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Prince is a financial supporter of Republican Party causes and candidates.<ref>{{cite news |first=Corey |last=Flintoff |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Blackwater's Prince Has GOP, Christian Group Ties |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14659780 |work= |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |date=September 25, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref> Blackwater consists of nine [[Division (business)|divisions]], and a [[subsidiary]], Blackwater Vehicles.
Prince is a financial supporter of Republican Party causes and candidates.<ref>{{cite news |first=Corey |last=Flintoff |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Blackwater's Prince Has GOP, Christian Group Ties |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14659780 |work= |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |date=September 25, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref> Blackwater consists of nine [[Division (business)|divisions]], and a [[subsidiary]], Blackwater Vehicles.
Blackwater's president, Gary Jackson, is also a former Navy SEAL.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,115806,00.html Four Civilians Worked for N.C. Security Firm], Associated Press, March 31, 2004.</ref> [[Cofer Black]], the company's current vice chairman, was director of the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA's]] [[Counterterrorist Center]] (CTC) at the time of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]]. He was the [[United States Department of State]] coordinator for [[counterterrorism]] with the rank of ambassador at large from December 2002 to November 2004. After leaving public service, Black became chairman of the privately owned intelligence gathering company Total Intelligence Solutions, Inc., as well as vice chairman for Blackwater. [[Joseph E. Schmitz]] holds an executive position in Blackwater's holding company, Prince Group. He was previously [[Inspector General|inspector general]] of the [[Department of Defense]], an appointment of George W. Bush. [[Robert Richer]] was vice president of intelligence until January 2007, when he formed Total Intelligence Solutions. He was formerly the head of the CIA's Near East Division.<ref>Ken Silverstein, "Revolving Door to Blackwater Causes Alarm at CIA," [[Harper's Magazine]], September 12, 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.totalintel.com/dsp_aboutus_personnel.php About Total Intelligence Solutions - Personnel] Total Intelligence Solutions 2007 retrieved October 24, 2007</ref> Black is presently senior advisor for counterterrorism and national security issues for the [[Mitt Romney presidential campaign]].[http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Cofer_Black_Joins_Romney_Campaign]
Blackwater's president, Gary Jackson, is also a former Navy SEAL.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,115806,00.html Four Civilians Worked for N.C. Security Firm], Associated Press, March 31, 2004.</ref> [[Cofer Black]], the company's current vice chairman, was director of the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA's]] [[Counterterrorist Center]] (CTC) at the time of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]]. He was the [[United States Department of State]] coordinator for [[counterterrorism]] with the rank of ambassador at large from December 2002 to November 2004. After leaving public service, Black became chairman of the privately owned intelligence gathering company Total Intelligence Solutions, Inc., as well as vice chairman for Blackwater. [[Joseph E. Schmitz]] holds an executive position in Blackwater's holding company, Prince Group. He was previously [[Inspector General|inspector general]] of the [[Department of Defense]], an appointment of George W. Bush. [[Robert Richer]] was vice president of intelligence until January 2007, when he formed Total Intelligence Solutions. He was formerly the head of the CIA's Near East Division.<ref>Ken Silverstein, "Revolving Door to Blackwater Causes Alarm at CIA," [[Harper's Magazine]], September 12, 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.totalintel.com/dsp_aboutus_personnel.php About Total Intelligence Solutions - Personnel] Total Intelligence Solutions 2007 retrieved October 24, 2007</ref> Black is presently senior advisor for counterterrorism and national security issues for the [[Mitt Romney presidential campaign, 2008]].[http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Cofer_Black_Joins_Romney_Campaign]


Blackwater's primary training facility, located on {{convert|7000|acre|sqkm|0}} in northeastern North Carolina, comprises several ranges, indoor, outdoor, urban reproductions, a man-made lake, and a driving track in [[Camden County, North Carolina|Camden]] and [[Currituck County, North Carolina|Currituck]] counties. Company literature says that it is the largest training facility in the country. In November 2006 Blackwater USA announced it recently acquired an 80-[[acre]] (30 [[hectare|ha]]) facility 150 [[mile]]s (240 [[km]]) west of [[Chicago]], in [[Mount Carroll, Illinois]] to be called Blackwater North. That facility has been operational since April 2007 and serves law enforcement agencies throughout the midwest. Blackwater is also trying to open an 824-acre training facility three miles north of [[Potrero, California|Potrero]], a small town in rural east [[San Diego County]], [[California]] located 45 miles east of [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], for military and law enforcement training.<ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Locals Against Training Camp In East County |url=http://www.10news.com/news/13308753/detail.html |work= |publisher=[[10News.com]] |date=May 12, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= |last= R. J. Hillhouse|authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Exclusive Interview: Blackwater USA's President Gary Jackson |url=http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/the_spy_who_billed_me/2007/04/blackwater_usa_.html |work= |publisher=The Spy Who Billed Me |date=April 26, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Don |last=Bauder |title= Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA|url= http://www.sdreader.com/php/cityshow.php?id=1566|publisher=[[San Diego Reader]] |date=February 22, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Lionel |last=Van Deerlin |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Blackwater in Potrero? |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed/vandeerlin/20070419-9999-lz1e19vandeer.html |work= |publisher= |date=April 19, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref name=Bauder>Bauder, Don. "[http://www.sdreader.com/php/cityshow.php?id=1566 Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA]". ''[[San Diego Reader]]''. Retrieved on [[2007-10-07]].</ref> The opening has faced heavy opposition from local residents, as well as San Diego residents, a local Congressmember [[Bob Filner]], and environmental and anti-war organizations. Opposition focused on a potential for wildfire increases, the proposed facility's proximity to the [[Cleveland National Forest]], noise pollution, and opposition to the actions of Blackwater in Iraq.<ref>"[http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/04/19/1349211 Blackwater Plans for New Military Facility Near San Diego Draws Fire From Residents, Peace Activists and Local Congressmember]". [[Democracy Now!]]. [[2007-04-19]]. Retrieved on [[2007-10-07]].</ref><ref>Kahn, Carrie. "[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15127334 Blackwater's San Diego-Area Plan Spurs Protest]". [[National Public Radio|NPR]] ([[2007-10-09]]). Retrieved on [[2007-10-15]].</ref>
Blackwater's primary training facility, located on {{convert|7000|acre|sqkm|0}} in northeastern North Carolina, comprises several ranges, indoor, outdoor, urban reproductions, a man-made lake, and a driving track in [[Camden County, North Carolina|Camden]] and [[Currituck County, North Carolina|Currituck]] counties. Company literature says that it is the largest training facility in the country. In November 2006 Blackwater USA announced it recently acquired an 80-[[acre]] (30 [[hectare|ha]]) facility 150 [[mile]]s (240 [[km]]) west of [[Chicago]], in [[Mount Carroll, Illinois]] to be called Blackwater North. That facility has been operational since April 2007 and serves law enforcement agencies throughout the midwest. Blackwater is also trying to open an 824-acre training facility three miles north of [[Potrero, California|Potrero]], a small town in rural east [[San Diego County]], [[California]] located 45 miles east of [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], for military and law enforcement training.<ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Locals Against Training Camp In East County |url=http://www.10news.com/news/13308753/detail.html |work= |publisher=[[10News.com]] |date=May 12, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= |last= R. J. Hillhouse|authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Exclusive Interview: Blackwater USA's President Gary Jackson |url=http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/the_spy_who_billed_me/2007/04/blackwater_usa_.html |work= |publisher=The Spy Who Billed Me |date=April 26, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Don |last=Bauder |title= Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA|url= http://www.sdreader.com/php/cityshow.php?id=1566|publisher=[[San Diego Reader]] |date=February 22, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Lionel |last=Van Deerlin |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Blackwater in Potrero? |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed/vandeerlin/20070419-9999-lz1e19vandeer.html |work= |publisher= |date=April 19, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref name=Bauder>Bauder, Don. "[http://www.sdreader.com/php/cityshow.php?id=1566 Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA]". ''[[San Diego Reader]]''. Retrieved on [[2007-10-07]].</ref> The opening has faced heavy opposition from local residents, as well as San Diego residents, a local Congressmember [[Bob Filner]], and environmental and anti-war organizations. Opposition focused on a potential for wildfire increases, the proposed facility's proximity to the [[Cleveland National Forest]], noise pollution, and opposition to the actions of Blackwater in Iraq.<ref>"[http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/04/19/1349211 Blackwater Plans for New Military Facility Near San Diego Draws Fire From Residents, Peace Activists and Local Congressmember]". [[Democracy Now!]]. [[2007-04-19]]. Retrieved on [[2007-10-07]].</ref><ref>Kahn, Carrie. "[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15127334 Blackwater's San Diego-Area Plan Spurs Protest]". [[National Public Radio|NPR]] ([[2007-10-09]]). Retrieved on [[2007-10-15]].</ref>

Revision as of 19:19, 6 December 2007

Blackwater Worldwide
Company typePrivate military security firm Mercenaries
IndustryGovernment contracting
Founded1997
FounderErik Prince
Headquarters850 Puddin Ridge Road
Moyock, North Carolina, U.S.[1]
Key people
Cofer Black
Joseph E. Schmitz
Gary Jackson
Bill Mathews
DivisionsSee Blackwater Worldwide businesses.
SubsidiariesBlackwater vehicles
WebsiteBlackWaterUSA.com

Blackwater Worldwide, formerly Blackwater USA, is a self-described private military company founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark.[2] It has alternatively been referred to as a security contractor or a mercenary organization by numerous reports in the international media.[3][4][5][6][7] Blackwater is based in the U.S. state of North Carolina, where it operates a tactical training facility that it claims is the world's largest. The company trains more than 40,000 people a year, from all the military services and a variety of other agencies. The company markets itself as being "the most responsive, cost-effective means of affecting the strategic balance in support of security and peace, and freedom and democracy everywhere."[8]

Blackwater is currently the largest of the U.S. State Department's three private security contractors, providing a total of 987 contractors. Of the 987 provided, 744 are U.S. citizens.[9][10] At least 90 percent of its revenue comes from government contracts, two-thirds of which are no-bid contracts.[11] Missions conducted by Blackwater Security Consulting have raised significant controversy both through casualties suffered and inflicted by their employees.[12][13] Blackwater Worldwide is currently contracted by the United States government to provide security services in the Iraq War.[1] In October 2007, Blackwater USA rebranded themselves as Blackwater Worldwide.

Corporate history

File:Erik prince blackwater.jpg
Erik Prince, Blackwater founder and owner.
Joseph E. Schmitz.
Main article: Blackwater Worldwide businesses

In the late 1990s, Erik Prince spent part of his inherited wealth to purchase about 6,000 acres of the Great Dismal Swamp, a vast wetland area on the North Carolina/Virginia border, now mostly a national preserve. Here he created his state-of-the-art private training facility and his contracting company — Blackwater — is named for the peat-colored water of the swamp.[14] Blackwater USA was formed in 1997 to provide training support to military and law enforcement organizations. In 2002 Blackwater Security Consulting (BSC) was formed. It was one of several private security firms employed following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. BSC is one of over 60 private security firms employed during the Iraq War to guard officials and installations, train Iraq's new army and police, and provide other support for occupation forces.[15] Blackwater was also hired during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by the Department of Homeland Security, as well as by private clients, including communications, petrochemical and insurance companies.[16] In each case, Blackwater received a no-bid contract. Overall, the company has received over US$1 billion in government contracts.[17]

Blackwater is a privately-held company and does not publish much information about internal affairs. Blackwater's owner and founder is Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL. Prince attended the Naval Academy, graduated from Hillsdale College, and was an intern in George H.W. Bush's White House. Prince is a financial supporter of Republican Party causes and candidates.[18] Blackwater consists of nine divisions, and a subsidiary, Blackwater Vehicles.

Blackwater's president, Gary Jackson, is also a former Navy SEAL.[19] Cofer Black, the company's current vice chairman, was director of the CIA's Counterterrorist Center (CTC) at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was the United States Department of State coordinator for counterterrorism with the rank of ambassador at large from December 2002 to November 2004. After leaving public service, Black became chairman of the privately owned intelligence gathering company Total Intelligence Solutions, Inc., as well as vice chairman for Blackwater. Joseph E. Schmitz holds an executive position in Blackwater's holding company, Prince Group. He was previously inspector general of the Department of Defense, an appointment of George W. Bush. Robert Richer was vice president of intelligence until January 2007, when he formed Total Intelligence Solutions. He was formerly the head of the CIA's Near East Division.[20][21] Black is presently senior advisor for counterterrorism and national security issues for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, 2008.[3]

Blackwater's primary training facility, located on 7,000 acres (28 km2) in northeastern North Carolina, comprises several ranges, indoor, outdoor, urban reproductions, a man-made lake, and a driving track in Camden and Currituck counties. Company literature says that it is the largest training facility in the country. In November 2006 Blackwater USA announced it recently acquired an 80-acre (30 ha) facility 150 miles (240 km) west of Chicago, in Mount Carroll, Illinois to be called Blackwater North. That facility has been operational since April 2007 and serves law enforcement agencies throughout the midwest. Blackwater is also trying to open an 824-acre training facility three miles north of Potrero, a small town in rural east San Diego County, California located 45 miles east of San Diego, for military and law enforcement training.[22][23][24][25][26] The opening has faced heavy opposition from local residents, as well as San Diego residents, a local Congressmember Bob Filner, and environmental and anti-war organizations. Opposition focused on a potential for wildfire increases, the proposed facility's proximity to the Cleveland National Forest, noise pollution, and opposition to the actions of Blackwater in Iraq.[27][28]

Both logos, side by side. Note the original below, with the curved Blackwater text.

In October 2007, Blackwater USA began a process of altering its name to Blackwater Worldwide, and unveiled a new logo.[29] A Blackwater representative stated that the decision to change the logo was made before the September 16, 2007 Nisoor Square shootings, but was not changed officially until after the shooting.[29] Many referred to the change as having eliminated the previous "cross hair" theme, replaced by a reticle instead.[29]

Iraq War involvement

See also: 31 March 2004 Fallujah ambush, Andrew J. Moonen, and Blackwater Baghdad shootings

Blackwater Worldwide has played a substantial role during the Iraq War, as a contractor for the United States government. In 2003, Blackwater attained its first high-profile contract when it received a $21 million no-bid contract for guarding the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, L. Paul Bremer[30] Since June 2004, Blackwater has been paid more than $320 million out of a $1 billion, five-year State Department budget for the Worldwide Personal Protective Service, which protects U.S. officials and some foreign officials in conflict zones.[31] In 2006, Blackwater won the remunerative contract to protect the U.S. embassy in Iraq, which is the largest American embassy in the world. It is estimated by the Pentagon and company representatives that there are 20,000 to 30,000 armed security contractors working in Iraq, and some estimates are as much as 100,000, though no official figures exist.[32][31] Of the State Department's dependence on private contractors like Blackwater for security purposes, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, told the U.S. Senate: "There is simply no way at all that the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security could ever have enough full-time personnel to staff the security function in Iraq. There is no alternative except through contracts."[33][34]

For work in Iraq, Blackwater has drawn contractors from their international pool of professionals, a database containing "21,000 former Special Forces operatives, soldiers, and retired law enforcement agents," overall.[35] For instance, Gary Jackson, the firm's president, has confirmed that Bosnians, Filipinos, and Chileans "have been hired for tasks ranging from airport security to protecting Paul Bremer, the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority." Between 2005 and September 2007, Blackwater security staff was involved in 195 shooting incidents; in 163 of those cases, Blackwater personnel fired first. 25 members of staff have been fired for violations of Blackwater's drug and alcohol policy and 28 more for weapons-related incidents.[36]

A Blackwater Security Company MD-530F helicopter aids in securing the site of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, December, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On March 31, 2004, Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah attacked a convoy containing four American private military contractors from Blackwater USA who were conducting delivery for food caterers ESS.[37] The four armed contractors Scott Helvenston, Jerko Zovko, Wesley Batalona and Michael Teague, were attacked and killed with grenades and small arms fire. Their bodies were hung from a bridge crossing the Euphrates.[12] This event was one of the causes of the US military attack on the city in the First Battle of Fallujah.[38] In the fall of 2007, a congressional report by the House Oversight Committee found that Blackwater intentionally "delayed and impeded" investigations into the contractors' deaths.[39]

In April 2004, a few days after the Fallujah bridge hanging, a small team of Blackwater employees, along with a fire team of U.S. Marines, held off over 400 insurgents outside the Coalition Provisional Authority headquarters in Al Najaf, Iraq, waiting for U.S. troops to arrive. The headquarters was surrounded and it was the last area in the city that remained in coalition control. During the siege, as supplies and ammunition ran low, a team of Blackwater contractors 70 miles (113 km) away flew to the compound to resupply and bring an injured U.S. Marine back to safety outside of the city.[40] [41] In April 2005 six Blackwater independent contractors were killed in Iraq when their Mi-8 helicopter was shot down. Also killed were three Bulgarian crewmembers and two Fijian gunners. Initial reports indicate the helicopter was shot down by rocket propelled grenades. In 2006 a car accident occurred in the Baghdad Green Zone when an SUV driven by Blackwater operatives crashed into a U.S. Army Humvee. Blackwater guards disarmed the Army soldiers and forced them to lie on the ground at gunpoint until they could disentangle their SUV from the wreck.[42]

On Christmas Eve, 2006, a security guard of the Iraqi vice president, Adel Abdul Mahdi, was shot and killed while on duty outside the Iraqi prime minister's compound. The Iraqi government has accused Andrew J. Moonen, at the time an employee of Blackwater USA, of murdering him while drunk. Moonen was subsequently fired by Blackwater for "violating alcohol and firearm policy", and travelled from Iraq to the United States days after the incident. United States Attorneys are currently investigating.[43] The United States State Department and Blackwater USA had attempted to keep his identity secret.[44][45]

Five Blackwater contractors were killed on January 23, 2007 in Iraq when their Hughes H-6 helicopter was shot down. The incident happened on Baghdad's Haifa Street. The crash site was secured by a personal security detail, callsign "Jester" from 1/26 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Three Iraqi insurgent groups claimed responsibility for shooting down the helicopter, however, this has not been confirmed by the United States.[46] A U.S. defense official has confirmed that four of the five killed were shot execution style in the back of the head, but did not know whether the four had survived the crash.[47][48] In late May 2007, Blackwater contractors opened fire on the streets of Baghdad twice in two days, one of the incidents provoking a standoff between the security contractors and Iraqi Interior Ministry commandos, according to U.S. and Iraqi officials.[32] On May 30 2007, Blackwater employees shot an Iraqi civilian deemed to have been "driving too close" to a State Department convoy being escorted by Blackwater contractors.[49][32] Other private security contractors, such as Aegis Defence Services have also been accused of similar actions.[49] However, Doug Brooks, the president of the International Peace Operations Association, a trade group representing Blackwater and other military contractors, said that in his view military law would not apply to Blackwater employees working for the State Department.[50] In October of 2007, Blackwater USA announced the company was taking a "hiatus" from membership in IPOA.[51]

On February 6 2006, a sniper employed by Blackwater Worldwide opened fire from the roof of the Iraqi Justice Ministry shot and killed three guards working for the state-funded Iraqi Media Network. 13 witnesses said not one of the slain guards fired on the Justice Ministry. An Iraqi police report described the shootings as "an act of terrorism" and said Blackwater "caused the incident." Iraqi Media Network concluded that the guards were killed "without any provocation." The U.S. State Department, based on information obtained from Blackwater guards, who said they were fired upon, determined that the security team's actions "fell within approved rules governing the use of force."[52]

On September 16 2007, Blackwater guards opened fire in Nisour Square, Baghdad, killing 17 civilians in the Blackwater Baghdad shootings incident. Witnesses claimed that the attack was unprovoked and that the soldiers, in the employ of the U.S., continued firing while the Iraqi civilians were fleeing. Two Blackwater helicopters were also spotted at the time, who witnesses say aided in the attack. However, Blackwater maintained that its guards were under attack and responded accordingly. The FBI found that at least 14 of the shootings were unjustified and found no evidence to support assertions by Blackwater employees that they were fired upon by Iraqi civilians.[53]

Blackwater's license to operate in Iraq was revoked by the Iraqi Government on September 17, 2007, resulting from a highly contentious incident that occurred the previous day during which seventeen (initially reported as eleven) Iraqis were killed.[54][55] The fatalities occurred while a Blackwater Private Security Detail (PSD) was escorting a convoy of U.S. State Department vehicles en route to a meeting in western Baghdad with United States Agency for International Development officials. The US State Department has said that "innocent life was lost."[56] An anonymous U.S. military official was quoted as saying that Blackwater's guards opened fire without provocation and used excessive force.[57] The incident has sparked at least 5 investigations, with the FBI now saying it will begin a probe.[58] In spite of the fallout from the September 16 shooting, Blackwater helicopters were dispatched to evacuate the Polish ambassador following an insurgent assassination attempt on October 3, 2007.[59]

On October 2, 2007 Erik Prince was subject to a congressional hearing conducted by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform following the controversy related to Blackwater's conduct in Iraq and Afghanistan.[60][61] Blackwater hired the public relations firm BKSH & Associates Worldwide, a subsidiary of Burson-Marsteller, to help Prince prepare for his testimony at the hearing. Robert Tappan, a former U.S. State Department official who worked for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, was one the executives handling the account.[62] BKSH, a self-described "bipartisan" firm (U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, is also a client), is headed by Charlie Black, a prominent Republican political strategist and former chief spokesman for the Republican National Committee, and Scott Pastrick, former treasurer of the Democratic National Committee.[63][64]

When testifying before Congress, Prince complained about the lack of remedies his company has to deal with employee misdeeds. When asked why an employee involved in the killing of a vice-presidential guard incident had been "whisked out of the country" he replied, "We can't flog him, we can't incarcerate him."[65] Asked by a member of Congress for financial information about his company, Prince declined to provide it. "We're a private company, and there's a key word there — private," he answered.[66] Later he stated that the company could provide it at a future date if questions were submitted in writing.[67][68] When the term "mercenaries" was used to describe Blackwater employees, Prince objected, characterizing them instead as "loyal Americans".[69]

A Committee on Oversight and Government Reform staff report, based largely on internal Blackwater e-mail messages and State Department documents, describes Blackwater as "being staffed with reckless, shoot-first guards who were not always sober and did not always stop to see who or what was hit by their bullets."[70] A staff report compiled by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on behalf of Representative Waxman questioned the cost-effectiveness of using Blackwater forces instead of U.S. troops. Blackwater charges the government $1,222 per day per guard, "equivalent to $445,000 per year, or six times more than the cost of an equivalent U.S. soldier," the report alleged.[71] During his testimony on Capitol Hill, Erik Prince disputed this figure, saying that it costs money for the government to train a soldier, to house and feed them, they don't just come prepared to fight. "That sergeant doesn't show up naked and untrained", Prince stated.[72][73]

In the wake of Prince's testimony before Congress, the US House passed a bill in October, 2007 that would make all private contractors working in Iraq and other combat zones subject to prosecution by U.S. courts and Senate Democratic leaders have said they plan to send similar legislation to President Bush as soon as possible.[74] The legal status of Blackwater and other security firms in Iraq is a subject of contention.[75] Two days before he left Iraq, L. Paul Bremer signed "Order 17" giving all Americans associated with the CPA and the American government immunity from Iraqi law.[76][77] A July 2007 report from the American Congressional Research Service indicates that the Iraqi government still has no authority over private security firms contracted by the U.S. government.[78] On October 5, 2007 the State Department announced new rules for Blackwater's armed guards operating in Iraq. Under the new guidelines, State Department security agents will accompany all Blackwater units operating in and around Baghdad. The State Department will also install video surveillance equipment in all Blackwater armored vehicles, and will keep recordings of all radio communications between Blackwater convoys in Iraq and the military and civilian agencies which supervise their activities.[79]

On September 23, 2007, the Iraqi government said that it expects to refer criminal charges to its courts in connection with a shooting involving Blackwater guards.[80] However, on October 29, 2007, immunity from prosecution was granted by The U.S. State Department, delaying a criminal inquiry into the Sept. 16 deadly shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians. [81] Immediately afterwards, the Iraqi government approved a draft law to end any and all immunity for foreign military contractors in Iraq, to overturn Order 17. The U.S. Department of Justice also said any immunity deals offered to Blackwater employees were invalid, as the department that issued them had no authority to do so.[82]

Non-Iraq services

Blackwater Worldwide was employed to assist the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. According to a company press release, it provided airlift, security, and logistics and transportation services, as well as humanitarian support. It was reported that the company also acted as law enforcement in the disaster stricken areas, such as securing neighborhoods and "confronting criminals".[83] Blackwater moved about 200 personnel into the area hit by Hurricane Katrina, most of whom (164 employees) were working under a contract with the Department of Homeland Security to protect government facilities,[84] but the company held contracts with private clients as well. Overall, Blackwater had a "visible, and financially lucrative, presence in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as the use of the company contractors cost U.S. taxpayers $240,000 a day."[85] There has been much dispute surrounding governmental contracts in post-Katrina New Orleans, especially no-bid contracts such as the one Blackwater was awarded. Blackwater's heavily-armed presence in the city was also the subject of much confusion and criticism.[86]

Blackwater is one of five companies picked by the Department of Defense Counter-Narcotics Technology Program Office in a five-year contract for equipment, material and services in support of counter-narcotics activities. The contract is worth up to $15 billion. The other companies picked are Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Arinc Inc..[87] Blackwater USA has also been contracted by various foreign governments. In 2005, it worked to train the Naval Sea Commando regiment of Azerbaijan, enhancing their interdiction capabilities on the Caspian Sea.[88] In Asia, Blackwater has contracts in Japan guarding AN/TPY-2 radar systems.[89]

Litigation

See also: Helvenston et al. v. Blackwater Security

Blackwater is currently being sued by the families of Scott Helvenston and the three other contractors killed in Fallujah in March, 2004. The families say they are not suing for financial damages, but rather for the details of their sons' and husbands' deaths, saying Blackwater has refused to supply these details, and that in its "zeal to exploit this unexpected market for private security men," the company "showed a callous disregard for the safety of its employees."[31] Four family members testified in front of the House Government Reform Committee on February 7, 2007. They asked that Blackwater be held accountable for future negligence of employees' lives, and that federal legislation be drawn up to govern contracts between the Department of Defense and defense contractors.[31] Blackwater has counter-sued the lawyer representing the empty estates of the deceased for $10 million on the grounds the lawsuit was contractually prohibited from ever being filed.[90]

According to an Army report, in November 2004, a Blackwater plane, "in violation of numerous government regulations and contract requirements," crashed into a mountainside killing all six passengers on board.[91] The families of the three soldiers killed — Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, Chief Warrant Officer Travis Grogan and Spec. Harley Miller — filed a wrongful death suit against Blackwater, alleging negligence. However, Presidential Airways, a division of Blackwater, questioned the hastiness of the Army's report, stating that it "contains numerous errors, misstatements, and unfounded assumptions."[91] On April 19, 2006, The Nation magazine published an article titled, "Blood is Thicker Than Blackwater," concerning the families' lawsuit against Blackwater. The article discussed the removal of the word "armored" from already-signed contracts, and other allegations of wrongdoing.[92] On October 11 2007, the Center for Constitutional Rights filed suit against Blackwater under the Alien Tort Claims Act on behalf of an injured Iraqi and the families of three of the 17 Iraqis killed by Blackwater employees during the September 16 2007 Blackwater Baghdad shootings.[93]

Controversy and criticism

See also: Blackwater Worldwide arms smuggling allegations

A variety of ongoing controversies involved Blackwater Worldwide, not in direct relation to their specific and individual operations for the U.S. government. Their role, in their work, is a factor of some controversies. Critics consider Blackwater's self-description as a private military company to be a euphemism for mercenary activities.[94] Jeremy Scahill points out that Chilean nationals, mostly former soldiers, whose country of origin does not participate in hostilities in Iraq, work for Blackwater in that country, thus those Chileans meet the definition of a "mercenary."[95][96] At least 60 Chilean Blackwater employees were trained during dictator Augusto Pinochet's regime.[97][98][99] Author Chris Hedges wrote about the establishment of mercenary armies, referring to Blackwater as an example of such a force, asserting its existence as a threat to democracy and a step towards the creation of a modern day Praetorian Guard in a June 3, 2007 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.[100]

File:Amb black piii.jpg
J. Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater

A flight operated by Blackwater crashed in Afganistan, on November 27, 2004. Underqualified Blackwater staff made a series of errors leading to the plane crashing into a rock wall. Several U.S. military personnel were on board because there was space on the cargo plane. Errors included not filing a flight plan and not using oxygen masks, possibly resulting in the pilot succumbing to high-altitude euphoria.[101] In March 2006, Cofer Black, vice chairman of Blackwater USA, allegedly suggested at an international conference in Amman, Jordan, that the company was ready to move towards providing security professionals up to brigade size (3,000–5,000) for humanitarian efforts and low-intensity conflicts. Critics have suggested this may be going too far in putting political decisions in the hands of privately owned corporations.[102] The company denies this was ever said.[103]

In December 2006, an allegedly corrupt Iraqi politician, Ayham al-Samarie, was in a prison in Iraq, awaiting trial for 12 criminal corruption cases.[104] On December 17, 2006, he escaped from custody with help from Blackwater, which he had hired to protect him before his arrest, and an American plane carried him out of Iraq to Jordan. He said from Dubai he would return to the United States as he hadn't broken any U.S. laws and had fled Iraq because he feared he would be killed or kidnapped.[105][106][107] He arrived in Chicago on January 9, claiming that an Iraqi judge had ordered his release, he feared being killed if he stayed in jail, and U.S. officials had assured him he would not be extradited to Iraq.[104]

On September 22, 2007, U.S. federal prosecutors announced an investigation into allegations that Blackwater employees may have smuggled weapons into Iraq, and that these weapons may have been later transferred to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish nationalist group designated a terrorist organization by the United States, NATO and the EU.[108][109][110] The U.S. government was investigating Blackwater for these alleged crimes.[111] On October 4, 2007, the FBI took over the investigation.[112]

According to Prince, he stated in September 2007 that there was a “rush to judgment” about Blackwater, due to "inaccurate information". [113]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b "Agreement For Security Services" (PDF). United States House of Representatives. March 12 2004. Retrieved 2007-11-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "OversightContract1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ Gielink, Dirk (2007). "No Contractors on the Battlefield: The Dutch Military's Reluctance to Outsource". In Thomas Jäger, Gerhard Kümmel (ed.). Private Military and Security Companies: Chances, Problems, Pitfalls and Prospects. VS Verlag. p. 149. ISBN 3531149016. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Mackay, Neil (October 2 2007). "BACK IN IRAQ: THE 'WHORES OF WAR'". Sunday Herald, Scotland. Retrieved 2007-11-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Scahill, Jeremy (September 28 2007). "Will Blackwater Be Kicked Out of Iraq After Recent Bloodbath?". The Nation. Retrieved 2007-11-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Swanson, David (September 29 2007). "Observing Our Government Through Blackwater". Scoop New Zealand. Retrieved 2007-11-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Bruce, Ian (September 28 2007). "Blackwater uses armed force 'twice as often as other Iraq firms'". The Herald, London. Retrieved 2007-11-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Blackwater admits employees illegally sold weapons". Tehran Times. September 23 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "Blackwater Worldwide: About Us". Retrieved 2007-11-29.
  9. ^ Matthew Lee, "Feds Target Blackwater in Weapons Probe", Associated Press, September 22, 2007.
  10. ^ Jennifer Elsea, Nina Serafino, "[1]", CRS report for congress, Private security contractors in Iraq: Background, legal status and other issues
  11. ^ hamptonroads Blackwater: On the Front Lines by Bill Sizemore and Joanne Kimberline, The Virginian-Pilot, July 25, 2006
  12. ^ a b 'Residents hang slain Americans' bodies from bridge' — CNN.com
  13. ^ Pentagon Dispatches Investigators to Iraq to Probe Private Security Contractors foxnews.com (AP) September 26, 2007.
  14. ^ Newsweek, "The Man Behind Blackwater", 22 October 2007, pp 36-38.
  15. ^ "Role of security companies likely to become more visible"
  16. ^ Private Security Company Creates Stir in New Orleans — The Virginian-Pilot
  17. ^ US-IRAQ: Blackwater Blues for Dead Contractors' Families, by Bill Berkowitz, IPS, June 29, 2007.
  18. ^ Flintoff, Corey (September 25, 2007). "Blackwater's Prince Has GOP, Christian Group Ties". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2007-09-28. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. ^ Four Civilians Worked for N.C. Security Firm, Associated Press, March 31, 2004.
  20. ^ Ken Silverstein, "Revolving Door to Blackwater Causes Alarm at CIA," Harper's Magazine, September 12, 2006.
  21. ^ About Total Intelligence Solutions - Personnel Total Intelligence Solutions 2007 retrieved October 24, 2007
  22. ^ "Locals Against Training Camp In East County". 10News.com. May 12, 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-28. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  23. ^ R. J. Hillhouse (April 26, 2007). "Exclusive Interview: Blackwater USA's President Gary Jackson". The Spy Who Billed Me. Retrieved 2007-09-28. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ Bauder, Don (February 22, 2007). "Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA". San Diego Reader. Retrieved 2007-09-28.
  25. ^ Van Deerlin, Lionel (April 19, 2007). "Blackwater in Potrero?". Retrieved 2007-09-28. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  26. ^ Bauder, Don. "Tiny Potrero Battles County and Blackwater USA". San Diego Reader. Retrieved on 2007-10-07.
  27. ^ "Blackwater Plans for New Military Facility Near San Diego Draws Fire From Residents, Peace Activists and Local Congressmember". Democracy Now!. 2007-04-19. Retrieved on 2007-10-07.
  28. ^ Kahn, Carrie. "Blackwater's San Diego-Area Plan Spurs Protest". NPR (2007-10-09). Retrieved on 2007-10-15.
  29. ^ a b c Blackwater Softens Its Logo From Macho to Corporate, 2007-10-22, NY Times, Retrieved 2007-10-29
  30. ^ "Blackwater USA: Building the 'Largest Private Army in the World'". Democracy Now!. 2004-04-01. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  31. ^ a b c d Bennet, Brian (March 15, 2007). "Victims of an Outsourced War". TIME. Retrieved 2007-10-25. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  32. ^ a b c Fainaru, Steve (May 27, 2007). "U.S. Security Contractors Open Fire in Baghdad". Washington Post. pp. A01. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ Zagorin, Adam (September 17, 2007). "Iraq Limits Blackwater's Operations". TIME. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ http://www.latimes.com/media/acrobat/2007-10/32930222.pdf
  35. ^ Berkowitz, Bill (June 29, 2007). "Blackwater Blues for Dead Contractors' Families". Inter Press Service. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  36. ^ "Blackwater boss grilled over Iraq". BBC News. October 2, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  37. ^ The High Risk Contracting Business
  38. ^ Operation Vigilant Resolve, GlobalSecurity.org.
  39. ^ Report: Blackwater 'impeded' probe into contractor deaths Cable News Network September 27, 2007
  40. ^ Priest, Dana (April 6, 2004). "Private Guards Repel Attack on U.S. Headquarters". Washington Post. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  41. ^ "Contractors in combat: Firefight from a rooftop in Iraq". The Virginian-Pilot. July 25, 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  42. ^ "Blackwater is soaked" Rod Nordland and Mark Hosenball Newsweek, October 15, 2007
  43. ^ John M. Broder, New York Times, "Ex-Paratrooper Is Suspect in a Blackwater Killing", October 4, 2007.
  44. ^ Robin Wright and Ann Scott Tyson, Mercury News, "Iraq reveals $100 million purchase of Chinese arms", October 4, 2007.
  45. ^ "Contractor involved in Iraq shooting got job in Kuwait", October 4, 2007.
  46. ^ "U.S. crew of downed helicopter shot at close range" — CNN.com
  47. ^ "4 Americans in Iraq crash shot in head — WTOP.com
  48. ^ Pelton, Robert Young: "Licensed to kill, hired guns in the war on terror," Crown, August 29, 2006
  49. ^ a b "Contractors accused of firing on civilians, GIs". Associated Press. August 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  50. ^ Sizemore, Bill (January 11, 2007). "Iraq killing tracked to contractor could test laws". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved 2007-10-24. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  51. ^ "Blackwater quits security association" by August Cole, The Wall Street Journal, October 11, 2007.
  52. ^ Fainaru, Steve. "How Blackwater Sniper Fire Felled 3 Iraqi Guards". Washington Post (2007-11-08). Retrieved on 2007-11-13.
  53. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/world/middleeast/14blackwater.html
  54. ^ Blackwater 'killed 17', says Iraq
  55. ^ http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/18/blackwater.iraq/index.html
  56. ^ U.S., Iraq to probe firefight involving Blackwater
  57. ^ Blackwater faulted by U.S. military: report
  58. ^ FBI Opens Probe Into Blackwater
  59. ^ Curtis, Kim (2007-10-04). "Ambush Injures Polish Diplomat in Iraq". Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-10-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  60. ^ BBC News, "Blackwater boss grilled over Iraq", October 2, 2007.
  61. ^ Testimony of Erik D. Prince, Chairman and CEO, Blackwater For The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, October 2, 2007.
  62. ^ "Blackwater aided by PR giant" by Richard Lardner, the Associated Press, October 5, 2007.
  63. ^ BKSH web site
  64. ^ National Association of Republican Campaign Professionals (NARCP) Board of Directors: Charlie Black
  65. ^ "Iraq security firm denies trigger-happy charge" by Ewen MacAskill, The Guardian, October 3, 2007.
  66. ^ "The man From Blackwater, shooting from the lip" by Dana Milbank, The Washington Post, October 3, 2007, Page A02.
  67. ^ "Rise of the white-collar mercenary", Brian Dickerson, Detroit Free Press, October 3, 2007.
  68. ^ CSPAN video of the quote on Youtube.
  69. ^ Blackwater Unplugged by Bonnie Goldstein, Slate, October 3, 2007.
  70. ^ Stout, David (October 1, 2007). "Report Depicts Recklessness at Blackwater". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
  71. ^ "Blackwater Chief Defends Firm", The Associated Press, October 3, 2007 By: Lardner, Richard
  72. ^ The Associated Press, October 3, 2007 By: Lardner, Richard "Blackwater chief defends firm"
  73. ^ The Washington Post, October 4, 2007 By: DeYoung, Karen. "Former Seal Calls Allegations Against Employees 'Baseless'"
  74. ^ House Passes Bill That Would Hike Penalties for U.S. Security Contractors in Iraq
  75. ^ Blackwater Case Highlights Legal Uncertainties by Alissa J. Rubin and Paul von Zielbauer, The New York Times, October 11, 2007.
  76. ^ COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER NUMBER 17 (REVISED)
  77. ^ Hirch, Michael (2007-09-20). "Blackwater and the Bush Legacy". Newsweek. p. 2. Retrieved 2007-09-23. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  78. ^ "Blackwater staff face charges". CNN.com. 2007-09-23. Retrieved 2007-09-23. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  79. ^ Broder, John M. (2007-10-05). "State Dept. Plans Tighter Control of Security Firm". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-10-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  80. ^ "Security Firm Faces Criminal Charges in Iraq". The New York Times. September 23, 2007. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  81. ^ "Immunity Deal Hampers Blackwater Inquiry"
  82. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7069173.stm
  83. ^ Overkill: Feared Blackwater Mercenaries Deploy in New Orleans
  84. ^ http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=92177&ran=4586
  85. ^ http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38379
  86. ^ http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=92177&ran=4586
  87. ^ http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/31393-1.html
  88. ^ http://www.blackwaterusa.com/training/inter_default.asp
  89. ^ http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/10/blackwater-japa.html
  90. ^ http://www.onpointnews.com/docs/blackwater3.pdf
  91. ^ a b Witte, Griff (October 5, 2005). "Blackwater Broke Rules, Report Says". Washington Post. pp. D02.
  92. ^ http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060508/scahill
  93. ^ "Family members of slain Iraqis sue Blackwater USA for deadly Baghdad shooting". Democracy Now!. 2007-10-11. Retrieved on 2007-10-11
  94. ^ Cherbonnier, Alice (March 26, 2007). "Blackwater Reveals Underpinnings of 'Private Security' Industry". Baltimore Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-09-28.
  95. ^ Can Iraq (or Anyone) Hold Blackwater Accountable for Killing Iraqi Civilians? A Debate on the Role of Private Contractors in Iraq
  96. ^ U.S. contractor recruits guards for Iraq in Chile: Forces say experienced soldiers are quitting for private companies which pay more for similar work by Jonathan Franklin, The Guardian, March 5, 2004.
  97. ^ [2] Coletazos de Guerra Sucia En Iraq
  98. ^ News Analysis: For security in Iraq, corporate America turns to Central and South America by Louis E. V. Nevaer, The Athens News, Athens, Ohio, June 28, 2007
  99. ^ "Back in Iraq: The 'whores of war': America’s hired guns in Iraq have been called ‘the coalition of the billing’, but Blackwater mercenaries are accused of more than just taking the money" by Neil Mackay, The Sunday Herald, September 27, 2007
  100. ^ "What if our mercenaries turn on us?" by Chris Hedges for the New York Times, philly.com, June 3, 2007.
  101. ^ Marc Pitzke, "The chronicle of a deadly Blackwater flight", Der Spiegel, October 06, 2007.
  102. ^ "Blackwater USA says it can supply forces for conflicts"
  103. ^ "Inside America's private army" (continued)
  104. ^ a b "Ex-Iraqi minister back home after jail escape", Chicago Times, 2007-01-11, accessed on 2007-01-17
  105. ^ "Ex-Iraqi minister defends jail escape", Associated Press, 2007-01-08, accessed on 2007-01-08
  106. ^ "Former Iraqi cabinet minister escapes police custody in Baghdad", MSNBC
  107. ^ Fad, Leila (2007-09-19). "Maliki blasts Blackwater firm for other incidents". McClatchy Newspapers.
  108. ^ "Foreign Terrorist Organizations List". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2007-08-03. - USSD Foreign Terrorist Organization
  109. ^ "Terrorism Act 2000". Home Office. Retrieved 2007-08-14. - Terrorism Act 2000
  110. ^ "Council Decision". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 2007-08-14.
  111. ^ MSNBC, "Feds probe Blackwater links to arms smuggling", September 22, 2007.
  112. ^ AFP, "FBI probes Blackwater as Congress moves on Iraq security firms", October 4, 2007.
  113. ^ Demetri Sevastopulo, Financial Times, "FBI probes Blackwater over shooting", Financial Times, October 2, 2007.

Template:Wikinewshas

  • Licensed to Kill, Hired Guns in the War on Terror by Robert Young Pelton, Crown Books 2006, 368. pp. Extensive material on Blackwater in Prologue and Chapter 2, "The New Breed," Chapter 5, "The Blackwater Bridge," Chapter 6, "Under Siege" which discusses Blackwater at An Najaf, Chapter 7, "The Dog Track and the Swamp," which chronicles Pelton's visits to Blackwater training facilities, one of which is a dog track, Chapter 8, running the Gauntlet, and Chapter 11, "The Lord and the Prince," partly about Erik Prince.
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