Episode 380: Private Armies, Wars & Blackwater From a Navy Special Operator

War isn’t what you think it is. A former Navy Special Warfare operator and Blackwater contractor reveals what really happens behind military operations, private armies, and global conflict. This episode of Live From America features a powerful and unfiltered conversation with Trevor Fortner — a former Navy Special Warfare operator and Blackwater private military contractor. Trevor shares firsthand experiences from war zones, including protecting U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad in Iraq, and gives rare insight into how modern warfare actually operates beyond what the public sees. We break down the reality of war — the difference between controlled military strategy and the chaos experienced on the ground — and explore the controversial world of private military contractors (PMCs), including Blackwater and comparisons to groups like Russia’s Wagner Group. The conversation dives into: The truth about private military companies and how they operate The Nisour Square incident and the complexities behind it Accountability, regulation, and the evolution of PMCs The business of war and who really benefits Patriotism, national service, and cultural identity Why war may be inevitable — or driven by leadership decisions Trevor also shares personal reflections on time, leadership, and what he learned from operating in high-risk environments across the world. This is a deep, thought-provoking discussion about war, power, and the systems that shape global conflict. About Everyday Spy: Find your Spy Superpower: Explore Spy School: Listen to the podcast: Learn from a CIA Spy: About Live From America Podcast: Live From America Podcast explores law, politics, culture, and current events through expert interviews and debate. Hosted by Hatem Gabr and Noam Dworman, the show brings together journalists, comedians, and public thinkers to explore the biggest stories shaping public conversation Follow Live From America YouTube @livefromamericapodcast twitter.com/AmericasPodcast LiveFromAmericapodcast@gmail.com Follow Hatem Twitter.com/HatemNYC Instagram.com/hatemnyc/ Follow Noam Twitter.com/noam_dworman

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Episode 380: Private Armies, Wars & Blackwater From a Navy Special Operator is an episode from Live From America Podcast by Live From America Podcast.

This episode is 01:08:29 long.

This episode was published on Apr 14, 2026.

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