According to historians, the first armies appeared during the time of Carthage and Ancient Rome. Militias and slave militia were replaced by professional hired military. Those received salaries for their work, and to maintain discipline, management resorted to physical coercion. Nowadays it’s a high point for mercenary armies. This has become a business both for the creators of such formations and for the military themselves. How do they become mercenaries? What personal qualities and skills should an applicant have? This article will help answer these questions.
What are the advantages of private armies?
According to experts, mercenaries and private military companies (PMCs) can successfully earn money regardless of amicable agreements. For example, if in the territory of any country the movement of regular armies of other states is limited, then PMCs operate freely. Having signed a contract, the private army goes to a foreign country and performs a wide range of tasks there. This may be work of a protective nature, but most often professional mercenaries are fighting for one of the warring parties. They can also be involved in overthrowing the political regime. There would be money, but highly professional military will always be found.
Various PMCs are suitable for those who, having been in "hot spots" and returned to the "citizen", could not adapt to civilian life. The questions of how to become a mercenary and what is required for this are also of interest to those who simply want to earn money. This category of people is absolutely indifferent to whom to fight.
About private military companies
According to experts, many PMCs work closely with the intelligence agencies of the United States and Britain, as well as other Western countries. With the help of mercenary armies, weapons are procured and military specialists are trained. The basis of the military-industrial complex of the United States is precisely PMCs: mercenaries serve the army, participate in the development of new weapons and help the state security services.
The very first such company Vinnell Corporation was created in America in 1931. In World War II, she defended the interests of the US Army. Also acted in Africa and the Middle East. The company was officially listed as a construction company. However, in addition to the construction of military facilities, employees were involved in military operations and reconnaissance raids. Vinnell Corporation trained the National Guard for Saudi Arabia, opposed the rebels in Mecca. Today, the tasks of PMCs are clearly divided. For example, Erinys Irag Limited and XE Services guard oil facilities, while Kroll PMC guards escort convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan. Caci supplies qualified military translators, while KBR supplies troops.
PMCs appeared in Russia later. After the collapse of the USSR, many military specialists were reduced. Some were not happy with low salaries and general disorder. Mercenary acquired on an industrial scale in the 90s. Today, several PMCs operate in Russia, offering customers very specific services. The most famous Russian private armies are PMC Wagner, Tiger Rent Security, ENOT CORP, PMC IDA, Cossacks, Moran Security Group. "Soldiers of fortune" are hired to guard facilities, escort goods, train security forces, as well as to combat pirates.
How to become PMC mercenaries? About Applicant Requirements
Is it possible to become a mercenary to an accidental unemployed citizen or a pensioner who has decided to improve his financial situation? According to experts, of course, this category does not shine in PMCs. For this work, not to mention moral, it requires special physical and psychological qualities. A potential PMC employee must meet the following requirements:
- Be no older than 45 years. They recruit young people from 25 years old in PMCs.
- The applicant must be at least 175 cm., With good physical shape.
- If a young person has bad habits (addiction to alcohol, drugs, drugs, etc.), then he will be refused admission.
Those who want to work in PMCs should be prepared that they can be sent to any climatic region.
About the moral side
Very often, the question of how they become mercenaries is asked by previously convicted citizens. According to experts, this category definitely does not become PMC employees. Do not be a mercenary and a person with a criminal record already extinguished. They will also be denied entry to the military if he is dismissed from the armed forces under a defamatory article.
Strict rules are due to the fact that such people, as psychologists are convinced, tend to disobey or violate discipline. If a young man has an impeccably clean reputation, but he is related to terrorists, then he will not be accepted either.
About psychological criteria
The best mercenary is one with a balanced psyche and stress resistance. In addition, the “soldier of fortune” must be attentive, responsible and conscientious. Since how skillfully he copes with his duties, not only his life, but also the success of the whole business will depend. Nobody will allow him to work through his sleeves. Since in PMCs all adults and already psychologically formed people, they will not reeducate a negligent fighter.
A private mercenary will have to work in very harsh conditions with physical and psychological stress. Therefore, if there are any diseases in which "strain" is contraindicated, then it is better not to go to PMCs. In addition to high endurance, the “soldier of fortune” is obliged to be able to adapt and quickly regain his strength.
For whom is this work?
According to experts, private military companies primarily employ officers with rich combat experience. The presence of military awards is welcome. Also out of turn are the leaders of military operations.
This work is for well-trained contract servicemen, graduates of military educational institutions, reserve security officers, combat veterans and candidates with any unique military specialties. Given the specifics of work in PMCs, preference is given to unmarried applicants.
Training
Of course, upon arriving at PMCs, the beginner already has a certain military specialty and level of training. However, in the modern world, one specialty is not enough. For this reason, according to experts, even experienced military personnel are subject to retraining at the expense of a private company. Employees are trained in various both classical and highly specialized disciplines, taking into account the characteristics of the country in which they will have to work. "Soldier of Fortune" introduces modern technology, information systems, etc.
Instructors are trained to shoot from different types of weapons, perform combat missions using vehicles (drive at night, avoid collisions, drive along a serpentine, transfer control, emergency brakes and make turns, prevent accidents, shoot in motion, etc.). In addition, mercenaries are taught how to destroy ambushes, escort and guard various cargoes, and also work in extreme conditions.
Unlike foreign private military companies, Russian personnel are selected more carefully. According to experts, foreign PMCs are multinational, only Russian citizens can get into Russian ones. The army is also distinguished by the professional level of the fighters. Employees of foreign PMCs are trained by Western instructors. There are frequent cases when local residents become mercenaries. There is no language barrier in communication between such “soldiers of fortune”, they are well aware of the area and customs, and most importantly, they are not very demanding on payment.
