The private security industry is on the rise. Although traditionally it has been understood that both warfare itself and the associated tasks should be reserved for state authorities, private military providers have become an integral part of American post-war efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Even though the employees of these companies do not primarily act as combatants, the services they provide are based on the needs of various national and international, governmental and civilian clients in the context of potential, current, or concluded conflicts. They protect supply convoys as well as high-ranking representatives of official delegations, interrogate prisoners, and serve as advisors and supporters of regular military forces during military operations.