Just had to educate my friend on this important distinction.

Security contractors have loyalty to their side, while mercenaries are only loyal to the highest bidder.

Blackwater isn't going to start working for the taliban if they suddenly come up with a huge amount of money.

Mercenaries would.

I've known some men who without doubt fit the job description of, and who would call themselves, mercenaries, and they still pick and choose who they would work for, regardless of the pay.  Even mercenaries have their individual codes of ethics.

-Ben

No... That's not the difference....

Mercenaries are active combatants - soldiers for hire...

Blackwater = Super-duper, elite special-forces Mall Ninjas....

Think Wackenhut/Securitas with automatic weapons & decent combat training....

Mercenaries can participate in offensive combat operations....

Security Contractors can only protect their contracted principals.....

(Kind of like how the mall ninja can't go chase down drug dealers & do traffic stops.... But private police (sworn LEOs working on contract) can)

Mercs = offensive

Contractors= deffensive

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6 to one, Half-dozen to another