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27 August 2024

Rethinking the Narrative: A Critical Examination of Private Military Contractors

Alan Chiasson

I recently explored two notable articles: Take the Money and Go by Morgan Lorette, published in Real Clear Defense, and After the Fall by Paul C. Fine, featured in Providence Magazine. Both articles, released in August 2024, contribute to the ongoing discourse about private military contractors (PMCs) in Iraq and Afghanistan, offering insights into their lives and motivations. While these pieces bring valuable perspectives to the table, they do not fully capture the complexities and nuances of the PMC landscape. This article seeks to enhance the conversation by providing a more comprehensive and balanced examination of the issues surrounding PMCs.

Defining the Roles: Mercenaries vs. Private Security Contractors

A fundamental issue with the articles is the conflation of mercenaries and private security contractors. Lorette’s piece implies that PMCs are akin to mercenaries, driven solely by profit. However, this oversimplifies a complex issue. Mercenaries are typically defined as individuals who engage in armed conflict for personal gain, without allegiance to the state or the cause for which they are fighting. In contrast, private security contractors operate under legal contracts and are often employed to provide security services in conflict zones. Their roles are regulated by laws and agreements, differentiating them significantly from mercenaries.

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