When Contractors Deploy: A Guide for the Operational Commander
Abstract
This paper offers an overview of the type, functions, history, legal ramifications, modern day efforts, benefits, and problems with using contractors on the battlefield. Furthermore, this paper also lists four recommendations for operational commanders and the military on how to better integrate contractors into the military effort, especially during hostile combat situations. The number of contractors performing functions in support of United States military operations is continuing to increase as the number of military personnel declines. This increase in the number of contractors has led to an increase in the military's reliance on contractors. Contractors are no longer a luxury for the military, they are now required to perform many vital and mission critical functions for operational commanders on the battlefield. Furthermore, contractor civilians are no longer performing only generic base support functions. This paper will discuss issues and potential problems of contractors deploying in direct support of combat weapon systems and, in what some consider, operational combat roles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378566
Entities
People
- Carl A. Buhler
Organizations
- Naval War College