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Ever wondered who protects the world's richest, riskiest, and most secretive places? We're ranking the 15 biggest private armies, from legendary Pinkerton to high-tech modern forces! Get ready for wild stories, jaw-dropping budgets, and the coolest security gadgets. Which army impressed you most? Hit subscribe for more epic lists and tell us in the comments your favorite private force! #security #military #privatearmy #history #top15
👉 This channel was created in collaboration with https://www.youtube.com/@noelpolotv
0:00 - Introduction to Private Armies
0:26 - Academi: The Evolution of Blackwater
1:34 - ICTS International: Israeli Security Expertise
3:13 - Northbridge Services: Global Operations
4:44 - Triple Canopy and Prosegur: Security Leaders
6:02 - Prosegur: Spain’s Security Giant
7:34 - World’s Largest Private Security Firms Overview
👉 This channel was created in collaboration with https://www.youtube.com/@noelpolotv
0:00 - Introduction to Private Armies
0:26 - Academi: The Evolution of Blackwater
1:34 - ICTS International: Israeli Security Expertise
3:13 - Northbridge Services: Global Operations
4:44 - Triple Canopy and Prosegur: Security Leaders
6:02 - Prosegur: Spain’s Security Giant
7:34 - World’s Largest Private Security Firms Overview
Category
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NewsTranscript
00:00These elite security forces use the most modern weapons and the most effective tactics that
00:05money can buy.
00:06And if you have the budget, they'll take care of the firepower.
00:10So join us today as we take a look at 15 of the largest private armies in the world.
00:16But before we start, if you're new to our channel, don't forget to subscribe so you'll
00:21always be updated with videos like this.
00:2615.
00:29Formerly known as Blackwater USA, Academy is an American private military company founded
00:34in 1997.
00:37Its founder is Eric Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, so you know their services are no joke.
00:43When the company was just starting, Prince said,
00:45We are trying to do for national security what FedEx did for postal services.
00:51That means faster, more efficient, more modern, and truly a bigger commitment.
00:56That's it.
00:57Blackwater got its first big contract in 2000 amid tensions in the Middle East.
01:02And it wasn't a simple mission.
01:04They didn't just bring 10 people like in a video game.
01:07They needed 100,000 sailors to be trained and prepared for heavy operations.
01:12Because of the issues that followed, Eric Prince resigned in 2009, and the company was
01:18rebranded as Academy in 2011 when new investors came in.
01:22Currently, Academy is working with FedEx, as well as state and local government agencies,
01:28also with law enforcement and intelligence organizations in different parts of the world.
01:34Number 14, ICTS International
01:40ICTS International is quite unique.
01:43Here, security personnel from the strictly managed El Al Israel Airlines and a former official
01:49of the Israel Security Agency were brought together to form an Israeli private security company
01:55in 1982.
01:56Most of their personnel are security experts, former intelligence officers, and former high-ranking
02:03military commanders.
02:04Even though it was founded in Israel, their headquarters is in the Netherlands.
02:09ICTS International focuses on aviation and homeland security, as well as transportation like railways
02:16and public transit.
02:18Even though it sounds complicated, it's clear that they can assemble a team ready to fly anywhere
02:23and anytime.
02:24They specialize in aviation security and can quickly transport VIPs and heads of state on
02:30their private jet.
02:31Quiet and really inconspicuous.
02:34But when tension arises, they're also ready to handle the heat.
02:38In the 1990s, they developed Advanced Passenger Screening, a computer technology now used by
02:44almost all major US airlines.
02:47It uses an algorithm to run background checks and identify which passengers could be a threat
02:52even before they board.
02:54The goal of ICTS International is to prevent aviation attacks before they even happen.
02:59And no matter how big they are, in 2008, this company's revenue was almost $100 million,
03:05which they used to upgrade and develop high-tech gadgets and security software.
03:14Northbridge Services Group is registered in the Dominican Republic.
03:22But most of their operations are in Kentucky, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
03:27They are one of the well-known private military contractors that provide highly confidential and
03:33effective security services for those who can afford to pay and have a good reputation.
03:37Their clients include governments, multinational corporations, NGOs, the corporate sector,
03:43and even high-profile individuals.
03:46Their CEO and president is Robert Kovacic, a former US Army lieutenant colonel and Vietnam veteran.
03:53He has been with the group since 2003 and is experienced in high-stress and high-stakes operations.
03:57Northbridge's services include security advisory and specialized training, operational support,
04:04intelligence support, and strategic communication.
04:07They also assist local law enforcement when additional expertise is needed, especially in counterterrorism,
04:13organized crime, smuggling, maritime defense, anti-narcotics, environmental protection,
04:19and even anti-poaching operations.
04:22In 2012, the group had earned $15 million.
04:26Their most controversial and well-known project was in 2003 when they offered to capture Liberian
04:32President Charles Taylor, even though he was a convicted world criminal in exchange for a $4 million bounty.
04:38It seems they could also add professional bounty hunting to their services.
04:43Number 12, Triple Canopy.
04:48Triple Canopy is a private security and defense contracting firm based in Virginia and founded in 2003.
04:56This company was formed by former US Special Forces soldiers,
05:00and most of their employees are ex-Special Forces or former police officers.
05:05They provide mission support, high-level security, and world-class training for government agencies and multinational corporations.
05:13Who else would be more suitable to train security teams than former Green Berets who have experienced almost every situation?
05:20They have a lot of clients from NGOs, telecom companies, oil and gas firms, mining corporations, to financial institutions.
05:29They have around 5,500 employees, and all of them are highly trained.
05:34And if you want to work for them as security personnel, you need to have solid experience in military operations,
05:40a military police background, or emergency medicine training.
05:44And the standards are strict because those in their chain of command are Delta Force officers.
05:50Triple Canopy also played a big role in the Iraq War, and one of their contracts was worth almost $1
05:55.5 billion.
05:57It's clear that this mission is very important.
06:02Number 11 ProSegur
06:07Now let's move to Spain.
06:09ProSegur is a large private security company with over 15,000 well-trained staff spread across Asia, Oceania, Latin America,
06:18and of course, Europe.
06:20Since it was established in 1976, it gradually became one of the leading security contractors in Spain.
06:26Even though they're not as active in war zones or high-conflict areas, they are still experts in their respective
06:32fields.
06:33ProSegur offers guard services, home security, fire protection, security technology, and consulting services.
06:40The company grew even bigger.
06:42So in 1981, it was listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange.
06:45And by 2011, ProSegur's revenue reached almost $234 million.
06:52If you're in Madrid, you'll often see ProSegur's armored vans going around and transporting large amounts of money to different
07:00banks around the world.
07:01They have around 5,000 armored vans.
07:06That's why no thieves would dare to try anything.
07:10They also provide advanced tech services such as CCTV monitoring, access control, anti-intrusion systems, and perimeter detection.
07:18And they don't just send ordinary guards.
07:21They provide armed and unarmed guards, canine units, and VIP protection.
07:26In other words, if ProSegur is the one assigned, you wouldn't want to get on their bad side.
07:34Number 10, G.K. Sierra
07:39Based in Washington, D.C. and Portland, Oregon, G.K. Sierra is a high-level private security force that started
07:47out developing secure information technology for the U.S. government.
07:51But after two years, they expanded into investigation and intelligence services.
07:56Currently, they collect information for the CIA and already have an office in Tel Aviv.
08:02According to reports, they hired high-ranking Mossad operatives.
08:05And if you know Mossad, you know the top tier tech, software, and intelligence capabilities they have.
08:12That's why G.K. Sierra is one of the most trusted cybersecurity firms in the world.
08:17They can do corporate investigation, intelligence gathering, digital forensics, encryption technology.
08:23But they're not just about keyboards.
08:26They also have direct action operatives in different countries, so they can operate old school when necessary.
08:32If you need to dig up evidence, look for internal sabotage, or identify who's stealing millions from your company, you'll
08:38call G.K.
08:39As long as your checkbook is ready.
08:44Number 9, KBR
08:49Based in Houston, Texas, KBR is a private military engineering and construction firm.
08:54It was founded in 1998, and its formation is somewhat complicated.
08:59Several existing companies were merged to form the KBR that we know today.
09:03They have already secured contracts in different parts of the world, such as Cuba, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
09:09They're not afraid to get their hands dirty and enter tense areas, whether their role is big or small.
09:16In Iraq alone, they have 14,000 American personnel and are said to have the largest contract from the U
09:23.S. government in the region.
09:25They drove away all the companies bidding for it, which means there is clearly greater trust in them.
09:32KBR became so profitable that in 2008, they bought the Alabama-based engineering company, Bank, for over $500 million.
09:41Three years later, they earned an additional $540 million, which helped recover the cost of the acquisition.
09:48This company has long been connected to the government since the time of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
09:52And they were already being given large government contracts in exchange for allegedly funding his campaign and personal interests.
09:59And they're not just about construction.
10:02KBR is also active in aerospace, industrial intelligence, and of course, defense work.
10:09Number 8. Andrews International
10:15Andrews International is a private security firm that was established in Los Angeles, California in 1988.
10:21They have offices throughout America, as well as in Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, and even in Canada and India.
10:29What exactly do they do, you might ask?
10:31They provide armed and unarmed security for large businesses.
10:35And they also have specialized services for government agencies and the Department of Defense.
10:41In 2009, they acquired the Canadian global security firm Guarda World, a large company operating in the U.S. and
10:49Mexico, for $44 million.
10:52Andrews International takes pride in being a professional provider of comprehensive security and risk mitigation services.
11:00They can guard national landmarks, major tourist attractions, industrial sites, banks and financial institutions, health care facilities, schools, and their
11:10message is, if you own something, they can protect it.
11:13But of course, when the stakes are high, the client's expectations are high, and the highest of all is the
11:18bill.
11:19Good thing most of those who pay are governments.
11:24Number 7. Asia Security Group
11:28This is one of the most unique on the list, so if you want to try, you can check if
11:34they're hiring.
11:35But it's definitely very hard to get in.
11:37As for Asia Security Group's qualifications, Asia Security Group is an Afghanistan-based private security company known for their licensed
11:46and heavily armored troops.
11:48The company is mysterious and lacks public information, but it's clear that they are a highly trained armed security force.
11:55They have branches in Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Jalalabad, and Kandahar, and they promise to provide comprehensive, customized security solutions
12:04for government and corporate clients, especially in high-risk locations.
12:09They have also worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, especially in guarding supply convoys in the most dangerous areas
12:16of the country.
12:17Recently, they also partnered with DynCorp, another major U.S. private military contractor for security risk assessment, management, and business
12:26development.
12:29Number 6. Unity Resources Group
12:34It's not just the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries that have strong private security forces.
12:39Unity Resources Group is an Australian firm that was established in 2000.
12:44Most of their personnel come from Australia and New Zealand, but interestingly, their headquarters is in Dubai.
12:50They offer land, sea, and air services in areas that are complex, dangerous, and have unreliable infrastructure.
12:59That's why it makes sense for them to be based in Dubai.
13:02Yes, the city is wealthy, but once you step outside the city proper, you'll see that the surrounding territories aren't
13:09as developed.
13:10And that's where the need for companies like Unity comes in.
13:14They have around 1,200 employees, and their offices are spread across Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Central
13:23Asia, and of course, Australia.
13:25That means this group is always busy with work.
13:28They're really good at asset security and high-risk guarding, so it's no surprise that they're intimidating.
13:34They're in the most dangerous areas of their operations.
13:37But in 2007, Unity Resources Group got involved in a controversial incident in Baghdad that resulted in the deaths of
13:45two civilians.
13:46Instead of disowning their staff, the company defended their employees, saying that this is the kind of risk that sometimes
13:53comes with working in war zones.
13:58Number 5. Sanaka Group
14:02Another private security force with a wide reach is the Sanaka Group.
14:06They are based in Ireland, but they also have Sanaka UK and Sanaka Canada, and all of these operate extensively.
14:13They also have other subdivisions such as Sanaka Guarding, Sanaka Cash Management Service, Sanaka Training, Sanaka Tech, and Integrated Risk
14:22Management.
14:23In other words, they can do almost everything.
14:26They are ready to work with government authorities, but they are also willing to enter different industries such as oil
14:32and gas, transportation and logistics, finance, tourism, healthcare, property, maritime, energy, NGOs, and even police forces.
14:42If you compare them to a tool, they are the Swiss Army knife of the private security world, complete with
14:48everything you need.
14:49But remember, the quality matches the price.
14:52They're not a budget option.
14:54Their Integrated Risk Management Division offers both armed and unarmed guard patrol services, or corporate security, alarm response, e-holding
15:04services, and it's like you're hiring your own mini police force if you can afford it.
15:08The police force was founded in 2009 by Major Jim Farrell of the Irish Army Special Forces and security veteran
15:15Terry Downs.
15:16The company is still young compared to others, but it grew quickly because of their expertise in risk management.
15:23With how fast they're expanding, it's not impossible for them to add another subsidiary in the coming years.
15:37The Canadian security firm Guard the World, and yes, the name really fits, is the largest privately owned security company
15:45in the world.
15:45They are based in Montreal, Quebec, and have 45,000 employees spread across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa,
15:55and the Middle East.
15:56They have secured people and properties in over 140 cities, and protect 28 North American airports.
16:03So, chances are you've already come across their personnel.
16:06So, you've probably seen their personnel after passing through TSA without even realizing it.
16:10Their International Protective Services Division handles security for clients in high-risk and rapidly changing locations.
16:17That means no matter how complicated the situation is, they're ready to jump in.
16:22Aside from protection, they have a cash management division that processes more than $5 billion a day.
16:29That's how big it really is.
16:30The company was so profitable back in 2012, they were able to acquire it.
16:35The cash management division of another well-known security firm was acquired for $110 million.
16:41And in the following years, they even made a deal with Bank of America worth $1.4 billion.
16:47And when they hear not guarding money, they ensure the protection of U.S. government officials, train security teams, and
16:55handle crisis response.
16:56By the end of April 2012, their quarterly revenue reached $300 million.
17:02And it seems they're not just good at guarding.
17:04They're not only good at guarding money, they're also great at making their own.
17:10Control Risk is a London-based firm with 36 offices worldwide.
17:18They are the go-to for large organizations that need help managing political and security risks, especially in dangerous areas.
17:26They started as a division of an insurance firm in 1975.
17:30But in 1982, they became independent.
17:33By the 90s, they expanded their operations to countries that are difficult to access.
17:39But they focused on intelligence, investigation, and strategic consulting, especially when it comes to sensitive political issues.
17:47In short, they know how to give advice, and they also know how to go out into the field.
17:51They physically protect their clients, but they can also keep your secrets if needed.
17:56During the Iraq War, they were the ones who secured many assets of big oil companies.
18:01And in 2010, they earned $223 million from this contract.
18:07Now, they operate in over 150 countries, and also offer services in cybersecurity, maritime security, and travel protection.
18:15However, remember, this is not a job for beginners.
18:18To get in, you need a strong background in the military, police, or intelligence.
18:23If you want only an entry-level position, this isn't for you.
18:29Number 2, G4S
18:34The name doesn't just sound cool, but G4S is one of the oldest and largest security firms in the world.
18:41They were founded back in 1901 in Denmark, and now have operations in over 100 countries.
18:47The company is so big that their global workforce is over 620,000 employees,
18:52which is even more than the population of some small countries.
18:56The real edge of GS4 is that they go to places that are often neglected even by governments themselves.
19:03They are the ones called when security is needed in sensitive places,
19:06such as oil fields in the Middle East and Africa, as well as nuclear facilities in the U.S.
19:11Because of their size, GS4 is the third largest private sector employer in the world,
19:17and has a force three times bigger than the British Army.
19:21They describe themselves as a global security and outsourcing group focused on sectors where security is critical.
19:28These are places where, if they fail, it could cause major disruptions to the economy or national security.
19:34In 2004, they were acquired by a London-based security firm, Core,
19:38which is why they grew even bigger and were able to handle the large number of employees they have today.
19:43And in 2012, they generated over $12 billion, and yes, billions, that's really a lot.
19:49Some of their services include providing security personnel, monitoring surveillance equipment,
19:54quick response units, and even secure prisoner transport.
19:58If you think about it, with over a century of operations, who could be the high-risk prisoners they've escorted?
20:05We may never know.
20:081. Pinkerton Government Services, Sir
20:14Pinkerton Government Services is a security firm with some of the deepest roots in history.
20:20Pinkerton started back in 1850 when detective and spy Alan Pinkerton
20:25founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago.
20:29Two centuries have passed, but their legacy is still very much alive.
20:34Today, they offer a full range of protective services designed to meet the extreme needs of the United States government.
20:40Their services include armed and unarmed guards,
20:43firefighting units, emergency medical technicians,
20:47and even bomb and drug-sniffing dogs.
20:50They're like an all-in-one force.
20:52In 2003, they were acquired by the Swedish security giant Securitas AB
20:57and renamed Securitas Critical Infrastructure.
21:01However, even though the name changed, the Pinkerton legacy will never disappear.
21:07As early as the 1800s, they were like characters straight out of a movie.
21:11They were called in to chase Jesse James and Butch Cassidy,
21:15became part of many TV shows, and even worked directly with Abraham Lincoln.
21:19And because of their amazing history and ongoing operations,
21:23it's likely that Pinkerton will go down in history
21:26as one of the most iconic and coolest private security firms of all time.
21:31is a thing that's
21:33It was a big
21:35thing that we do
21:35and it's going to be a big
21:35thing that I have.
21:35And so,
21:36I'll be right back.
21:36I would say
21:36which which which that
21:37was the only one of the most iconic people of all time.
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