Blackwater Employees Charges and Convictions

[Elderberry]

I think it's interesting that there has been so little discussion about all of the things usually done by the military have been outsourced to civilian companies because the US Armed forces are stretched so thin.

Personally, I have never thought that this was appropriate and have always wondered why it was allowed to happen.

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if these charges and convictions are just the tip of the ice-berg. I somehow have a sneaking suspicion that many of those people that are attracted to 'para-military' positions might not be found fit to serve in the military because of their psychological profiles.

JK

[theCryptofishist]

It was "allowed to happen", indeed deliberately done, so that Halliburton and other nightmares could siphon off moneys from the treasury and into the pockets of the ultra rich.

[Sail Man]

It was "allowed to happen", indeed deliberately done, so that Halliburton and other nightmares could siphon off moneys from the treasury and into the pockets of the ultra rich.

I second that. While the military has always relied on civilian firm's and personnel to supplement them, Halliburton has become an obscene example of how this system can run amok.

[joel the ornery]

I somehow have a sneaking suspicion that many of those people that are attracted to 'para-military' positions might not be found fit to serve in the military because of their psychological profiles.

JK

yet can you provide a cite or reference to support your belief?

oh, and btw... the state department hired blackwater, not the military.

[Elderberry]

I somehow have a sneaking suspicion that many of those people that are attracted to 'para-military' positions might not be found fit to serve in the military because of their psychological profiles.

JK

yet can you provide a cite or reference to support your belief?

oh, and btw... the state department hired blackwater, not the military.

No Joel, I can't. It's just something that seems logical to me, though my logic has proven faulty in the past.

But as a combat veteran, I just do not like the entire idea of outsourcing the responsibilities or the military to civilians that are not subject to the same training, rules of engagement and accountability. Not to mention the effect on moral I could imagine it creating when the para-military are getting paid big bucks for risking their lives to others that are doing it out of service.

Not to mention that those 'numbers' are not counted in the number of 'troups'; which also is decietful to the American public as to the actual number of men on the ground we have their. And I could go on...

But no, no statistics, it is just one of those things that seem intuitively wrong to me.

JK

[**burn**]

I know some at Blackwater and TSN and others as my husband and I suppllied them with tactical tools for many years. Most of them are previously trained with the military; did their time and now they are done. Or even retired by early 40s and these are side jobs.

Many of the old guard were retired and called back into the military to train the boot camp rookies. The knowledge base was slim before our going to Afghanistan. Some of the veterans opted for more lucrative deals in the private sector. Better money, better benefits, less government hassle, and they get to walk away when they like.

And the requirements for qualifications were stiff. Previous military experience was mandatory, physical expectations, CQB, firearms & sniper training, tracking, dynamic entry, you name it.

If one was in the Soldier of Fortune business, the leverage was on the employee (vs the employer) side of things.

[Apollonaris Zeus]

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if these charges and convictions are just the tip of the ice-berg. I somehow have a sneaking suspicion that many of those people that are attracted to 'para-military' positions might not be found fit to serve in the military because of their psychological profiles.

JK

Many of these people end up as your law enforcers in your neigborhood!

Psychotic Cops On Duty

AIIZ

[cullen]

most of blackwater is former military who were approached by recruiters while working with them.

we had several blackwater groups that provided security for visiting senators and such. a few of our guys were offered interviews after working with them a few times.

who wouldn't want to do the same personal security missions and get 5 times the pay?

[DVD Burner]

Elsa Prince Broekhuizen, mother of Blackwater founder and owner Erik Prince, pumped $450,000 into California's anti-Gay marriage Proposition # 8 campaign.
Small wonder they want the trial in Utah.

http://www.mediamouse.org/resources/rig ... personId=6