This is great, because it is a metrics for how the DoD is doing in regards to fixing this stuff and addressing each of these areas. So it would be cool to check on this report in the future to see how far along the DoD has come. But going back to leadership, someone needs to motivate the DoD to make this happen, and that someone should be Secretary of Defense Gates.
Personally, I think he needs to make an official statement that recognizes the legitimacy and the good work of security contractors in this war, then crack the whip to insure these recommendations become ‘implemented’. I say legitimacy, because that would shut up those freaks out there, who still contend that we are a bunch of blood thirsty mercenaries that care only about money. I also mention good work, because despite the few incidents in which have been negative, there have been hundreds of contracts that have helped out tremendously. The CMC projects come to mind, and that program removed tons of munitions off the battlefields in Iraq, thus resulting in less munitions being used by the enemy. Or the thousands of missions contractors have performed, protecting convoys or personnel with their lives, and sometimes losing their life. –Matt
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GAO-09-351 July 31, 2009
Highlights Page (PDF)
Full Report (PDF, 50 pages)
Recommendations (HTML)
Summary
Currently in Iraq, there are thousands of private security contractor (PSC) personnel supporting DOD and State, many of whom are foreign nationals. Congressional concerns about the selection, training, equipping, and conduct of personnel performing private security functions in Iraq are reflected in a provision in the fiscal year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that directs DOD to develop guidance on PSCs. This report examines the extent (1) that DOD and State have developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure that the backgrounds of PSC employees have been screened and (2) that DOD has developed guidance to implement the provisions of the NDAA and (3) that DOD and State have addressed measures on other issues related to PSC employees in Iraq. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed DOD and State guidance, policies, and contract oversight documentation and interviewed agency and private security industry officials.