Triple Canopy is a private military company (PMC) that provides security, training, and mission support services to various clients around the world. The company was founded in 2003 and has gained a reputation for its involvement in high-risk security operations in challenging environments.
Triple Canopy was established in Chicago, Illinois, by U.S. Army Special Forces veterans Nicholas Farah, Matthew Mann, and Thomas Katis. The founders aimed to create a PMC that could deliver comprehensive security solutions in conflict zones and areas of high risk.
In 2010, Triple Canopy was acquired by the security and risk management firm Constellis Group. This merger allowed Triple Canopy to expand its capabilities and resources while operating under a larger corporate umbrella.
Logo of Triple Canopy
Logo of Constellis
The origins of Triple Canopy motto “Secure Success” can likely be traced back to the company’s founding and its mission in the private security industry. The motto “Secure Success” reflects Triple Canopy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and success of their clients’ operations.
A second (and older) motto once aligned with Triple Canopy had been “Assess, Avert, Achieve.” This mantra implies that Triple Canopy achieved their objectives while adhering to ethical and best practices established in the worldwide security business.
While Triple Canopy may not have its own distinct symbol within Constellis Group, it operates under the broader corporate brand and aligns its visual identity with the Constellis logo.
The Constellis logo consists of a stylized representation of a star cluster or constellation. The logo typically features several interconnected stars forming a cohesive shape. The design aims to convey a sense of unity, strength, and reliability.
As mentioned prior, since Triple Canopy was purchased by Constellis in 2010, its logo has since been integrated with the company.
Triple Canopy “Secure Success” patch. These can be found and purchased on commercial websites such as eBay.
Soldiers from Company A, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, escort Triple Canopy guards to the firing line, Sept. 5, 2011. Triple Canopy soldiers can be seen wearing their company patches on their arms. Image provided by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
Private security contractors such as Triple Canopy offer an effective and cost-efficient supplement to the US government’s internal security capacity so that it may better achieve its objectives in missions such as Iraq and Qatar. For the Department of Defense, a frequent partner with Triple Canopy, private security contractors allow soldiers to be taken off certain security duties and placed into the field to perform other important mission requirements. Ignacio Balderas, CEO of Triple Canopy, made the following statement in regard to the greater role of the company, “What we cannot do, and should not do, is replace the function of an armed military.” [source]
Triple Canopy has received over 350 contracts from the federal government, worth more than $4 billion. The company currently has contracts with the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon. [source]
Triple Canopy is a subsidiary of Constellis, which is a leading provider of risk management and security services. Constellis, in turn, is owned by a group of investors led by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. Apollo acquired Constellis Holdings, including Triple Canopy, in 2016.
Within the grand scheme of Constellis, Triple Canopy operates as a distinct business unit or subsidiary. It maintains its own business structure, including its own leadership, operational teams, and client base. While being part of the larger Constellis organisation, Triple Canopy retains autonomy in offering specialised security services to clients. This structure allows Constellis to leverage Triple Canopy’s expertise while benefiting from the overall coordination and resources provided by the Constellis corporate entity.
Former officers of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force), business analysts, asset management professionals, and consultants make up the core of Triple Canopy…
Ignacio “Iggy” Balderas: As the CEO and member of the board of directors, Balderas is responsible for managing its strategic direction, organisation, and management of the company. He has over two decades of experience in Special Forces Units, specifically Delta Force, and participated in multiple combat operations over his 20 years of service. [source]
Tom Katis: As the founder and co-chairman of Triple Canopy and Constellis, Katis played a forward role in the American PMC industry. In 2007, he also founded Voxer, a digital communication app made with cutting-edge military technology. Prior to this, Katis was a US Army Special Forces Communications Sergeant and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2002-2003. [source]
Greg “Mo” Mulligan: As President of Triple Canopy, Greg “Mo” Mulligan, was in charge of overseeing the company’s international operations and growth. When he was the Chief Operating Officer, Mulligan oversaw the business development, operations, and finances of Triple Canopy. Mulligan operated in the Delta Force as a Troop Sergeant Major, Unit Operations Sergeant Major and Selection and Training Sergeant Major in his 24 years of US Army service. [source]
Online Applications: As part of Constellis, interested candidates can submit their applications and resumes on the main website. Applications usually include personal details, qualifications, relevant experience, and any specific skills or certifications desired by the company.
Job Boards and Recruitment Websites: Triple Canopy advertises job openings on various job boards and recruitment websites. They typically target those with military backgrounds, law enforcement experience, or specialised skill sets relevant to their operational needs.
Networking and Referrals: Triple Canopy relies on networking and employee referrals to identify potential candidates. Current employees, industry contacts, and trusted individuals within the company’s network may recommend qualified individuals for consideration.
Military Transition Programs: Triple Canopy engages with military transition programs and career fairs to connect with individuals who are transitioning out of military service and seeking civilian employment in the security sector.
Direct Recruitment: In some cases, Triple Canopy directly approaches individuals with specific skill sets or expertise through targeted recruitment efforts. This approach is often used to recruit specialists, subject matter experts, or individuals with unique qualifications.
Amanda Lupton, a recruiter for Constellis, shares company information with attendees on Fort Buchanan. Image courtesy of the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
Requirements
Military or Law Enforcement Experience: Triple Canopy often seeks candidates with prior military experience, particularly in combat arms or special operations roles. Law enforcement experience can also be relevant, especially for roles that require knowledge of security procedures and protocols.
Skills and Specialisations: Depending on the specific job role, Triple Canopy may require candidates to possess specialised skills or certifications. This can include expertise in areas such as close protection, tactical operations, intelligence analysis, marksmanship, foreign language proficiency, or technical skills.
Physical Fitness and Health: Candidates must meet certain physical fitness standards as individuals must be physically capable of handling demanding tasks in challenging environments. A medical assessment may be conducted to ensure candidates are in good health and able to perform the job duties.
Security Clearance: Some positions within Triple Canopy may require candidates to hold or be eligible for security clearances, depending on the nature of the contracts and clients involved. Clearances are typically granted after a thorough background investigation.
Possible Foreign Recruitment
As a United States-based company, certain job opportunities with Triple Canopy require US citizenship. That being said, there are a number of openings, such as guarding positions, that are available for foreign applicants. Background checks are conducted to ensure candidates have a clean record.
In addition to Triple Canopy, several other private military and security companies were acquired by Constellis.
Constellis acquired Triple Canopy and its competitors to strategically expand its capabilities, diversify services, and consolidate its position in the market. By integrating companies with specialised expertise, regional knowledge, and established client relationships, Constellis offers comprehensive security solutions and has a competitive advantage in the industry.
In 2011, Triple Canopy was involved in a significant lawsuit related to its contract with the United States government. The lawsuit, known as the United States ex rel. Badr v. Triple Canopy alleged that Triple Canopy had submitted false claims for payment under its security contract to protect the Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.
The lawsuit was brought under the False Claims Act. In this case, the whistleblower, a former Triple Canopy employee named Omar Badr, claimed that Triple Canopy had failed to fulfil the contract requirements by employing guards who did not meet the necessary firearms proficiency standards.
In 2015, a federal jury found Triple Canopy liable for the false claims and awarded a judgement of $28 million. The judgement was later overturned in 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which concluded that the government had not sufficiently proven the falsity of the claims. As a result, the case was sent back to the district court for further proceedings. [source]
In 2022, a federal lawsuit against the company was filed by 22 former employees hired as guards at the Forward Operating Base Shorab, a US base in Afghanistan. These workers, all from Uganda, claimed their passports were confiscated to prevent them from leaving the country or finding work elsewhere. Additionally, the 22 workers claimed to have been wrongly fired after accusing the company of withholding their $500 monthly paychecks. They told reporters that they faced “fear, intimidation and insecurity” while working for Triple Canopy. [source]
Light and Medium Machine Guns:
