Blackwater Branches Out (Tries New Activities)

[sabra]

Source: Defense News

Controversial U.S. Company Tries New Activities


Blackwater Worldwide is working to move into emerging markets such as military vehicles, high-risk aviation logistics support for the U.S. military, and high-flying airships for surveillance.

The Moyock, N.C.-based firm has no plans to abandon its trademark security and training businesses. Since its founding in 1997, Blackwater's core business has been training U.S. Special Operations forces and U.S. military and law enforcement personnel.

"Security is a steady part of our business. What's happening is the other pieces are getting bigger," said Blackwater Vice President Marty Strong.

"We are seeing rapid growth in both domestic and international training," he said. "The security portion of some of our business is a function of the government's short-term need to outsource. Over time, this will probably not go away but is likely to decrease."

Read more: http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3700665&c=FEA&s=BUS

[Bob Dobbs]

1. "Some say" they are supplying the black block infiltrators in St. Paul

that cause and provoke violence in peaceful protest actions.

It's obvious there are infiltrators there.

[Blue_Tires]

2. as if that wasn't enough...

Blackwater sets its sights on e-learning businesses

Need to stanch the bleeding from a gunshot wound?

Apply a tourniquet?

Or just respond to a dirty bomb explosion in your city?

Blackwater Worldwide can help.

The North Carolina-based military contractor is introducing a new line of interactive, instructional CDs and DVDs for law enforcement and the military. The first release came late last month with a production titled "Tactical Lifesaver."

It's an extension of the company's original business - teaching weapons and tactics, said Jim Sierawski, vice president of domestic training and operations at Blackwater.

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/blackwater-sets-its-sights-elearning-businesses

[clear eye]

3. They clearly plan to become a full-service private army

allied with the mega-corporations. This is scary stuff.

[Uncle Joe]

4. And I believe they will become an increasing threat to our own national defense.

Our government can't serve two masters, it will be either the people or the corporations and as the corporate mercenary military grows in strength and exponentially increase the amount of money needed to feed them, there will be less defense funds for the people's military.

As the nation's military is weakened because of the growing corporate mercenary leeches attached to it, the government becomes weaker. The mercenaries are only accountable to the almighty dollar, they swear no oath to defend the Constitution. If the people's government is eventually overthrown, I believe corporate mercenaries will help lead the way. I can't see any other result.

[dysfunctional press]

5. high-seas security in pirate-filled waters(e.g.somalia) would seem to be a good niche for them...

tankers and cargo ships being taken for ransom all the time it seems- perhaps the ships need pros to repel boarders.

[Plucketeer]

6. How long before Blackwater

takes over the U.S. Marines?