## Overview and Activities Blackwater was a pioneering American private military company (PMC) that specialized in security, military training, and special operations services for governments, corporations, and law enforcement agencies[4]. Founded in 1997 by former Navy SEALs Erik Prince and Al Clark, the company initially focused on providing high-level tactical training for law enforcement and special operations units at its state-of-the-art facility in North Carolina[1][3]. The aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks and the ensuing War on Terror dramatically expanded Blackwater’s role, as it began supplying armed contractors for security and protection missions, notably in Iraq and Afghanistan[3][4]. At its peak, Blackwater was one of the most prominent players in the global private security industry, offering services that ranged from personal protection for diplomats to crowd control during domestic crises like Hurricane Katrina[2]. ## History and Growth Blackwater’s origins trace back to Prince’s vision of creating a private-sector alternative to traditional military operations, leveraging his SEAL experience and family wealth to build a business that could act as a rapid-response force for the U.S. government[2]. The company’s early success was rooted in its elite training programs, but the post-9/11 era saw it transition into a full-fledged PMC, securing lucrative government contracts and deploying personnel to some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones[3][4]. Blackwater’s recruitment strategy emphasized hiring veterans from elite military units, ensuring a highly skilled workforce[3]. ## Key Achievements and Controversies Blackwater’s rapid growth was marked by both achievements and controversies. The company was among the first to respond to Hurricane Katrina, deploying personnel to New Orleans before federal agencies arrived[2]. Its contractors provided critical security for U.S. diplomats in Iraq, including protecting the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, Paul Bremer[3]. However, Blackwater became internationally notorious following the 200