Contractors on the Battlefield

Contractors on the “Battlefield” – (6-1)

Team #4

Larry Robillard

31 January 2011

Contractors have deployed with the military and performed various logistical and support functions throughout history. Contracted capabilities can increase or decrease available support resources quickly in response to changing requirements and our most recent military operations demonstrate that contracting can be an effective force multiplier. They can extend existing military capabilities, present alternative sources of supplies and services, and provide capabilities where none exist in the military.

Inherent risks to the contractors are greater with their new operational roles in the battlefields and the lines are now blurred between the interpretation of contractors engaging as non-combatant civilians accompanying the force or contractors engaging as combatants in hostilities.

The trend toward greater use of contractors on the battlefield can be attributed to four factors: deep cuts in military personnel; greater emphasis on privatization of functions that can be performed more efficiently outside the military; increased reliance on contractors because of the growing complexity and sophistication of weapon systems; and the lack of core military expertise, training, and flexibility gained by deploying contractors into theaters that have congressional, legislative, or host country-mandated troop ceilings.

First, the reduction in troop strength has forced the military to rely more on contractors to fill the void. Second, the use of contractors in support and logistics functions has allowed commanders to better utilize military forces in combat positions. Third, the advanced technology and cutting-edge weapon systems has increased the military's reliance on contractor support. The high-tech weapon systems used in Afghanistan and Iraq are so complex that combat units in the field have no choice but to depend on contractors to maintain and, in some cases, operate...