Posted by ( biappete ) on April 18, 2008 at 11:33 am

Though sympathetic with the sentiment of Mary Grace’s concern about unfortunate deaths, it seems imperative to contribute some of the facts she suggests are key to understanding armed contractors, in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Mary uses the term “mercenary” as though it were inherently anathema, when fact is, “mercenaries” have been part of every major military under taking in this Nation’s history.  More ships were taken my “mercenaries” (privateers) in the Revolutionary War than by the U.S. Navy, “Mercenaries” accompanied Lewis and Clark Westward, and “Mercenaries” release highly trained, expert military forces from doing less sophisticated, bureaucrat force protection missions in Iraq and Afghanistan...an important efficiency.

Fact is, as Erik Prince responded in Congressional Hearings, that Blackwater Security guys in Iraq are “Americans, in the employ of Americans, defending Americans,” a clear statement that at least those folks who protected us at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad are NOT “mercenaries,” though why, given history, “mercenary” should suddenly have become a pejorative. (Readers may wish to read Webster’s definition of mercenary, as well as the Article 47, additional protocols to the Geneva Convention).

Fact is, Blackwater, in Baghdad, is not only subject to contract restrictions under control of the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, but its contractors are subject to U.S. civil and criminal law.  If there is a problem, then the law should be enforced on a case by case basis, but the idea that Blackwater, or ALL armed contractors are somehow evil, unprofessional, or non essential is simply not supported by fact!

As far as I can determine, ALL the Blackwater security detail personnel that provided Embassy support during my tour were not only Americans (excluding them from mercenary status), but were mostly former Special Forces, Seals, or Task Force 160th personnel...and ALL would respond that their mission in Iraq is motivated by patriotism, love of country, and is consistent with U.S. National Policy objectives...who begrudges them being paid?

Have there likely been mistakes? Perhaps!  If so, hold those individuals accountable!  Blackwater does, by immediately severing relationship, and returning the individuals to U.S. jurisdiction, where appropriate legal action can be taken.

Using a broad, and inaccurate brush to paint the company, or using emotional arguement to make a point, ignores the essential functions, and highly professional contributions Blackwater makes in protecting the Ambassador and senior diplomats in Iraq. It unfairly reports the high risk mission these American heros perform daily to make successful interaction between U.S. and Iraqi government leaders happen, to expedite standing up the fledgling Iraqi government so that we can all come home sooner…

The facts I present aren’t second hand reports, but first hand observations from my nearly a year as a beneficiary of skilled Blackwater protection.

Peace isn’t free, and I, for one, am glad that Blackwater is willing to pay part of the price for it!