A Blackwater Security Company MD-530F helicopter aids in securing the site of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2004, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.(U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Michael E. Best)

In March 2007, The U.S. Air Force Center on Energy and Environment (AFCEE) hired the Environmental Chemical Corporation (ECC), a construction and environmental remediation company, in order to perform construction for the Afghan Air Corps Regional Expansion at the Shindand Airbase. The ECC then contracted ArmorGroup to manage security at the base.

Three years later, the U.S. Senate investigation by the Committee on Armed Services, in a report called Inquiry into the role and oversight of private security contractors in Afghanistan, found that the British private military company, ArmorGroup, sub-contracted two Afghan military companies to make up for a guard force at the base. ArmorGroup relied upon two military companies managed by warlords called “Mr. White” and “Mr. Pink.” Through documents and testimonies these warlords have been connected to murder, bribery, murder and anti-coalition activities. The first of ArmorGroup guards supplied by these warlords began working at the U.S. airbase in June 2007, marking a series of violent incidents.

“The principal private security subcontractors on the [Host Nation Trucking] HNT contract are warlords, strongmen, commanders, and militia leaders who compete with the Afghan central government for power and authority,” the Congressional Report, Warlord, Inc., said. “ Providing “protection” services for the U.S. supply chain empowers these warlords with money, legitimacy, and a raison d’etre for their private armies.

Although many of these warlords nominally operate under private security companies licensed by the Afghan Ministry of Interior, they thrive in a vacuum of government authority and their interests are in fundamental conflict with U.S. aims to build a strong Afghan government.”

Permitting the usage of certain military companies in controversial markets encourages violent policymaking. Private military companies do not report to Congress, creating a lack of military accountability. Further, these companies are better shielded from federal inquiries by declaring the need to protect private information, not being subject to the Freedom of Information Act, a law that gives citizens the right to access information from the federal government. Permitting the inability of Congress to understand or know what these firms have done or are doing currently. This occurrence makes them perfect for hazardous missions that can require future deniability.

While inherently lowering the barriers into the entry of conflict with foreign entities, it opens the door to a moral challenge. Contractors allow policymakers to wage war away from the public eye, as their deaths don’t make the headlines similar to that of American soldiers. Lastly, there are no international laws that exist to regulate the mercenary industry. This invites anyone who has good enough money to wage warfare for whatever reason or cause, not just for nations but corporations as well.