For critics, Blackwater represents some of the most controversial chapters of the Iraq War. The company became widely associated with the 2007 Nisour Square shooting, where Blackwater Worldwide employees were accused of killing unarmed Iraqi civilians. That incident became the most infamous example, but it was not the only controversy tied to the company during its years operating in Iraq.

The political weight of the name became so great that Blackwater Worldwide rebranded as Xe in 2009 and later as Academi LLC. Over time, the company moved from its founders, former Navy SEAL Erik Prince and Al Clark, into new ownership before eventually being folded into the Constellis Group alongside Triple Canopy.

But for some who served or worked in Iraq during the height of the war, Blackwater carries a different meaning. Its contractors provided security for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. They protected senior officials, diplomats, and other high-value personnel operating in one of the most dangerous environments in the world. The deaths of four Blackwater contractors in Fallujah also became one of the events that helped trigger the first major battle for the city.

Today, Blackwater is no longer an active brand, but its legacy still dominates the public conversation around private military contractors. The company’s rise, failures, controversies, and operational role in Iraq helped shape how governments, contractors, and the public view the private security industry.

In this episode of Force for Hire, we speak with Deborah Avant, a professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, about Blackwater’s history and long-term impact.

We also welcome back Sean McFate, a former self-described mercenary and professor of strategy at the National Defense University and Georgetown University, to discuss the private military contractor that generated more headlines than any other.

Unlike traditional military systems that rely on expensive, single-use platforms, Swarmer’s approach centers on deploying large numbers of small, coordinated drones that can operate as a unified network. These swarms are designed to handle surveillance, targeting, electronic warfare, and even strike operations—often at a fraction of the cost of conventional weapons.

The model is simple but disruptive: instead of relying on million-dollar missiles or high-value assets, militaries can deploy dozens—or even hundreds—of expendable drones that overwhelm defenses through scale and coordination. This shift toward “attritable” systems is already proving effective in Ukraine, where rapid deployment and adaptability have become critical on the battlefield.

For Prince, the move represents a clear evolution from his earlier role in private military contracting. Rather than focusing on manpower-heavy operations, this new strategy leans into technology as a force multiplier—reducing reliance on large contractor footprints while increasing operational reach through automation.

“Drone swarms and autonomous systems are quickly becoming the backbone of modern conflict,” a POC assessment notes. “Companies operating in this space are not just supporting missions—they’re redefining how they’re executed, creating new demand for skilled operators, analysts, and technical support roles.”

That shift is already creating ripple effects across the contracting world. Demand is growing for drone operators, intelligence analysts, electronic warfare specialists, and field technicians capable of maintaining and deploying these systems in austere environments. Unlike traditional roles, many of these positions blur the line between defense contracting and advanced technology sectors.

While the long-term implications are still unfolding, one thing is clear: the battlefield is changing. And as autonomous systems continue to prove their value in Ukraine, companies like Swarmer—and backers like Erik Prince—are helping shape what comes next.