I was a Blackwater mercenary in Iraq
Episode description
Alia is joined by former Blackwater contractor Morgan Lerette. In a wide-ranging conversation about Morgan's experiences, they look at Blackwater’s lax vetting procedures, the tense relationship on the ground between private contractors and the US military, the absence of long-term benefits or a support system for former Blackwater employees, and the prevalence of substance abuse and suicides. Morgan likens private military contractors to a single-serve coffee cup, to be used and discarded at will so that corporations can profit, and governments can avoid committing boots on the ground.
“I still don’t know what legal rules and regulations govern private military contractors. And I think there’s a reason for that”
The Guns for Hire podcast is written, produced and hosted by Dr Alia Brahimi.
Get in touch at: gunsforhirepodcast@gmail.com.