If private security forces are filling a need for more forces that the U.S. military does not have , why should
they be considered mercenaries and so be banned during war time?
The U.S. never signed the UN treaty, making it unclear as to whether it can be enforced or not.
The UN banned it under international law
Mercenaries serve a purpose according to the Geneva Convention
The U.S. sometimes needs to use security forces as mercenaries