You don't start with mercs from the get go, you hire them right after the intro. Go into your laptop and hire them manually. Do the following before you "Start" the game:
Enter your email tab and read them, a link and password to IMP will be available.
Visit IMP website, enter pass, then create your custom merc.
Then visit AIM to hire your mercs.
While your at AIM go to the links section and visit Bobby Rays. It won't be available until you've taken Drassen airport. This is the online weapons store that will send your gear to Drassen, Make sure you give Pablo $100 when you get there, or some of your products will "disappear".