U.S. Plans to Rely on Private Military Contractors in Venezuela

Recent reporting indicates the United States is exploring the use of private military contractors (PMCs) to support American interests in Venezuela, rather than deploying conventional U.S. military forces.

Civilian defense contractors working overseas face undeniable risks, but the rewards often outweigh the dangers. Many professionals in this field earn between $80K and $300+ annually, with additional perks such as covered living expenses and hostile duty pay. The industry has grown dramatically in recent years — in the last fiscal cycle alone, the U.S. Department of Defense spent nearly $316 billion on overseas contracts.

Erik Prince, founder of the private military company Blackwater, is once again attempting to gain a foothold in Ukraine’s defense sector — this time by targeting the country’s growing drone manufacturing industry.

From the moment the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired, the U.S. military has relied on contractors. Whether delivering rations, building ships, or supplying aircraft, contractors have been the backbone of American warfighting. But this reliance has never been simple. It has been a story of corruption, reform, improvisation, and eventual professionalization.

There are many misconceptions about working abroad. Often, if we talk to friends or acquaintances who have been contractors in the past, they only mention the good (or bad) things about their experience. Or, on the other hand, we sometimes only hear what we want to hear and think only about travel and paychecks. Consider some of the following myths and their explanations:

Maritime piracy is making an unwelcome comeback in 2025. The International Maritime Bureau recorded a 50% surge in global incidents during the first half of the year, driven largely by armed robberies in Southeast Asia’s congested Singapore Strait.

A new report from USAID’s inspector general reveals the agency did not monitor the locations or uses of 5,175 Starlink satellite internet terminals sent to Ukraine during the war. The terminals — 1,508 purchased by USAID and 3,667 donated by SpaceX — were intended to restore life-saving connectivity for civilian services like healthcare, emergency shelters, and local governance after Russia’s 2022 invasion.

When military veterans hang up their uniforms, many don’t walk away from danger—they just change the patch on their sleeve. The private security industry has become a lucrative second career for thousands of former soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. But as recent events prove, the job can be just as deadly as war.

As Sudan’s civil conflict escalates, a quiet influx of foreign military advisors has been reported in and around the capital of Khartoum and across contested regions such as Darfur and El-Geneina. Intelligence sources and regional analysts confirm the presence of external actors providing battlefield strategy, logistics planning, and special operations training — though no official declarations have been made by major governments.

If you're planning to work overseas in a role tied to national security, chances are you’ll need a security clearance. Whether you're a contractor, consultant, or transitioning service member, understanding this process can open doors—and boost your earning potential.

Private military contractors (PMCs) are companies that provide military and security services—including logistics, training, intelligence, and combat support. They operate in war zones, conflict-prone regions, and unstable environments where government forces may be limited. From securing supply chains to protecting multinational operations, PMCs have become vital players in today’s complex battlefield.

Kabul, Afghanistan — In early 2025, a political shift in Washington triggered one of the most sweeping aid shutdowns in modern history. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), once a cornerstone of post-conflict stabilization in countries like Afghanistan, was dissolved and folded into the U.S. State Department. For contractors, NGOs, and aid workers on the ground, the consequences were immediate — and devastating.

American citizens are working in nearly every corner of the globe—but some of the most lucrative and impactful jobs exist in high-risk, overseas environments. These roles aren’t just for military veterans. Today’s civilian contractors include nurses, engineers, IT professionals, linguists, and project managers.

If you’ve ever considered working abroad and want to make serious money while contributing to critical missions, this career path may be for you.