Chairman Waxman, Congressman Davis, members of
the committee, my name is Erik Prince, and I am the chairman
and CEO of the Prince Group and Blackwater USA.
Blackwater is a team of dedicated professionals who provide
training to America's military and law enforcement communities
and risk their lives to protect Americans in harm's way
overseas. Under the direction and oversight of the U.S.
Government, Blackwater provides an opportunity for military and
law enforcement veterans with a record of honorable service to
continue their support to the United States.
Words alone cannot express the respect I have for these
brave men and women who volunteer to defend U.S. personnel,
facilities and diplomatic missions. I am proud to be here to
represent them today.
After almost 5 years in active service as a U.S. Navy SEAL,
I founded Blackwater in 1997. I wanted to offer the military
and law enforcement communities a**istance by providing expert
instruction and world-cla** training venues. Ten years later,
Blackwater trains approximately 500 members of the U.S.
military and law enforcement agencies every day.
After 9/11, when the United States began its stabilization
efforts in Afghanistan and then Iraq, the U.S. Government
called upon Blackwater to fill the need for protective services
in hostile areas. Blackwater responded immediately. We are
extremely proud of answering that call and supporting our
country.
Blackwater personnel supporting our country's overseas
missions are all military and law enforcement veterans, many of
whom have recent military deployments. No individual protected
by Blackwater has ever been k**ed or seriously injured. There
is no better evidence of the sk** and dedication of these men.
At the same time, 30 brave men have made the ultimate
sacrifice while working for Blackwater and its affiliates.
Numerous others have been wounded and permanently maimed. The
entire Blackwater family mourns the loss of these brave lives.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with their families.
The areas of Iraq in which we operate are particularly
dangerous and challenging. Blackwater personnel are subject to
regular attacks by terrorists and other nefarious forces within
Iraq. We are the targets of the same ruthless enemies that have
k**ed more than 3,800 American military personnel and
thousands of innocent Iraqis.
Any incident where Americans are attacked serves as a
reminder of the hostile environment in which our professionals
work to keep American officials and dignitaries safe, including
visiting Members of Congress. In doing so, more American
service members are available to fight the enemy.
Blackwater shares the committee's interest in ensuring the
accountability and oversight of contract personnel supporting
U.S. operations. The company and its personnel are already
accountable under and subject to numerous statutes, treaties
and regulations of the United States. Blackwater looks forward
to working with Congress and the executive branch to ensure
that any necessary improvements to these laws and policies are
implemented.
The Worldwide Personal Protection Services Contract, which
has been provided to this committee, was competitively awarded
and details almost every aspect of operations and contractor
performance including the hiring, vetting guidelines,
background checks, screening, training standards, rules of
force and conduct standards.
In Iraq, Blackwater reports to the emba**y's regional
security officer or RSO. All Blackwater movements and
operations are directed by the RSO. In conjunction with
internal company procedures and controls, the RSO ensures that
Blackwater complies with all relevant contractual terms and
conditions as well as any applicable laws and regulations.
We have approximately 1,000 professionals serving today in
Iraq as part of our Nation's total force. Blackwater does not
engage in offensive or military missions but performs only
defensive security functions.
My understanding of the September 16th incident is that the
Department of State and the FBI are conducting a full
investigation, but those results are not yet available. We at
Blackwater welcome the FBI review announced yesterday, and we
will cooperate fully and look forward to receiving their
conclusions.
I just want to put some other things in perspective. A
recent report from the Department of State stated that, in
2007, Blackwater has conducted 1,873 security details for
diplomatic business to the Red Zone, areas outside the Green
Zone in Iraq, and there have been only 56 incidences in which
weapons were discharged or less than 3 percent of all
movements.
In 2006, Blackwater conducted over 6,500 diplomatic
movements in the Red Zone. Weapons were discharged in less than
1 percent of those missions.
To the extent there is any loss of innocent life ever, let
me clear that I consider that tragic. Every life, whether
American or Iraqi, is precious. I stress to the committee and
to the American public, however, that I believe we acted
appropriately at all times.
I am prepared to answer your questions.