- Mercenaries are often more experienced and skilled fighters than regular soldiers.
- Mercenaries can be used to fill gaps in the military's capabilities, such as providing specialized skills or equipment.
- Mercenaries can be hired for a specific period of time, which can be helpful for limited engagements or during periods of high demand for military personnel.
- Mercenaries are often less expensive than regular soldiers, as they do not require the same benefits and support.
Arguments against using mercenaries:
- Mercenaries can be unreliable and unpredictable, as they are not bound by the same loyalty or sense of duty as regular soldiers.
- Mercenaries may have their own agendas, which could conflict with the objectives of the military or government that hires them.
- Mercenaries can be a source of human rights abuses, as they are not subject to the same laws and regulations as regular soldiers.
- Mercenaries can damage the reputation of the military or government that hires them, as they can be seen as a sign of weakness or desperation.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use mercenaries is a complex one that must be weighed carefully. There are both benefits and risks associated with using mercenaries, and the decision must be made on a case-by-case basis.
In the case of the British, they have used mercenaries in a variety of conflicts throughout their history. In some cases, mercenaries have played a valuable role in helping the British achieve their objectives. For example, during the Falklands War, British mercenaries provided valuable intelligence and support to the British military. In other cases, however, mercenaries have been a source of problems for the British. For example, during the Iraq War, British mercenaries were accused of human rights abuses and other misconduct.
Overall, the use of mercenaries by the British has been a mixed bag. There have been both successes and failures. The British government must carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with using mercenaries before making a decision about whether or not to use them in a particular conflict.