Al Clark (mercenary)
Alfred Clark | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1965 |
| Died | 2015-05-23 |
| Occupation(s) | Navy SEAL, private security company co-founder, consultant |
| Known for | Co-founding Blackwater, contributions to military training programs |
Alfred Clark co-established the private security company Blackwater alongside Erik Prince.
Military career
Clark enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983 and successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) in 1987. Following SEAL Tactical Training and a probationary phase, he obtained the NEC 5326 designation as a Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) and was assigned to SEAL Team FOUR until 1994. Subsequently, he underwent a specialized selection process for placement within the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
During his tenure as a Navy SEAL firearms instructor, Clark recognized the lack of dedicated Navy shooting ranges, which were frequently borrowed or rented under suboptimal conditions. He conceived the idea of a comprehensive private training facility but initially lacked funding until meeting Erik Prince, whose family wealth facilitated the founding of Blackwater in 1997. Blackwater primarily provided private security services, including protection for American and British personnel during the Iraq War.
Following his departure from Blackwater, Clark co-founded Strategic Tactical Services (STS), supported by investors who believed in his strategic vision. In 2006, he established Clark Consulting LLC in Virginia Beach, an SDVO-certified small business focused on training and operational support for individuals operating in high-threat environments. Between 2007 and 2008, Clark collaborated with David Tollaksen to create Longbow Global & Longbow International Group, which by 2014 had transformed into Archer Tactical Group, LLC. This organization broadened its scope from conventional training and security services to include sophisticated tactical operations.
Clark also served as a consultant for the U.S. Navy Center for Security Forces and Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) regarding their training initiatives. This collaboration resulted in a seven-year development project producing the "Combat Shooting Training Program Analysis," which ultimately led to the establishment of the "ESAMI" (Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor) program. Through Clark Consulting, nearly 1,000 NECC personnel received training aimed at improving combat shooting skills and operational preparedness.
Clark passed away on May 23, 2015, due to complications related to his health.
See also
External links
- Current Occupation
- Blackwater's Dark Side Exposed – video news report by MSNBC