Russia votes to allow private armies for energy giants

This development is not as novel as it may seem. Private individuals and companies have even been enlisted to serve governments. According to a Los Angeles Times article, "Although private companies have played a role in conflicts since the American Revolution, the U.S. has relied more on contractors in Iraq than in any other war, according to military experts." This includes the hiring of "armed contractors" by the U.S. military in Iraq. The fact that there is a Private Security Association of Iraq suggests there must be a large number of armed contractors in Iraq.

The U.S. Constitution in Art. I § 8, explicitly allows the contracting out of military duties to private individuals by giving Congress the power to grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal. Normally these authorized the use of force by a private ship (privateer) against foreign ships (vessels).