Privatized Military Operations. Industry Study, Spring 2009
Abstract
Since the early 1990s, governments have increasingly relied on private companies in the conduct of warfare, leading to the emergence of a robust global industry known as Privatized Military Operations (PMO). Consequently, today the PMO industry is integral to the success of the Department of Defense (DoD) and other United States (US) government agencies. The PMO industry provides contract services in such areas as logistics, construction, security, and intelligence. While the PMO industry grew significantly in the last decade, non-organic support to military operations is not a new phenomenon. Recorded history is replete with examples of militaries relying on outside entities (e.g. mercenaries, slaves, citizens, or enemy prisoners) to achieve military objectives. The US, for its part, made use of external support since its very founding. George Washington hired Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben to instill traditional military discipline into the ranks of the fledging American fighting force. The stone faces of Prussia's von Steuben, France's Lafayette and Rochambeau, and Poland's Kosciuszko face the White House in honored stature for their assistance to a nation struggling for independence. From revolutionary times until today, the support of private individuals and organizations to the military evolved from ad hoc arrangements to complex institutionalized practices involving global Fortune 500 businesses with tremendous political and economic influence. This evolved PMO industry complements traditional military forces, is essential to US military capability and brings to bear a formidable element of national power. The US dominates the global PMO industry, as US based companies account for over 53% of the industry suppliers and US expeditionary operations are the primary driver of its demand. Thus, an examination of the future of the global PMO industry is US centric and relies heavily on an assessment of US expeditionary requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA514289
Entities
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy