Image: jamesdale10, Wikipedia
Jul 21, 2008
Amita Sharma
Blackwater Worldwide executives said today they plan to downsize the firm's security business. The controversial contractor plans to instead focus its efforts on expanding military training similar to what's offered at its new Otay Mesa facility. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma.
Blackwater President Gary Jackson says in 2005 and 2006, security jobs like protecting U.S. diplomats, accounted for half of the company's business.
Now, it represents about 20 percent of the firm's contracts and Jackson says if he could take that cut down to 1 percent, he would. But company spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell says Jackson and other Blackwater executives were not suggesting an exit from the security business altogether.
Blackwater is training the Navy in counterrorism in Otay Mesa and Tyrrell says she sees the company pushing for more contracts with the military.
Tyrrell: In the future they said they envision an expansion of training, logistics and aviation support the company will provide its government clients. The story was about growth elsewhere and not an abandonment of any service we are currently providing.
Amita Sharma, KPBS News.
Source: http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=12305