Protecting Contractors Deploying with the Force
Abstract
The extensive use of contractors supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom exceeded all expectations. At any given time, nearly 100,000 contract personnel deployed to perform a wide variety of activities from repairing vehicles to washing dishes to providing additional security for high-ranking personnel. This puts the number of contractors close to the number of deployed military personnel. Of paramount importance is providing adequate protection for such personnel. Clearly, commanders have ethical and legal responsibilities to protect contractors on the battlefield. But the number of contractor personnel makes meeting such responsibilities challenging. This paper examines existing law and policies regarding such protection for Contractors Deploying with the Force (CDF). This includes administration, providing passive protection (body armor, armored vehicles, uniforms, NBC protective equipment), providing active protection (weapons for self-defense), and training (battlefield survival techniques). The author concludes that while recent improvements have been made, additional policy and resources are essential to ensure an acceptable level of protection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449744
Entities
People
- Earl Noble
Organizations
- United States Army War College