Opportunities and Risks for the Employment of Private Security Companies in Complex Contingencies
Abstract
This century has seen a shift from conventional forms of war and humanitarian interventions to complex contingencies. Combat, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction operations often occur in parallel. Protection of noncombatant personnel, supplies, and facilities against terrorists, looting, and other lawlessness grows in importance while the availability of military forces cannot meet the demand for these critical, but non-core functions. To address this shortfall, the United States and other international actors have employed armed contractors, or private security companies (PSC). This has led to charges of mercenarism, loss of government monopoly of force, and undermining of the rule of law. This project uses current principles of Stability, Security, Transition, and Reconstruction and the international treaties making up the body of the Law of War to examine the advantages PSCs offer, the risks they bring, and concepts for maximizing the former while mitigating the latter. The employment of armed contractors within the bounds of the Law of War can enhance our ability to respond to complex contingencies. Exceeding these bounds or the failure to exercise appropriate oversight and accountability of armed contractors can undermine policies and mission success. Armed contractors have a valid role to play in the current operational environment, but interagency policies for armed contractors must be changed for maximal effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 09, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA486660
Entities
People
- Christopher T. Mayer
Organizations
- United States Army War College