The world market for private military services exceeds the $ 100 billion mark. Questions about the need to form full-fledged private military companies in Russia periodically arise on the agenda.
Problems solved by private military companies in the world
Many people believe that private military companies and classic mercenary squads are one and the same thing. However, it is not. In fact, this is a commercial structure controlled by the state. Private companies are becoming more widespread in the world. So, if in the early 1990s there was one private person for every 50 career military personnel, today this ratio has decreased to 10: 1.
Today, more than 450 private military companies operate in various areas of the world.
Private military organizations can solve a wide range of tasks, including:
- military services, tactical support during hostilities (they took part in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan);
- consulting military services, strategic planning, army training;
- military logistics;
- private security services.
Another new area of activity for private companies is the fight against piracy.
Most military companies today are not directly involved in military conflicts. It is believed that this type of business is a very profitable enterprise.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of private military companies include more flexible management and responsiveness, which manifests itself in the absence of bureaucracy. It is also believed that such troops are of a higher professional level compared to regular troops. Sometimes it is more profitable to sign a one-time contract with a private military company for a specific task than to maintain an entire army for these purposes. Finally, the involvement of private military companies causes less discontent among the population, and the loss of their personnel is not counted in government reports.
However, the attitude to the involvement of military companies in the world is ambiguous. Their disadvantages include the lack of an ideological component (they are aimed at making a profit), a single control center and a plan, and incomplete operational data. Finally, the cost of the services of private companies is often extremely high.
Prospects for private military companies in Russia
A number of private military companies operate in Russia.
Such Russian companies as "Ferax", "RSB-Group", "Tiger Top Rent Security", "Redut-Antiterror", "Antiterror-Orel" operate on the market today.
Until their activities became widespread, they are few in number and scattered. This is largely due to the lack of a legislative framework, and the activities of such organizations are equated with mercenary activities.
Despite the great potential of Russian private military companies, which is associated with the latest massive redundancies in the army, Russia is still lagging behind other countries. There is no unequivocal point of view regarding the need to develop this type of business in Russia.
Experts believe that private military companies could become an important player in the foreign policy and foreign economic markets, and also domestically. The state would receive informal tools for realizing its interests in hot spots and expanding its influence in the world. Private military companies could contribute to the development of Russian business in the world by insuring major transactions abroad.
Finally, the social aspect is also important. Thanks to private companies, there would be an opportunity for employment for numerous reserve officers, as well as for channeling the energy of passionate people in the right direction.
