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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Wine-tasting in TuscanyThe Week Recommends From biodynamic vineyards to historic cellars, the picturesque region is a wine lover's dream
-
Ukraine-Russia: is peace deal possible after Easter truce?Today's Big Question 'Decisive week' will tell if Putin's surprise move was cynical PR stunt or genuine step towards ending war
-
The bougie foods causing international shortagesIn the Spotlight Pistachios join avocados and matcha on list of social media-driven crazes that put strain on supply chains and environment
