There is no doubt that private contractors have played a crucial role in conflicts around the globe. Often referred to as Private Military Companies (PMC), but commonly called "mercenaries," PMCs have helped to secure war-torn countries, often while make a profit. The outfit Executive Outcomes, now disbanded, helped to push the rebels back in Sierra Leone in the 90s, with enough force and efficiency to allow British and UN troops to stabilize Freetown. Many criticize the lack of oversight of PMCs, and argue that they are "loose cannons" or killers-for-hire. Most are not, and are former special forces operators who adhere to strict rules of engagement. PMCs are probably responsible for less attrocities than soldiers of standing armies, and some are more tactically efficient than some infantry units in close quarter combat. There are reports that soldiers serving in Iraq sometimes took orders from the contractors during combat because they used to be former SEALs and Delta Force operators, and knew a lot about tactics. Now I don't know how true these reports are because they are posted on sites on the internet, and I don't think the Pentagon would be pleased to see that their soldiers are listening or taking orders from PMCs. But I will say that if I was a soldier in Iraq, taking heavy fire, and there was a group of former SEALs next to me, I'd probably follow their advice than some general sitting in the Green Zone.
Still, a lot of people are skeptical of PMCs, but the fact remains that they provide crucial security to American and allied interests in war zones. They ferry medical supplies and fuel to the US Army, protect American State Department officials, and other business and non-profit entities, as well as protect news crews. The fact that they operate in the gray areas, and fringes of "polite war society" is both a blessing and a curse.
No comments:
Post a Comment