Re: [OT] [gzg hist] UN Covert Ops

> I believe it wasn't  until late 20th century that mercenaries were
> considered evil.  But with the almost universal use of private 
> security forces (rent-a-cops) the reintroduction of mercenaries in 
> conflicts is not unexpected.
> 
>	      Eric G.

The reputation of mercenaries has varied widely throughout history. 
Landsknechts and 30-Year's war mercenaries had a particularly evil name
for 
plunder, rape, murder and wanton mayhem. In the 18th century more or 
less all European were technically mercenaries and very strictly 
disciplined. During the American Revolution Hessian Mercenaries got
painted black 
by American propaganda. 

It's mainly due to the predominance of national armies and 
nationalistic politics in the 19th and 20th century that (foreign)
mercenaries 
declined in importance and reputation. Non-foreign mercenaries are
called 
professional soldiers instead - If you define a mercenary as somebody
who 
is a full-time soldier (as opposed to a militiaman) and gets paid for it

(instead of being conscripted to the task).

No offense to any professional soldiers on the list intended.

Greetings
Karl Heinz