As the US military grapples with the aftermath of its withdrawal from Afghanistan, one group has been at the forefront of the country's ongoing conflicts: private military contractors. These mercenaries, often working for companies like Blackwater and Academi, have played a significant role in supporting US operations in hotspots around the world. But as the public's anger over the handling of the Afghan withdrawal continues to grow, the role of these private contractors is coming under increasing scrutiny. In an exclusive interview, a high-ranking official from the industry reflects on the challenges of facing public criticism and the evolving future of private military involvement in warfare.
The mercenary-in-chief on facing public anger — and the role that private contractors will play in the future of war
