Here it is. If you want some light reading, this is the report for you. lol Actually, the more folks that can read this thing, the more input I can get about it. If you find anything wrong with the report, or disagree with one of the findings, then definitely let the viewing public know about it in the comments below.
I would also like to commend the members of this commission for taking on such a daunting task and coming up with a product. Now the key is to learn from it, and make the necessary adjustments. We have enough reports and information to build an excellent contingency contracting program. Now it just takes leadership and resolve to act on those lessons learned.
I also wanted to comment on something that I think is pretty telling. At no time did the commission ever make an effort to contact me or this blog. Although I know that a good portion of my readership comes from the beltway and I have to assume that the various researchers tasked with helping the CWC have come across this blog. But no one has come forward to talk, and that is really too bad. What are you scared of?
For that matter, I haven’t seen any CWC folks reach out on the various forums that this industry congregates on, and that is odd to me as well. Although I am sure the CWC has reached out to the various companies and associations, it just seems that they have completely avoided talking to the very group that their report would impact.
Contractors have been killed and wounded in this war in great numbers, and they will continue to make that sacrifice. Contractors also have a huge presence in today’s war zones, and thousands have served over the years. Arguably, this highly flexible civilian army is a strategic asset to this nation. If it isn’t, then implement the draft or spend the money on recruitment to bring everything under military control.
I highly doubt that politicians will ever have the political will to implement a draft, or to convince tax payers to raise a standing army of such size and nature. The point is, is that contractors are here to stay and this nation cannot go to war without us. So to not reach out to this industry and acknowledge this sacrifice and contribution, is just wrong.-Matt