Private Security Contractors: The Other Force.

摘要

The reality of war in the 21st century is the presence of the other force: Private Security Contractors (PSCs). Contractors are not only used for their skills in logistics, maintenance, intelligence, and law enforcement, they are now a key component of the Department of Defense's (DoD) security operations in Iraq. Commanders rely on PSCs to provide the additional forces needed to secure forward operating bases, protect convoys, and perform other protective service operations. The use of PCSs by the DoD in all aspects of military operations has become vital to mission success in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. Their extensive use has become the logical solution to securing the forces needed to execute and win our nation's wars. This paper will address key issues of PSC operations, particularly their utilization, legal status and issues, and risk of employment in contingency operations. The author concludes with recommendations for improving PSC oversight.