PMCs.

[Red$tinger.308]

Out of curiousity, what kind of background at minimum do you need to get into a reputable private military contractor like Blackwater USA, DynCorp, etc? What kind of background is ideal? Which is easiest and which is hardest to enter? What kind of pay do you get? How dangerous is the work compared to serving in the Army? What rules of war do and don't apply to contactees? I read that PMC pay isn't as high as during the start of our conflict in the Middle East, is it true? Will there be another contracting boom considering that Hezbolah (sp?) and Isreal is going at it? I'll probably have more questions later. Thanks for your time and patience.

 

[mp510]

https://secure.blackwaterusa.com/

That is the Blackwater Applicant Questionare.

This page is very specific in outlining what Blackwater is looking for:
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/securityconsulting/secopps.asp

From Blackwater

YOU MUST MEET OR EXCEED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: Must have minimum of one (1) year experience in providing protective security services in: special operations, US military special forces, US Secret Service, or other federal agencies, commercial executive protection services, or law enforcement experience (i.e. US Military Police/Criminal Investigation Division, local & state law enforcement agencies).

PLUS these BSC Requirements:

* Must be willing and able to deploy overseas for at least 6 months.
* Must be a U.S. Citizen, proof of citizenship required (copy of Blue Tourist Passport)
* Must be able to pass a general health physical.
* Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
* Weight must be proportionate to height.
* Must be able to pass a physical fitness test.
* Must present and maintain a neat and clean appearance.
* No history of major illness or mental disorder.
* Experience must be verifiable, submit a DD-214 or other paperwork that can be
independently verified.
* Must have an Honorable Discharge.
* Must possess good written and verbal communications skills in English.
* No felony or violent crime convictions (NO WAIVERS).
* No personal bankruptcy or outstanding credit deliquency within seven years.
* No DUI or illegal drug use history within seven years.
* No spouse abuse or domestic violence conviction.

Here is the Dyncorp recuiting website.
http://www.dyncorprecruiting.com/
To be honest with you, the info for both was very simple to find. If you looked and couldn't find it yourself (ie. make a couple clicks from a homepage), I would hop you are not serious about going into this sort of trade...

 

[possum]

check out www.unitedpmc.com
i personally think that Triple canopy is the way to go!

This site has links for alot of the big pmc's and alot of the smaller ones that you don't hear about. I would reccomend that you check into triplecanopy, as well as cresent security group. i don't know what the reqirements are for some others but I know triple canopy wants 4 years of military experience, that goes a long way, any special operations background also helps (ranger battalion,seal team sf group, pj etc) . triplecanopy's web site tells you all the requirements for the different positions that they have.
here is a link to united pmc that has links to all the companies just click on the links on that page.
http://www.unitedpmc.com/companies.htm

here is a link to triple canopy's carrers page with different job titles in there operational oppertunities. Click on the various job titles and it will tell you the requirements. At the bottom of that page you can fill out the questionair.
http://www.triplecanopy.com/triplecanopy/en/careers/index.php?pg=operational_opportunities


I have noticed that the requirements have dropped for many of them, triple canopy and blackwater, but military or some equivelent is paramount. law enforcement might work as long as you held a job that is equal to the one you want to get into in the security group. For example if you were a sniper in the Army, or swat sniper/ designated marksman for a year or more in that position. then that will qualify you for the triple canopy job.

 

[Red$tinger.308]

Thanks so far.

 

[Red$tinger.308]

Do you guys think think there will be a surge in contracts since other countries in the Middle East are starting to duke it out? Are contractees given leeway as far as weapons and gear choice?

Here is the Dyncorp recuiting website.
http://www.dyncorprecruiting.com/
To be honest with you, the info for both was very simple to find. If you looked and couldn't find it yourself (ie. make a couple clicks from a homepage), I would hop you are not serious about going into this sort of trade...

Pardon me.

 

[mp510]

I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't have been as harsh or insulting as I was. Definetely not my MO, and not the THR way. Please accept my appology, which is being made in good faith

As for a surge in contracts due to the Israeli Involvement in Lebanon, I doubt it. Israel had the forces necesary due to their conscription and reserve systems. However, Blackwater is currently preparing for comeing bid placements, though they don't specify with whom. They are looking for female parachutists and riggers as well as various medics for these potential jobs.

 

[Red$tinger.308]

'pology 'cepted.

Are the mercs (that's a correct term right?) given any sort of lattitude as far as weapon and gear choice?

I appreciate the responses.

 

[Hoppy590]

no, mercs is not the term. many of them will take great offense to being called mercenaries.

PMC's are not mercenaries.

from my understanding they are given some leway in weapon choice, but it must be on a list of "supported" weapons that the armorer can fix (aka AR, AK, FAL) where specific brands and models dont matter

 

[Red$tinger.308]

Okay. I just read them being called mercenaries a lot, especially by the media. What are the differences?

 

[lawson]

PMC's differ from mercenaries in the sense that PMC's aren't technically fighting in a war, they are part of a security force. mercenaries are hired by a government to fight as part of their army, and a contractor is hired for security duties.

that is my understanding. if i am wrong, please correct me.

 

[rangerruck]

mercs tend not to have loyalties, go where the money is highest. contractors, still have guidlines set down by their company, that will comply with the government they are serving, typically they will serve time for a westernized country or business or leaders.