Second, the mercenary tradition helps explain how some groups maintained dual identities — serving in Egyptian armies one decade and raiding or migrating against Egyptian territory the next.

These were not necessarily the same individuals, but the patterns of movement and service that one generation established could be transformed by the next generation in response to changing circumstances.

Third, the mercenary background provides a partial explanation for the military effectiveness of the Sea Peoples in their conflicts with the eastern Mediterranean civilizations.

Warriors who had served in Egyptian and other armies knew the tactics, equipment, and organizational methods of those armies.

They were not simply barbarian raiders but experienced military professionals who brought specific skills to their conflicts.