Private Security and Big-Money


Private Security and Big-Money graphic explains how, in an increasingly violent world, the demand for private security has become big business.

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Have Guns, Will Travel: The Big Money World of Private Security

Private Security Began as far back as the 13th Century B.C. Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses the II hires Nubians, Libyans, Syrians, and Sherdens to complement his military and security forces. In 400 A.D., during the Byzantine empire, emperors contracted foreigners for their personal Security, forming the Varangion Guard. In 1748, Harry Fielding proposed founding a permanent, well-paid professional security force. Allan Pinkerton was a former Chicago police detective. In the 1850s, he created the Pinkerton Agency.

The Rise of Private Security Services in Modern Times:

At the height of the Iraqi War around 20,000 non-Iraqi security contractors were working in the country. Of these, 5-6,000 were British, American, South African, Russian, or European. Another 12,000 are from third-world countries, such as Fiji, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and India. Iraqi security contractors Most were hired mainly by the British security firm Erinys to guard Iraq’s oil infrastructure. Today the US is the number one user of private contract security services in the world.

What security firms do:

Personal protection of:

  • Business executives
  • Celebrities
  • Government officials
  • Consulting and Training
  • Threat assessment
  • Investigation
  • Legal support
  • Background checks
  • Information security

On the Sea: Private Maritime Security vs. Piracy

  • $400 million: Annual cost of multinational naval presence
  • 0: number of ships hijacked with private security aboard
  • 140: number of maritime firms now operational
  • 35,000: number of cargo ships that must pass through high-risk zones
  • $5.5 million: average ransom paid to pirates

Personal protection: about 50 % of services are for personal security Guards for private security firms can make between $400 and $600 per day. Guards employed by Blackwater, a high-profile American company that guarded Ambassador Paul Bremer in Iraq, were paid up to $1000 a day.

The world’s most powerful mercenary armies:

  • G4S: employs 625,000
  • Presence in more than 125 countries
  • 2nd largest employer in the world (after WalMart)
  • Unity Resources Group: 1,200 employees
  • Strong presence in Iraq
  • Erinys: more than 15,000 (unofficial)
  • Asia Security Group, employs 600. Formerly owned by Karzai, president of Afghanistan.
  • Dyncorp: staff in excess of 5,000.

How to Prepare for Mercenary Employment

Step 1 – Obtain military or law enforcement-related experience.
Previous experience working in the special forces of the army, USMC, navy, or air force if seeking higher-paying security-related jobs. Most private security companies will be looking for a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience on a resume.

Step 2 – Obtain proficiency in a foreign language.
Develop a skillset in another commonly spoken language such as French, German, Arabic, Russian, or Spanish will make you more attractive to future employers.

Step 3 – Get into great physical shape.
Many private security firms will require a physical fitness test to be passed before making a new employee permanent.

Step 4 – Build your resume.
Focus on job skills, qualifications, and experience that directly relate to the mercenary job(s) that you are interested in filling.

Step 5 – Gather required documentation.
Most American private security firms require a valid U.S. driver’s license, tourist passport, and the DD-214 provided on separation from the military service.

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