Outsourcing the business of war

Why does the military need private help?

The occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq have stretched U.S. forces very thin. Under the Geneva Conventions, the Pentagon is forbidden from hiring mercenaries—freelance combat troops. But by signing up private security firms to feed and shelter the troops, drive fuel trucks, and guard bases, it has freed up thousands of uniformed soldiers for frontline fighting. Private contractors are expensive, charging up to $1,000 per man per day. But they need not be recruited or trained, and can be plugged into hot spots quickly.

How many contractors are in Iraq?

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About 20,000, at the cost so far of $30 billion. Many were hired directly by the Pentagon, but most work for companies paid by the U.S. to do reconstruction projects. These armed contractors nearly outnumber the troops from all of America