Security Contractors 101

Christmas choices

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Security and Military Contractors 101

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Learn the secrets of the trade, impress your friends!

— (free registration, study material, and coffee, bring your own lunch)

Tutor: Professor Privatizinsky

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The expert in charge of this course is Professor Privatizinsky.

It is better if you e-mail him your comments and questions. He will get back to you at the earliest convenience.

Welcome to Security and Military Contractors 101

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A free course aimed at talented candidates willing to learn about private military and private security contractors. To earn your accreditation, please follow the instructions below.

I. DEFINITIONS are important

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It is important to acknowledge that private military contractors are legally established enterprises offering services in the military and security domains and not mercenary forces: >>DEFINITION

ASSIGNMENT 1: APPLY the PMC definition

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to some of the firms often referred to in the news as 'contractors' working in Iraq. If you encounter problems applying the definition to all of them, you have already learned something important. Only a modest proportion of them can be actually categorized as private military or private security contractors (PMCs and PSCs), which have led to many exaggerated estimates about the number of private military personnel in Iraq published by the mainstream media.

Disco Rupert is still unsure about PMCs, but he shows some promise.

II. If still UNSURE about PMCs

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It is perhaps a good idea for you to explore some of the services this type of military and security service providers offer: >>CORPORATE PROFILES

ASSIGNMENT 2: Based on the PROFILES just examined

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Try to establish differences between PMCs and PSCs. If you find it complex, you have already learnt that there are overlaps between the two sectors and that on occasions the terms are used interchangeably. We prefer the term PMCs. That way, we can distinguish them from firms in the traditional security sector (the ones that protect your local mall or installed your home's alarms).

If you have any practical questions, GI Pierre, a security contractor in Iraq, might be able to answer them.

III. NOW that you have a better IDEA what PMCs (and PSCs) are

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Examine some of the numerous publications and media resources we consolidate on the topic. Please note this might take a while, but keep in mind that the more you read the more you learn about private military issues. We also list some video clips to make the task more engaging: >>PUBLICATIONS

ASSIGNMENT 3: The GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY

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In two columns, write five things in favour and five against the use of PMCs in a particular context, e.g. in order to bring to a halt the systematic killing of civilians in Darfur. The issues you chose are the ones that really got your attention and we suggest you always keep them in mind. By now, you know that a constructive assessment of private military activity involves considering both sides of the debate.

Penelope Love, a student who passed the course after three attempts, was originally a little naive about the topic. Watch her first presentation.

IV. BECAUSE OF the broad involvement of this type of contractors in IRAQ

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You might have recently developed an interest in the topic. Yet many governmental, international, and non governmental organizations (NGOs) have to different extents dealt with private military and security issues over the last decade. It is important to learn about them: >>ORGANIZATIONS

Could someone please call security, someone has infiltrated the course!

ASSIGNMENT 4: CHOOSE a particular ORGANIZATION

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See what your chosen organization(s) say or debate about PMCs. In the future, by following that organization you will learn that private military issues are continuously discussed, even when the media does not find them sexy enough to merit a wee sentence. Well done, you are developing a more educated and balanced perspective on the topic.

V. FIND your own expert SOURCES

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We list many online projects and resources related to the private military and security world that you might like to explore, e.g. online forums, university departments, and research projects.

Pete Google is apparently an expert on the topic, please listen to his expert opinion.

ASSIGNMENT 5: It is time for a BREAK

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Browse our listed links and find one that captures your passions or interests. Have your lunch while you are at it and come back here when you are done.

VI. By doing a good READING of the free material we offer

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As well as exploring the organizations, projects, and resources we list, you are developing expertise on private military issues. Feel free to go back to any of the previous course's guidelines and assignments if you believe it necessary.

This student did not do a good reading of the material we offer, but he is still trying and we commend his effort.

ASSIGNMENT 6: WRITE a paper about PMCs

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Or simply blog your thoughts or engage in an educated conversation with your friends and colleagues. If you opt for writing something, share it with people interested on PMCs. We offer free hosting for dissertations, conference papers, industry perspectives, and interesting digital media items. >>CONTRIBUTE

Tony has promised to contribute with a paper to this forum.

VII. SHARE your experience and THOUGHTS

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You can visit any of our Web 2.0 communities and become part of our extended network. >>MORE

G8 Boris is part of our extended network. He is currently away, but left a message for you.

ASSIGNMENT 7: JOIN our extended and diversified NETWORK

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Please add comments to articles posted in any of our communities and services, or simply drop us a line and let us know you made it to Assignment 7. We shall issue you with a certificate for Security and Military Contractors 101: congratulations GRADUAND!

Meet the Peace Dude, he is one of our recent graduands.

VIII. Let us tell you a SECRET.

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With the assistance of Google, we are developing a specialized search engine designed to search specifically the private military world. We will test it here, so come back. In the meantime, use our available search facility: >>SEARCH