Field Commanders See Improvements in Controlling and Coordinating Private Security Contractor Missions in Iraq
Abstract
Since April 2003, private security companies and individuals, commonly known as private security contractors (PSCs), have provided physical security services to protect U.S. personnel, facilities and property as well as U.S. government contractors, subcontractors, and other parties supporting the U.S. mission in Iraq. The use of contractors, however, has not been without problems, including incidents between PSCs and Iraqis and between PSCs and U.S. forces. In late 2007, the Departments of Defense (DoD) and State (DoS) began making organizational and procedural changes to strengthen their oversight, coordination, and control of PSC activities, including PSC movements in areas of combat operations. This audit was conducted to determine whether the changes have improved the oversight, coordination, and control of PSC missions in Iraq. It also addresses Section 842 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181) which states that audit agencies shall examine one or more of a number of issues relating to the control of PSCs, including (1) the extent to which field commanders were able to coordinate or direct the performance of contractors in an area of combat operations and (2) the nature and extent of any activity by contractor employees that was inconsistent with the objectives of operational field commanders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA503769
Entities
Organizations
- Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction