In an effort to operate more effectively and economically, our military is now following the lead of our corporations. Among the corporate strategies our Pentagon has adopted are outsourcing, and the use of private contractors. Private military companies mostly employ ex-military personnel to provide services to our troops, gather intelligence and work as bodyguards protecting individuals and facilities. These private contractors are prohibited from using offensive force in war zones and are considered unlawful combatants if they do so. Even so, some contractors have been accused of human rights violations.

In 2018, there were approximately 50,000 defense contractor personnel working in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. In 2008, private contractors made up just 28% of the workforce of our intelligence community but cost these agencies 50% of their personnel budgets. We pay private military analysts several times more than we pay federal employees for the same service. Critics say our Defense Department is not a corporation and we should not be hiring private contractors to provide services for our military when in-house personnel would suffice.

Proposed Legislation: H.R.65 - Civilian Contractors Engaged in Intelligence Activities Reduction Act of 2015 (114th Congress 2015-2016)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (TX)

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