into guys you have not seen in years and form new friendships, but there is some that slip thru the crack, as may occur with any position. Then there is always the drama and catfighting, whining and complaining…just like you never left. Article by: Erek Sanchez