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Blackwater (company)

Blackwater was an American private military and security company founded in 1996 by Erik Prince.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Blackwater was an American private military and security company founded in 1996 by Erik Prince. It provided training and security services, especially for U.S. government clients, and became widely known for its role in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company later changed names to Xe Services and then Academi before becoming part of Constellis Group in 2014.

History

Blackwater was founded on December 26, 1996, by former U.S. Navy SEAL Erik Prince. The company began as a training and security provider and later took on government contracts. It was headquartered in Moyock, North Carolina, United States.

Operations

The company provided firearms training, security services, and protective support to government and other clients. Its work expanded significantly during the post-2001 U.S. military campaigns, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Controversies

Blackwater became closely associated with public criticism of private military contracting. Its operations in Iraq, in particular, drew scrutiny and contributed to later rebranding efforts. The company became controversial because of violence and misconduct allegations tied to its personnel and contracts.

Corporate succession

Blackwater was renamed Xe Services in 2009 and Academi in 2011. In 2014, Academi was folded into Constellis Group along with Triple Canopy, making Blackwater a predecessor in the modern Constellis corporate structure.

Key facts

  • Blackwater was founded by former U.S. Navy SEAL Erik Prince in North Carolina.
  • It became prominent during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
  • The company was renamed Xe Services in 2009 and Academi in 2011.
  • In 2014, Academi was folded into Constellis Group.
  • Controversies included violence and misconduct allegations.
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Canadian context

Blackwater is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a major example of private military contracting and post-9/11 security outsourcing, a topic often discussed in international security, war, and public-policy contexts.

Frequently asked questions

What was Blackwater?
Blackwater was a U.S.-based private military and security company that provided training, protection, and related services, especially for government clients.
Who founded Blackwater?
Blackwater was founded by Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL.
When was Blackwater founded?
It was founded on December 26, 1996.
What did Blackwater become later?
It was renamed Xe Services in 2009, Academi in 2011, and later became part of Constellis Group in 2014.
Where was Blackwater headquartered?
Its headquarters were in Moyock, North Carolina, in the United States.
Why is Blackwater notable?
It became one of the best-known private military contractors due to its large U.S. government contracts and the controversy surrounding its activities.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_(company)
    Supports: Founding date, founder, renamings, defunct status, and succession into Constellis.
  2. Silent Professionals — https://silentprofessionals.org/blackwater/
    Supports: Early history, founding context, and first U.S. government contract.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2007/12/14/17269881/timeline-blackwater-and-security-regulations
    Supports: Founding, early services, and growth into security contracting.
  4. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/01/blackwater-xe-history
    Supports: Blackwater's role in post-9/11 private warfare and public controversy.