How do you feel about..?

Question

How do you feel about mercenaries?

Answer 1

As far as I know mercenaries are illegal.

Well, as long as they are used properly, then they can be a valuable asset.

Answer 2

Historically mercenaries have been good Soldiers, they can do things that due to politics US and other Western troops can not do. The only thing i have against that they need to be called what they are today, the guys who work for Blackwater, Dyno Corp, etc are mercenaries, not private contractors, quit with the political correctness.

Answer 3

They do have their uses.

Answer 4

I think throughout history they have proven useful at times.  However, I wouldn't want to run up against one myself.

Answer 5

They can only be employed in carrying out military actions in the name of the United States after receiving a letter of marque or reprisal from the Congress of the United States. Those letters were last issued to civilian merchant ships who mounted cannons during the Barbary Pirates War in the Jefferson administration. So, they are not "illegal". But,  I don't see a need for them today, except for possible covert actions against the "hirabah" (terrorists) where political sensibilities might prohibit the use of military special operations groups.  

Answer 6

good stuff, they get the "dirty" jobs that the military can't do due to politics and junk.  

Answer 7

GIVE THEM A JOB TO DO AND PAY THEM WELL ENOUGH AND YOU WILL GET EXACTLY THE RESULTS YOU WANT. YOU MUST HOWEVER RELINQUISH FULL CONTROL TO THEM. THAT IS THE FLAW IN THAT APPROACH.

Answer 8

Ever heard of security contractors? :D

Mercenaries could be a good asset to warfighting, the main weakness is that the other side could pay them more. They can't be trusted.