“In geographic terms, it operates in over 50 countries. It's operated in every single continent but Antarctica”- P. W. Singer
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Rising Importance of Private Military.
Definition of Private Military.
8 Leading Private Military Companies (PMC) Globally.
Services Offered by Private Military Companies (PMC).
Market Size of the Private Military Companies (PMC) Industry.
8 Recent Instances of PMC Deployment.
Advantages of Recruiting PMCs Over State-Owned Defense Services.
Top 4 Countries Which Rule and Almost Control the PMCs Industry.
PMCs and India: A Veteran's Perspective.
Humanitarian and Other Concerns of PMCs Rise.
Future of PMC Industry.
Ethical Guidelines for States and Organizations Managing PMCs.
Conclusions and Takeaways.
Introduction: The Rising Importance of Private Military
The issue of Private Militia or the rise of Private Military Companies (PMCs) has recently made headlines due to its significant implications on international security and warfare. Everyone should be aware of this evolving aspect of global dynamics, especially in light of recent events.
A striking case in point is the recent upheaval involving Russia's PMC group, "The Wagner Group". Here's the sequence of unfolding events (Source: MoneyControl)
On June 24, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, declared a rebellion, seizing control of military facilities in two Russian cities and marching towards Moscow.
Prigozhin blamed the defence leadership for ordering strikes on Wagner and causing casualties among his soldiers, a claim he made through a video posted on Telegram.
His men then took control of Russia’s Southern Military District headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and began moving in a convoy along the main highway between Rostov and Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the crisis by terming the mutiny a “stab in the back” as Prigozhin was known to be very close to him.
The mutiny led to Prigozhin calling for the resignation of senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, including Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Gerasimov.
In response, Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic, offered to send military forces from his country to assist Putin in warding off attacks in the Belgorod region.
Prigozhin subsequently negotiated an agreement with the Kremlin to go into hiding and quit Russia for Belarus. His current whereabouts are unknown.
While Western media portrayed these events as a coup attempt on Putin’s regime, some have suggested that it was a masterstroke of psychological warfare by Putin, aimed at catching the Ukrainian defense off guard. With the support from Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Russia is now positioned to wage a more relentless campaign towards Ukraine from all fronts.
Definition of Private Military
Private military companies (PMCs), often referred to as private armies, are military or paramilitary groups offering armed combat services for financial gain. These forces are primarily composed of individuals who pledge their allegiance to a private entity or organization, rather than a nation or state. Their prominence rose during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan post-9/11, where they worked on behalf of Western governments and commercial interests.
When the Cold War concluded in 1990, leading nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the former Soviet Union began downsizing their armies. This left numerous well-trained soldiers jobless, who then found employment in PMCs. These PMCs are often contracted by the same countries to intervene in low-intensity conflicts, thereby preventing direct military involvement of the contracting countries.
Differentiating them from mercenaries, who are individual soldiers for hire, PMCs operate as organized entities, recruiting these individuals and referring to them as "security contractors" or "private military contractors".
History of Private Military
The concept of private militias dates back to ancient times and has been a significant feature across different cultures. In Britain, the British Army has long relied on part-time soldiers, or a militia, for various purposes such as supporting its operations, guarding British shores, and maintaining law and order. During the Anglo-Saxon period, able-bodied men were obligated to serve in a militia army known as the 'fyrd', often mobilized in response to Viking invasions.
Turning to Asia, private armies were a pivotal element of Korean history from 850 to 1598 AD. They reinforced the military government of Ch'oe Ch’ung-hon.
These historical examples reflect the enduring presence of private militias throughout history and their ongoing relevance in modern warfare.
8 Leading Private Military Companies (PMC) Globally
Several Private Military Companies have gained prominence worldwide due to their extensive operations and expertise. Here are the top eight:
Vinnell Corp.: A global leader with a significant footprint in several conflict zones.
MAG Aerospace: Renowned for its cutting-edge aerospace technology and services.
G4S: Based in London, G4S is a global player in the private security sector.
Academi: Formerly known as Blackwater, it's one of the most recognized names in the PMC industry.
Wagner Group: A PMC with reported links to the Russian government, often involved in major geopolitical conflicts.
DynCorp: A US-based PMC, DynCorp has a long history of providing military and security services worldwide.
Defion Internacional: Based in Lima, Peru, this PMC provides various security services globally.
Aegis Defense Services: Originating from Scotland, Aegis offers comprehensive security and risk management solutions.
Each of these PMCs has made significant contributions to the industry, shaping the landscape of modern warfare.
Services Offered by Private Military Companies (PMC)
Private Military Companies offer a broad range of services, mirroring many of the operations carried out by national militaries. These include:
Small Scale Operations: PMCs frequently conduct operations similar to those of any country's national military. These may include strategic planning, surveillance, and logistics support.
Training and Supplementing Official Armed Forces: PMCs are often contracted by governments to provide additional support to their official armed forces. This can involve training local troops or providing specialized skills and expertise.
Private Security Services: Beyond their work with governments, PMCs are also employed by private companies. They may provide bodyguards for key staff or protect company premises, particularly in hostile territories.
Asset Protection: As stated by Christopher Mayer, a former US Army Colonel, a significant role of PMCs is to protect people, places, or assets rather than engage in direct combat.
Intelligence Services: PMCs also collect, analyze, and distribute intelligence, aiding decision-making in volatile regions.
These diverse services demonstrate the critical role PMCs play in both military and civilian sectors.
Market Size of the Private Military Companies (PMC) Industry
The Private Military Company industry has experienced substantial growth over the years. A study conducted in 2003 already estimated the industry's annual revenue at over $100 billion. By 2020, this figure had more than doubled to approximately $224 billion. Looking ahead, Aerospace & Defense News predicts that by 2030, the global private military and security industry will be worth over $457 billion. These figures underscore the rising demand and escalating importance of PMCs in modern warfare.
8 Recent Instances of PMC Deployment
Wagner Group in Ukraine and Syria: The Russian PMC was heavily involved in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. They were also the first to enter Crimea in 2014.
National Guard in Israel: The National Guard has been a vital component of Israel's defense and security framework.
Blackwater in Baghdad, Iraq: On September 16, 2007, a convoy of Blackwater (now Academi) contractors guarding State Department employees entered a crowded square near the Mansour district in Baghdad.
Mosaic in Ukraine: The US-based intelligence and security advisory firm mainly performs intelligence-driven missions.
Anti-Terror Academy in the Czech Republic: The academy privately trains individuals for anti-terrorist operations.
Executive Outcomes in Angola and Sierra Leone: This South Africa-based PMC fought on behalf of the governments of Angola and Sierra Leone in the 1990s.
Sandline International in Papua New Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone: The London-based PMC was involved in conflicts in these regions.
PMCs in Ukraine: PMC contractors are being hired to aid evacuation efforts in Ukraine.
These instances reflect the increasing utilization and diversity of PMC operations globally.
Advantages of Recruiting PMCs Over State-Owned Defense Services
State governments often turn to PMCs for several reasons:
Cost-Effective: PMCs offer an inexpensive alternative to maintaining a full-scale army. The state does not bear the cost of their retirement or healthcare benefits, nor do they have to pay them a long-term salary.
Short-Term Commitments: PMCs are typically hired for specific tasks or missions, relieving states from long-term financial obligations.
Specialized Expertise: PMC contractors are usually highly trained and specialize in specific areas of warfare or security, bringing their own advanced equipment.
Accountability: In the unfortunate event of war crimes, states can avoid direct responsibility, as these acts can be more readily attributed to PMCs.
These benefits make PMCs an attractive option for many states navigating the complexities of modern warfare.
Top 4 Countries Which Rule and Almost Control the PMCs Industry
The dominance of PMCs in the global military landscape is primarily upheld by four countries: the US, the UK, South Africa, and Israel. These nations extensively employ private militias for various purposes and are, in many ways, silent supporters of the PMC industry. The use of PMCs allows these countries to navigate politically sensitive matters delicately, often avoiding direct involvement in conflicts. The recent silence of these nations during the controversial actions of the Wagner Group, a Russian PMC, underscores the complex dynamics of states' relationships with PMCs. Given these countries' reliance on private military entities, they often find themselves in ethically challenging situations when critiquing the use of PMCs by other nations.
PMCs and India: A Veteran's Perspective
In an interview with Financial Express, Brig Pradeep Sharma shared his insights on the role and potential of PMCs in India, particularly their influence in shaping the National Security Guard (NSG) post the 26/11 terror attacks.
He mentioned that several countries, including Israel, USA, France, UK, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland, use PMCs extensively to support their military infrastructure and operations.
Brig Sharma listed the following potential benefits of PMCs for India:
Taking over the responsibility of supply chains.
Providing security to military establishments.
Taking over and running privatized base workshops.
Setting up camps and high-altitude shelters.
Setting up training establishments in friendly foreign countries.
Increasing participation in UN Peace Keeping missions.
Reducing civilian numbers in DRDO, Ordnance Factories, and MES by transferring human resources from concerned supporting arms/services.
Forming corporations similar to Défense Conseil International (DCI), the consulting arm of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, to market Military Hardware, training, and technology, both nationally and internationally.
Brig Sharma believes this aligns well with India's #MakeInIndia campaign and helps leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs).
However, he also warned that PMCs must be managed judiciously, as there is a risk of personnel turning into mercenaries.
Interested to Learn more on PPP-Public Private Partnership. Click on the link below to read our article on Public-Private Partnership: For Atmanirbhar Bharat on our website @sdblognation.in |
Humanitarian and Other Concerns of PMCs Rise
"Mercenaries historically elongate conflict for profit"- Sean McFate is a former paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division
Accountability and International Legislation: PMCs often operate in legal grey zones and outside of government oversight, raising concerns about accountability and compliance with international laws. The Montreux Document, ratified in Switzerland in September 2008, seeks to address these issues. It provides a series of around 70 good practice recommendations for states, which include verifying a company's track record, examining staff vetting procedures, ensuring compliance and personnel training with international humanitarian and human rights law, and correct prosecution when legal breaches occur.
High-Profile Incidents: The involvement of PMCs in high-profile incidents further exacerbates these concerns. A stark example is the Nisour Square massacre in 2007, where employees of Blackwater Security Consulting, a PMC contracted by the US government, killed 17 and injured 20 Iraqi civilians. The incident strained US-Iraq relations and led to a controversial pardon for the convicted Blackwater employees by President Donald Trump in December 2020.
PMCs involvement in internal disputes within countries, like the recent events in Kenosha, Wisconsin, also raises alarms about their unchecked actions within national boundaries.
Financial Motivations: Concerns exist about the financial motivations of PMCs prolonging conflicts for profit. As former paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division Sean McFate puts it, "Mercenaries historically elongate conflict for profit." This, too, places a question mark over the ethical operations of PMCs.
In the next section, we will delve deeper into the significant criminal prosecutions of PMCs, which further highlight the humanitarian and other concerns related to the rise of these entities.
Significant Criminal Prosecutions of PMCs
In an industry shrouded with controversy, several cases have emerged which brought the conduct of PMCs to the fore and led to significant criminal prosecutions.
Blackwater's Nisour Square Massacre: The most infamous case involves the Nisour Square massacre in 2007. Employees of Blackwater (now Academi), a PMC contracted by the US government, shot at Iraqi civilians in Nisour Square, Baghdad, killing 17 and injuring 20. After years of legal proceedings, four Blackwater employees were convicted in U.S. federal court in 2014: one of murder and three of manslaughter and firearms charges. These convictions were highly controversially pardoned by President Donald Trump in December 2020.
Aegis Defence Services and the "Trophy Videos": In another notable case, Aegis Defence Services, a UK-based PMC, came under scrutiny when an ex-employee leaked what were referred to as the "trophy videos" in 2005. These videos allegedly showed Aegis contractors in Iraq firing upon civilian vehicles. While the videos did not lead to criminal prosecution, they stirred an international controversy about the conduct of PMCs.
Executive Outcomes and Arms Dealing: Executive Outcomes, a South Africa-based PMC, faced legal trouble due to its involvement in arms dealing. In 1999, the South African government accused the company of violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act by supplying military assistance to foreign entities without authorization.
These cases underscore the challenges associated with the accountability and oversight of PMCs. While some PMCs face legal repercussions for their actions, others operate in murky legal waters with limited accountability, which reinforces the concerns about their role in global security and conflict resolution.
Future of PMC Industry
The future of PMCs will be defined by several trends:
Increasing Demand: Outsourcing security needs to PMCs is expected to grow due to their specialized expertise, cost-effectiveness, and operational flexibility.
Regulation: With increasing concerns about PMCs, calls for oversight and regulation are anticipated to grow, including international conventions, national legislation, and industry self-regulation.
Technological Innovation: Advancements in technology, such as drones, cyber capabilities, AI, and machine learning, will shape the future operations of PMCs.
Competition and Market Consolidation: Larger PMCs might absorb smaller ones to expand their services, while new entrants could disrupt the market, especially in niche areas.
Shift Towards Non-Combat Roles: PMCs are shifting towards non-combat services like intelligence gathering, training, logistics, and risk consultancy. This diversification will likely continue due to market demands and regulatory limitations.
Human Rights and Ethical Concerns: The ongoing debates about PMCs' role in conflict zones and their impact on human rights will significantly influence their future. To maintain legitimacy, the industry must commit to ethical standards and minimize potential harm.
The future of PMCs is unpredictable and will be shaped by political, economic, social, and technological factors. An ongoing dialogue and critical analysis are essential to navigate the evolving landscape.
Ethical Guidelines for States and Organizations Managing PMCs
Public Pressure: As stated, public and societal pressure can effectively push for international regulations on PMCs. This could involve organized lobbying, public awareness campaigns, and advocating for more transparency in the operations of these companies.
Legal Accountability: Governments and organizations should make efforts to ensure that PMCs are subject to international humanitarian law and human rights law. They should strive to put in place legal frameworks that enforce the accountability of PMCs for any misconduct.
Mandatory Training: States and organizations should enforce strict regulations ensuring that all PMC personnel are well-versed in international humanitarian law and human rights norms.
Transparency and Monitoring: Regular audits and assessments of PMC activities should be enforced to maintain transparency and control. Mechanisms for reporting abuse or misconduct should also be implemented and made easily accessible.
Robust Hiring Practices: To prevent individuals with a history of criminal activity or human rights abuses from joining these organizations, stringent vetting procedures should be in place in hiring practices.
Whistleblower Protections: Mechanisms to protect whistleblowers should be introduced. This can serve as a check on PMCs, deterring any illicit activities, and promoting accountability.
Implementing these ethical guidelines can contribute to reducing potential harm caused by PMCs, ensuring their operations align with international standards of conduct.
Conclusions and Takeaways
PMCs are now an essential component of modern warfare due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Despite the benefits, the rapid growth of PMCs brings up significant ethical and legal concerns.
Without proper regulation and oversight, PMCs can operate in a grey area, leading to potential exploitation and unchecked violence.
States are responsible for regulating these forces, upholding international humanitarian law, and protecting rights in conflict zones where PMCs operate.
Addressing the PMC challenge requires public discourse, effective regulation, and enforcing international norms.
Ethical PMC management is about affirming our collective commitment to human dignity in conflict.
Suggested Reading on PMCs
Shadow War by Sean McFate - Exploration of modern, privatized warfare.
License to Kill: Hired Guns in the War on Terror by Robert Young Pelton - An in-depth look at private military contractors.
Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry by P. W. Singer - Examination of the growth, impacts, and future of PMCs.
Mercenaries and War: Understanding Private Armies Today by Sean McFate - Insight into the rise of private armies in the 21st century.
These readings provide a comprehensive view of the dynamics surrounding PMCs in global security.
Reference List
Vox.com : Recent Wagner group alleged coup event on Russia.
MoneyControl : Learning from alleged coup event on Russia by PMC Wagner.
NPR’s Interview with Mary McCord, Georgetown University law professor.
New World Encyclopedia: On Militia.
National Defense University Press: Publication of Mercenaries and War: Understanding Private Armies Today-By Sean McFate.
Financial Express: Interview with Rtd. Brig Pradeep Sharma, on PMC and India: A Veteran Prospective.
Wionews.com : Prospective of Modern Warfare with PMCs.
National Army Museum Journal : History of PMCs in World’s Empires.
Dw.com : Expert Katharina Stein, (Institute for Public Law at the University of Freiburg) opinion and inputs on PMCs rise.
Special Ops.org : Research on top PMCs across the world.
Christopher T. Mayer brief on PMCs (https://ctmayer.net/)
List of PMC websites: Anti Terror Academy, Sandline International, [Executive Outcomes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Outcomes#:~:text=Executive Outcomes is a private,the South African Defence Force.), MOSAiC Expedition,
MIT Technology Review: Interview with Sean McFate, Former Paratrooper & PMC
BBC : Report and interview with war Veterans and PMCs.
Brookings Article on “The Dark Truth about Blackwater”
NATIONAL POLICE FOUNDATION – Research paper on guidelines on dealing with PMCs.
Aljazeera News article on state backed PMC group in Israel.
NPRs podcast interview on The Legality Of Private Militias.
United Nations research paper on “MERCENARISM ANDPRIVATE MILITARY AND SECURITY COMPANIES”.
Wikipedia paper on Private military company.
ICRC document "Montreux Document" (International Committee of The Red Cross)
Washington Post report on "Diamond Hunters Fuel Africa’s Brutal Wars".
Cambridge University Press paper on ‘Sandline Affair’.
Military Aerospace
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