Filling the Void: Private Summary Companies, Operational Functions, and the Devolution of Global Security; Research paper

摘要

The Long War, sparked by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, revealed a tenuous international security situation. U.S. global interests are increasingly at risk and the U.S. military is the primary protector of these interests. Due to limited resources, the U.S. military is increasingly challenged to provide the level of presence and security needed to effectively deter, dissuade or defeat the enemy around the globe. Private Security Companies (PSC) are uniquely positioned to fill the growing security void, but require appropriate oversight. This paper argues that Geographic Combatant Commanders should advocate for needed legal reforms and formally include PSCs in theater-strategic and operational planning across applicable operational functions to protect U.S. interests. It first establishes a clear picture of the current security environment and then looks at the history of PSCs. Second, it draws conclusions that validate the need for PSCs and further describes how they are used across operational functions. Finally, the paper recommends legal reforms and proposes further integration of PSCs into operational functions.