Hey, I finally found a story about security contractors that did not mention the Nisour Square deal or the fiasco in Kabul. In fact, this story only highlight’s the increased use of security contractors in this war. You know, the reality of the situation.
The two things that interested me, beyond the obvious intent of the article, was the amazing use of security contractors. Contractors were the ones used to back fill when the Georgian troops had to ditch back in August. Security contractors will be taking over security at Camp Victory in Iraq as well–which is huge! (it will require 2,600 guards). This is the story that the MSM refuses to recognize, and I continue to be amazed at how we are used.
I think the other reason why the Kabul fiasco story wasn’t mentioned here, is because it looks like the military is dealing with alcohol related issues in Afghanistan as well. (if the military does the same jackass thing as contractors, then it kind of loses some oomph…. you would think) So it looks like General McChrystal tried to get a hold of some folks after the latest tanker bombing incident that resulted in some dead civilians, and his ‘goto guys’ were all hungover from partying the night before. –Matt
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With U.S. Forces in Iraq Beginning to Leave, Need for Private Guards Grows
By Walter PincusTuesday, September 8, 2009
As the United States withdraws its combat forces from Iraq, the government is hiring more private guards to protect U.S. installations at a cost that could near $1 billion, according to the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction.
On Sept. 1, the Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) awarded contracts expected to be worth $485 million over the next two years to five firms to provide security and patrol services to U.S. bases in Iraq.
Under this contract, the firms will bid against one another for individual orders at specific bases or locations. These “task orders” in the past have ranged from supplying one specialist to providing as many as 1,000 people to handle security for a major base.
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