Analysis of security contractors in deployed environments

Abstract

The unexpected strength of the Iraq insurgency has created an unstable and unsafe environment that makes it difficult for the U.S. forces to operate and transfer security responsibilities to the new Iraqi government. To deal with this issue, the Department of Defense (DoD) has deemed it necessary to increase the role of private military contractors, rather then increasing the total number of military troops on the ground. Several dilemmas arise contractually when you hire privatized military firms to conduct military functions. This Masters of Business Administration (MBA) project will analyze consequences of the DoD decision to outsource security contractors in Iraq. Specifically, we will look at the contracting and legal ramifications of outsourcing this inherently governmental occupation. Our research will 1) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the government's decision to outsource commercial contractors for security force operations in Iraq, 2) Identify and discuss any potential trends that impact contractual and legal issues involving security force contractors, 3) Lay the foundation and provide recommendations for future analysis of relations between security force contractors and the government.