Private armies aren't new. The very term "company" was originated as an organized, private, group of men under arms.
I haven't read _The Modern Mercenary_, but it sounds a bit myopic. For example, calling out potential actions in africa ignores 50 years of PMC work there. As far as proliferation in the last 25 years ... I suppose we've seen in increase in "market share" of defense dollars spent. Off hand I'd have to say mid century african bush wars and the 1990's "executive outcomes" era were notable for having tangible results. Most of the 2000s mid east work seemed like cash grabs shrouded in "outsourced logistics" work.
I haven't read _The Modern Mercenary_, but it sounds a bit myopic. For example, calling out potential actions in africa ignores 50 years of PMC work there. As far as proliferation in the last 25 years ... I suppose we've seen in increase in "market share" of defense dollars spent. Off hand I'd have to say mid century african bush wars and the 1990's "executive outcomes" era were notable for having tangible results. Most of the 2000s mid east work seemed like cash grabs shrouded in "outsourced logistics" work.
I'd definitely recommend PW Singers _Corporate Warriors_ for a thorough history of private force. http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Warriors-Privatized-Military...