Contractors on the Battlefield: Force Multipliers or Detractors?
Abstract
The defense force of the United States has undergone a significant reduction since Desert Storm, and projected budget dollars promise further reductions for the next several years. The forces envisioned in Joint Vision 2010 will require a radically different support structure. We must make innovative decisions to offset the steadily increasing investments required for the warfighter. Recently, experts have argued that one way to decrease these costs is to employ contractors on the battlefield as force multipliers. We have previously used contractors in a rear area support role. What are the implications for taking the next step: contractors on the battlefield in forward areas, maintaining key weapon systems? A proposal was submitted to the Army to provide Prime Vendor Support (PVS) for a battlefield weapon system. The response. to this proposal will establish a precedence for future battlefield operations. "Imbedded contractors" may indeed be the "Wave of the Future." However, we must assess the risks responsibly. We must proceed carefully, evaluating the second and third order effects of any decisions we make. The critical decisions we make on how to proceed can mean the difference in contractors being force multipliers or detractors, and could tip the scales in favor of the enemy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA346330
Entities
People
- Susan C. Foster
Organizations
- United States Army War College