Private Security Contractors on the Battlefield

Abstract

Today's military forces are more reliant on contractors for a greater range of services than ever before. In Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), one of the fastest evolving and most contentious services provided by contractors is that of security. Private security contractors (PSC) have become an indispensable component of U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This paper reviews existing policy concerning the control of PSCs in Iraq. It further analyzes the theater entry requirements for PSCs, legal issues arising from PSC use, and the operational control of PSCs in the area in which a joint force commander conducts military operations. This paper concludes with policy recommendations to better control PSCs in future U.S. or Coalition military operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 15, 2006
Accession Number
ADA449091

Entities

People

  • Cliff D. Crofford Jr.

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Battlefields
  • Combat Forces
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Contractors
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Geneva Conventions
  • International Law
  • Law
  • Military Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Private Military Companies
  • Security
  • Training
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies