Private Security Contractors

Private security contractors (PSC’s) are being utilized around the globe for military related purposes. One such contractor is Blackwater USA. Blackwater USA is the self proclaimed, “most comprehensive professional military, law enforcement, security, peacekeeping, and stability operations company in the world” (www.blackwaterusa.com). In short, they provide training and solutions aimed at supporting security, peace, freedom, and democracy anywhere on the planet (www.blackwater.usa.com). Recently, Blackwater has been involved in projects related to Iraq and in New Orleans. So what is wrong with companies like Blackwater and Bechtel (British based contractor)? Why doesn’t the United States government use them more often? They seem to be confident in their reliability and more importantly, their goals are very reasonable. The fact is, there are a number of aspects that must be considered when determining whether or not it would be beneficial to use these contractors. These topics include reliability (keep in mind Blackwater is not the only company being referred to), cost, past relations, personnel, and reasons for using private contractors in the first place rather than our government military and law enforcement agencies. The use of private security contractors, although a liability more than an asset, poses a number of issues in regards to future military endeavors.

It is estimated that about 15,000 to 20,000 troops are currently deployed in Iraq working under private security contractors. Many of these men have former combat training and experience with branches of the military such as the Navy Seals. In general, the PSC’s tend to take on high risk tasks such as protecting convoys or high ranking government and military officials. These roles were once fulfilled by traditional military units. The reasoning for this transition from military to PSC’s is that the government employed troops (such as the marines) can take on positions that are more important. However, the high risk jobs taken on by the PSC’s do not come at a cheap price. It is not uncommon for an employee of these companies to make up to $100,000 a year or even $1,000