Private Security Contractors in Iraq & Afghanistan

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Introduction

In recent years, a prominent feature in most global conflicts has been the increasing role played by non-state actors alongside the conventional armed forces.

While available literature reveals that private actors have maintained high presence on battlefields throughout history, modern private military and security entities embody the corporate evolution of the profession of mercenaries, to the point where these multinational corporations are now offering services that are intricately linked to warfare (Perry, 2012, p. 41).

In 2010, for example, the US Department of Defence (DoD) had more private workforce operating in both Iraq and Afghanistan than the military personnel deployed (Taylor, 2011, p. 445). Overall, it can be argued that these private companies are today, more than ever, playing an increasingly significant role in executing all facets of American national security strategy in countries perceived to harbor threats to global peace and stability.

The debate on the merits and demerits of having private security contractors take over many of the roles and functions. These roles were traditionally reserved for the armed forces have been going on for a long time.

Particularly in regards to the armed conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, this paper argues that it is desirable to use these contractors because first; It is through them that the efforts to achieve world peace and stability have become more realistic and valuable.

Secondly, counterterrorism is appropriate because these terrorist attacks may bring the countries down if such activities are not anticipated and any signs of attack well monitored; this is only possible when personnel in this role are increased.

Third, when the numbers of those in the defense are increased; defense becomes more effective and the cost is lower in comparison to the addition of more personnel from the Department of Defense only. Therefore, the use of private security contractors has been desirable because it has improved the welfare of people.

Brief Overview of the Origins of Private Security Contractors

It is reported in the literature that a global market for private security contractors blossomed in the 1990s (Avant & Sigelman, 2010, p. 232). It was triggered, primarily by what many war historians saw as an escalation of global insecurity and a corresponding disinterest by many state actors to send their military personnel to conflict hotspots in Iraq and beyond (Taylor, 2011, p. 448).

According to Avant & Sigelman (2010), it is at this juncture when “…private military and security companies registered in many different countries began providing services to an array of international actors, including states, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and global corporations” (p. 232).

The scope and capacities of this evolving market of private security contractors have become copiously evident during the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan (Avant & Sigelman, 2010, p 232).

In 2007, however, a Congressional Budget Office Report revealed that the number of private contractors working for the U.S. in Iraq had surged to one hundred ninety thousand, primarily due to the over stretching of U.S. military forces by the conflicts and anarchy that caused the outstaring of Saddam Hussein (Avant & Sigelman, 2010, p. 233).

Overall, the number of private security personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2009 soared to at least two hundred forty-five thousand, demonstrating that the profession of contemporary private security contracting had fully come to term (Perry, 2012, p. 401).

Insights into the Desirability of Private Security Contracting

Armed private contractors with the capacity to employ lethal force on an organized basis have attracted attention. The debate on their viability and functionality still remains divided along rational and irrational paradigms, and the public mood in affected countries appearing to gravitate towards a total dislike of these establishments.

However, the following arguments seek to reinforce the fact that the use of private security contractors is desirable in contemporary settings (Taylor, 2011, p. 446).

Private security contractors have contributed to improved world peace and stability

The private personnel were charged with the responsibility of protecting government installations and oil fields, providing security to foreign professionals working in Iraq, and bolstering staffing in military prisons. This share of activities was extended to the private contractors after the number of military personnel in US reduced the cold war.

The intervention was a crucial step towards the successful completion of this war as well as the introduction of long term measures towards conquering through the complete package that they provided (Taylor, 2011, p. 446).

Although stakeholders are becoming increasingly concerned about the transparency, accountability, behavior, and legal and symbolic challenges associated with private security contractors (Elsea, 2010, p. 11). It is now clear that these entities have a place in contemporary society as they have proven themselves as indispensable assistance not only in American military operations but also in the maintenance of global peace and stability (Ellington, 2011, p. 132)

Private Security Contractors are cost effective

Unlike the conventional military forces; which are primarily engaged in combat, private security contractors “…offer a wide range of services including operational support, military advice and training, and logistical support as well as site security (armed and unarmed), crime prevention, police training, interrogation, and intelligence gathering” (Avant & Sigelman, 2010, p. 232).

The capacity to roll out a multiplicity of roles to conflict hotbeds implies that these entities add value to service provision. They also are cost-effective by virtue of their capability to provide services to clients in a buddle format.

For example, a multinational oil corporation with interests in Iraq now needs to contract one private security company to provide security to its installations, staff and logistics – a task that could easily overstretch the resources designated to a conventional military unit.

DynCorp has demonstrated effectiveness in not only training the Iraqi police but also in constructing police and prison facilities, as well as building capacity for credible Iraq justice system (Avant & Sigelman, 2010, p. 235; Ellington, 2011, p. 134).

According to Perry (2012), outsourcing private security contractors; “…has also been driven to a significant extent by a functional argument that privatization has enabled the United States to meet the challenges of the post-Cold War security environment” (p. 43).

Although the U.S. armed forces experienced an approximately thirty percent reduction in troop strength following the end of the Cold War era, the rate at which troops are deployed abroad on expeditionary operations has significantly increased, providing a window of opportunity for nascent private security contractors to meet the ever-increasing demands with smaller forces. Such a gesture, in my view, not only enhances peace and stability in the world but also saves millions of dollars in tax payers’ money due to efficiencies in operations provided by private security contractors.

Private Security Contractors are a tactic to counterterrorism

In Counterterrorism efforts, it is becoming increasingly clear that some Western electorates are reluctant to give up their peace dividends for apparently distant terrorism threats.

This is availing an opportunity for private military contractors such as Blackwater (now Xe) to step in with the aim to provide governments in Europe and North America with a mechanism bolstering their armed forces without formally enhancing their size (Perry, 2012, p. 43; Bjork & Jones, 2005, p. 718).

Such an engagement will add value to the Obama Administration’s efforts to stop terrorists from attacking American interests. It will also prove the appropriateness of private entities to conduct covert operations aimed at eliminating threats to global peace and stability.

Conclusion

It is essential to conclude that the use of private security contractors has been desirable because it has improved the welfare of people. The benefits linked with the use of private security contractors outweigh the challenges; the cost on establishing them is worth the global security experienced.

However, stakeholders are becoming increasingly concerned about the transparency, accountability, behavior, and legal and symbolic challenges associated with private security contractors.

Irrespective of this, it has been revealed in this paper how private actors add value to their operations by undertaking multiple roles, and why they continue to remain relevant with regard to conducting efficient and cost-effective operations.

In the recent days, people prefer hiring private securities because they are sure of getting quality services. Consequently, it is safe to argue that the continued use of private security contractors in contemporary settings is desirable. The government should support private because they are performing very well. This will improve the level of security in the country.

Reference List

Avant, D., & Sigelman, L. (2010). Private security and democracy: Lessons from Iraq. Security Studies, 19(2), 230-265.

Bjork, K., & Jones, R. (2005). Overcoming dilemmas created by the 21^st century mercenaries: Conceptualizing the use of private security companies in Iraq. Third World Quarterly, 26(4/5), 777-796.

Ellington, S. (2011). The rise of battlefield private contractors: An analysis of military policy. Public Integrity, 13(2), 131-148.

Elsea, J. (2010). Private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan: Legal issues. Congressional Research Service. Web.

Perry, D. (2012). Blackwater vs. bin Laden: The private sector’s role in American counterterrorism strategy. Comparative Strategy, 31(1), 41-55.

Taylor, T. (2011). Private security companies in Iraq and beyond. International Affairs, 87(2), 445-456.

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