[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

Why not? The US Government ‘outsources’ to private firms/contractors all the time. Why not outsource to a firm comprised largely of ex-military, ex-government employees, expert in their field, who have a bit more leeway in their ROE and can do what must be done but which is stymied by PC?

[Half Vast Conspiracy]

I admittedly don’t know much about Blackwater, so I guess I’m in for an education on this thread.

I was not aware that they take an oath, but I’m not sure that means as much for a contractor. I also don’t care for a team that “flys under the radar” and “have a bit more leeway in their ROE.” Would you all feel the same way with a Dem in office?

As far as Blackwater doing planned ops, I have no proof that they have. I've only seen a You Tube video of their snipers picking off targets with much glee. perhaps I assumed incorrectly.

Finally, you all can certainly distinguish between contractors cleaning toilets or slinging hash and getting into the shooting war, right?