I recall when I was working as a researcher i spent some time in Rhodesia and was introduced to the “Wild Geese” as they were called….they were mercenaries….paid soldiers……not anything that there was to be proud of for any reason……they fought for whoever paid the most…….

I bring tis up because there are now mercenaries in Ukraine……sorry but they want to be called security consultants….but a mercenary be any other name is still a hired killer……

But back to Ukraine……..

Reports out of German newspaper Bild am Sonntag are claiming Ukraine’s government has hired 400 American mercenaries from Academi, formerly Blackwater Worldwide, to lead military operations against eastern protesters.

Rumors of Academi subsidiary Greystone’s involvement in the crackdown are nothing new, but the report suggests the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, has actually confirmed that involvement, and informed Chancellor Angela Merkel weeks ago.

The transition from Blackwater to Xe Services to Academi was a long and winding road, but the taint of Blackwater’s notorious involvement in the Iraq War has followed the company every step of the way, meaning its involvement in Ukraine would be particularly controversial.

Academi issued a statement in March disavowing reports of their involvement in the Ukraine, blaming them on “irresponsible bloggers.” They have not issued any further statements, however, and speculation continues to grow.

Blackwater?  Then Xe?  and now Academi…..but no matter the name it is still a private army……..and I thought that there was some sort of rule against such…….but I guess if you rename yourself as a “security consultant” you can get away with anything.

These are mercenaries…..whether fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Ukraine……..paid killers!  Paid soldiers!  These poeple are in it for the cash…….NO matter who pays!