Introduction The Montreux Document is an agreement between signature countries obligations regarding private military and security companies in war zones. It was ratified in Montreux, Switzerland, in September 2008. The document lists some 70 recommendations for good state practices such as verifying companies track record, examining procedures used to vet staff, correct prosecution when breaches… Read More
Introduction The United Nations Mercenary Convention, officially the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, is a 2001 United Nations treaty that prohibits the recruitment, training, use, and financing of mercenaries. At the 72nd plenary meeting on 04 December 1989, the United Nations General Assembly concluded the convention as its resolution… Read More
Introduction A private military company (PMC), private military and security company (PMSC) or mercenary organisation is a private company providing armed combat or security services for financial gain. PMCs refer to their personnel as “security contractors” or “private military contractors”. Refer to Private Army and Private Defence Agency. The services and expertise offered by PMCs… Read More
Introduction 5 Commando was a mercenary unit of the Congolese National Army (Armée Nationale Congolaise, ANC; Democratic Republic of the Congo) formed in response to the Simba rebellion. It was active from 1964 to 1967. Need for Mercenaries In December 1963, a Communist-inspired rebellion broke out in the Congo province of Kwilu. It was initially… Read More
Introduction Irregular military is any non-standard military component that is distinct from a country’s national armed forces. Being defined by exclusion, there is significant variance in what comes under the term. It can refer to the type of military organisation, or to the type of tactics used. An irregular military organisation is one which is… Read More
Introduction Condottieri (singular condottiero or condottiere) were Italian captains in command of mercenary companies during the Middle Ages and multinational armies during the early modern period. They notably served European monarchs and Popes during the Italian Wars of the Renaissance and the European Wars of Religion. Notable condottieri include Prospero Colonna, Giovanni dalle Bande Nere,… Read More
Corporate mercenaries are known by a number of names: Private military companies; Private security companies; Military contractors; Mercenaries; and Private military and security companies (PMSC’s). “War is one of the chief causes of poverty. War can completely undermine a country’s development prospects, destroying schools and hospitals and putting agricultural land out of use for years… Read More
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