This came from the Times Online, and I was kind of surprised they used the word ‘guard’ as opposed to ‘mercenary’ in the title. I was even more surprised that this was an article describing how important we are to the mission in Afghanistan. You just don’t hear that kind of language in the media, and it is refreshing to hear. It is a realist point of view, and it is definitely a respectful point of view.
There are more contractors than soldiers in Afghanistan, and we have our deaths and injuries too. It’s nice to hear that someone in the media actually recognizes our contribution and importance to the mission. –Matt
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Why private guards are crucial to the Afghanistan mission
April 16, 2010
Michael Evans
Western contractors, whose numbers have proliferated in Afghanistan in recent years, are as much in the front line as the military because of the constant threat of suicide bombers.
The most vulnerable among them are security guards, working for private companies such as the British ArmorGroup International. They can be seen standing sentry outside every base, every embassy, and protecting diplomats, aid officials and visiting VIPs. The operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have provided tens of thousands of jobs for former special forces soldiers and other military and law enforcement personnel.