Blackwater 2.0: 'Operator Disneyland'

[unhappycamper]

Blackwater 2.0: 'Operator Disneyland'
August 26, 2008
Military.com|by Christian Lowe

MOYOCK, N.C. -- It's a name that's become synonymous with the murky world of counterinsurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan - where the subtle tones of the enemy's colors blend in with innocents.

In a war like this, no one is secure and the military has its hands full, so the American government has turned increasingly to civilian contractors who pick up the slack where military and federal security personnel left off.

One of the most recognizable players in the private security industry is Blackwater Worldwide, the company founded by former SEAL Erik Prince in the mid-1990s. Though the company is best known for its burley, highly-trained security guards who are often pictured flanking State Department officials and ambassadors in Iraq or Afghanistan, there's more to this sprawling, 7,000 acre compound here in the swampy coastal plains of North Carolina's northeast than meets the eye.

"It's a Disneyland for operators," said Blackwater founding member and current president Gary Jackson during an August 22 tour of the company's grounds. "They come here and they just can't believe it."

With an array of firing ranges, shoot houses, an aviation support fleet and a roster of trainers capable of delivering instruction on any kind of martial skill known to man, Blackwater has become a juggernaut in the world of private military companies.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/blackwater-2-0-operator-disneyland.html

[Lint Head]

1. Come to Fascist Land.

Take a spin on the virtual innocent civilian killing spree ride! Experience the water boarding flume zoom. Now you can experience the exhilaration of occupying an American city intimidating people and telling them that freedom is dead. Wah! Hoo! EEHA! :dem:

[woodsprite]

2. Ewwww. We drove thru Moyock over the weekend

and saw a store called Blackwater Shooting Supply house. Had the same 'bearclaw' insignia and I pointed it out to DH. I don't think it really sunk in that this shits real until he saw that.

Sign said something like private parties welcome or civilians welcome. Can't remember which.