Well put WYTAC

A Merc is what ever the media tells me it is

In my limited mind, mercenary's soldier as a proxy for a foreign govt by particpating in initiated offensive operations. Not to be confused with responding to provocation, or defensive / deterrence behaviors with the objective of providing safety to a person, place or thing. Certainly there are grey areas. But to consider oneself a "mercenary" just because one provides security with the ability to deliver lethal force (or teaches others)is non-sensical regardless of the environment. Within the industry the term is used as a macho bullshit way to feed an ego reassuring the individual that they are some how a stronger than average man. Outside of the industry its used as a derogatory designation implying lack of morality, loyalty, greed, and sanctity for human life. In my mind I am definetly not a mercenary. The only thing I am is a professional security / instruction provider, and Im only that while Im on the clock.

TeeRoy wrote:

In my limited mind, mercenary's soldier as a proxy for a foreign govt by particpating in initiated offensive operations. Not to be confused with responding to provocation, or defensive / deterrence behaviors with the objective of providing safety to a person, place or thing. Certainly there are grey areas. But to consider oneself a "mercenary" just because one provides security with the ability to deliver lethal force (or teaches others)is non-sensical regardless of the environment. Within the industry the term is used as a macho bullshit way to feed an ego reassuring the individual that they are some how a stronger than average man. Outside of the industry its used as a derogatory designation implying lack of morality, loyalty, greed, and sanctity for human life. In my mind I am definetly not a mercenary. The only thing I am is a professional security / instruction provider, and Im only that while Im on the clock.

Well put. +1

Well put Tee Roy.

Nope, just a private security contractor.. i don't participate in any events such as what Mr. Simon Mann was arrested for possibly staging a coup against EG, now that is a hard core merc.

soldier...father...husband...mercenary?....???....