Blackwater USA

Blackwater USA, now known as Academi, is a private military company (PMC) founded in 1997 by former Navy SEAL Erik Prince. The company's origin was centered around providing training and security services to government and private entities. Over time, Blackwater became one of the most well-known and controversial PMCs, largely due to its extensive contracts with the U.S. government, particularly during the Iraq War.

Key Points in its History:

1. Foundation and Early Years:

   
   
   
   
   • Founding: Erik Prince founded the company in 1997 in North Carolina.
   
   
   • Early Operations: Initially, Blackwater focused on training military and law enforcement personnel. The company built a sprawling training facility in Moyock, North Carolina.
   
   
   
   



2. Rise to Prominence:

   
   
   
   
   • Expansion: Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Blackwater expanded significantly, securing numerous contracts with the U.S. government.
   
   
   • Iraq War: The company's profile grew through its involvement in the Iraq War, providing security services, including the protection of high-profile individuals and facilities.
   
   
   
   



3. Controversies:

   
   
   
   
   • Reputation: Blackwater became a household name partly due to controversies surrounding its operations. Incidents involving their personnel sometimes resulted in civilian casualties, sparking widespread debate over the use of private contractors in conflict zones.
   
   
   • 2007 Nisour Square Incident: One of the most notable controversies was the 2007 incident in Nisour Square, Baghdad, where Blackwater personnel were involved in a shooting that led to the death of 17 Iraqi civilians. This resulted in legal actions and increased scrutiny.
   
   
   
   



4. Rebranding and Changes:

   
   
   
   
   • Name Changes: Due to negative publicity, Blackwater changed its name multiple times. In 2009, it became Xe Services, and in 2011, it rebranded again to Academi.
   
   
   • Ownership Changes: In 2010, Erik Prince sold the company and it underwent restructuring.
   
   
   
   



5. Current Status:

   
   
   
   
   • Academi: Under its new name, Academi, the company continues to provide security and training services, though it operates with a lower public profile compared to its Blackwater days.
   
   
   
   

Services Provided:

• Security Services: High-risk environment security, protective services, and risk assessment.


• Training: Training for military, law enforcement, and security personnel in areas like firearms, tactical operations, and counterterrorism.


• Logistics and Support: Support services for missions including transportation, supply chain logistics, and operational support.

Impact and Legacy:

Blackwater's operations, especially during the Iraq War, highlighted issues concerning the regulation and oversight of private military companies. Its activities led to greater scrutiny and regulation of PMCs globally. Despite its rebranding efforts, the legacy of Blackwater USA remains a significant reference point in discussions about the privatization of military and security functions.