Contractor Support in Theater - Is the Marine Corps Ready for Logistics Mercenaries.

摘要

As contractors are increasingly used to support Joint Forces in Theater, the Marine Corps needs to understand the implications (Benefits, Risks and Limitations)of using this support option for Marine Corps Expeditionary Operations. Contractors have often been called A 'Force Multiplier' in that they allow the military to deploy more 'Tooth' instead of 'Tail', but their employment is double-edged sword. Contracting may be appropriate for the Marine Corps at the Operational level of war but may not be appropriate at the tactical level of war for several reasons - mission accomplishment could be at risk as the threat increases because contractors are not warfighters, they operate outside of the traditional chain of command, and they may compromise operational security. Contracting out current organic tactical functions could put the Marine Corps on the slippery slope of destroying the cohesiveness, scalability and Warfighting effectiveness of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.