A clip of Wagner mercenaries training African soldiers to clear rooms, though the exact country is not specified. Note how one man throws his practice grenade and the other rushes through the door right behind it. That is usually an issue that is sorted out in training, or which results in a permanent lesson when encountered in the field. Russia has employed Wagner soldiers as guns for hire, offering muscle and training in exchange for cash, raw materials, mineral rights, and influence. Wagner has operated in Syria, the Sudan, and in sub-Saharan Africa, and has presented a destabilizing influence, countering local and western interests.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing is preparing for the 2024 season of sailing on Galveston Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.