Today’s SOFREP Pic of the Day features a helicopter from Blackwater Private Military Contractor’s (PMC) Air Wing. You have to look closely to get the full impact (pun intended) of this photo.

There has been a bird strike. You can see blood and some bird guts running down the windshield. The gentleman in the foreground is holding the offending avian creature by the wing. Hard to tell exactly what species this used to be, but but if you examine the background of the photo closely enough it appears to have been taken in Iraq. I’m not an expert on Iraqi ornithology, so your guess as to the type of bird is as good as mine.

Blackwater: The Rise and Role of Private Military Contractors in the Iraq War

During the Iraq War, Blackwater Private Military Contractors (PMC) emerged as one of the most controversial and recognizable entities involved in the conflict. Founded in 1997 by former Navy SEAL Erik Prince, Blackwater quickly became a significant player in private security and military operations. Their involvement in Iraq highlights the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of private contractors in modern warfare.

The Early Days

Blackwater initially focused on training law enforcement and military personnel at its Moyock, North Carolina facility. However, following the 9/11 attacks, the company’s scope expanded dramatically. The onset of the Iraq War in 2003 provided Blackwater with lucrative contracts from the U.S. government, seeking to fill gaps in security and logistics support that traditional military forces couldn’t cover.

Blackbird

Role and Responsibilities

Blackwater’s contractors were tasked with a variety of missions, ranging from personal security for high-ranking officials to convoy protection and infrastructure security. One of their most notable contracts was providing security for the Coalition Provisional Authority, the temporary governing body in Iraq. This role often put Blackwater operatives on the front lines, navigating the volatile and dangerous landscape of post-invasion Iraq.

The Nisour Square Incident

Despite their contributions, Blackwater’s presence in Iraq was marred by controversy. The most infamous incident occurred on September 16, 2007, in Baghdad’s Nisour Square. Blackwater contractors opened fire on Iraqi civilians, killing 17 and wounding 20 others. The contractors claimed they were responding to an ambush, but investigations revealed that the use of force was excessive and unprovoked. The incident sparked outrage both in Iraq and internationally, leading to increased scrutiny and criticism of PMCs’ operations.