Mercenaries: From Legends to Legalities  

The Varangian Guard were Viking protectors of the Byzantine Emperors from the 10^th to 14thcenturies. As one of the first forms legions of mercenary activity in world history, we have come a long way in technological and tactical advancement. Entrusted with many special forces operation, whether medieval or modern, mercenaries have been sought after to bypass conventional warfare. In the time of the Byzantine Empire, Varangians fulfilled the roles of elite infantry and guardsmen to the Emperors, in exchange they received great wealth and status.  Other notable mercenaries of history might include: the “Ten Thousand”, Greek Warriors used to defeat the Persians and famously veterans of the Peloponnesian War. The White Company, in 14^th century Italy, for-profit soldiers namely used in the Hundred Years’ War. Then looking into Modern Day, we have the Swiss Guard protecting the Pope for centuries.

Private military firms have become increasingly predominant over the years. A means for a government, institution there over, or other entities as means of further expending of conventional military resources. The argument is made to favor the use of privately-contracted soldiers to bolster a mission or target. The use of these modernized services does hold true to the legends in way of protecting important persons. They are also used as a means to train military personnel, to provide support, and increase security measures whether that be on the battleground or in cyberspace. Presently, this does flow into a grey zone of legal issues within the international community. As these private military firms/companies continue to practice and perform special services the question of, “Where is the line to be drawn?” surfaces. Even still, the growing use of mercenaries has proven to be a very practical force for governments to get involved behind-the-scenes and avoid potential unrest if their military was performing the jobs of these services again. 
Let’s not get to political! JK let’s 

References

6 legendsPMF/CvarangiansByzantine