To include: Rangers, Special Forces, Delta Force, Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and Navy SEALs. (Dunnigan, 2010) As a result, many people within the U.S. military and the government will often discuss the valuable services that these companies are providing. Where, private security contractors can bring a wide range of experience with them, in dealing with a host of possible security challenges that could be faced within a theater of operations.
However, the main reason why both government and military personal have such favorable views of private security contractors, is because they are professionals and are effective at achieving their objectives. What is happening, is the personnel that private security firms can introduce to a conflict, can help prevent a situation from going to bad to worse. Where, a possible insurgent or terrorist attack that could send most people running; will cause these individuals to remain at their positions. What makes the private security companies so respected; is that they do not back down in face of adversity or challenges. Instead, they will maintain their positions and will continue to secure the perimeter in the face of numerically superior odds. This is important, because one of the biggest challenges that U.S. forces have been facing, is encouraging the military and police units that they are training to engage the enemy. When the private security companies can be able to maintain their positions and will secure the perimeter no matter what, this improves security on the ground. Where, the insurgents or terrorists can not use a small attack, as a way to create instability. A good example of this occurred in Al Kut (during 2003) and Najaf (during 2004). What happened was, private security contractors would come under heavy fire during insurgent attacks on their bases. To prevent the enemy from gaining control, the expertise of these contractors, would help them to fend off several different waves of possible enemy attacks. Given the proximity of where both incidents occurred (the Sunni Triangle), this would serve as a litmus test for gauging the resolve and strength of private security contractors. (Dunnigan, 2010) At which point, these styles of attacks would become less, as the professionalism and knowledge would show, how cunning private security firms are dealing with host of security situations. As a result, a number of military and government officials describe the services that these companies are providing as valuable. Evidence of this can be seen with a survey that was conducted by Rand. Where, they found that 62% of military personnel and 75% of diplomats; describe the various services that are being provided by these companies as valuable. (Dunnigan, 2010) This is significant, because it shows that in certain aspects, private security contractors are not fleecing the tax payer. Instead, they are providing a service that is helping to protect government officials and military personnel from a variety of attacks. Therefore, one could effectively argue that private security contractors are serving their intended purposes. Where, they are using their different skills and tactics, to achieve this objective as effectively as possible.
However, the fact that many private security contractors have a certain amount of impunity means that their actions cause those of the government and the military to be viewed in a negative light. A good example of this can be seen with, a 2006 GAO study which said, "These companies are profiting at the expense of the tax payers. The perception that DOD and other government agencies are deploying [private security contractors] who abuse and mistreat people can fan anti-American sentiment and strengthen insurgents, even when no abuses are taking place." (Whitelaw, 2010) This is important, because it shows how the use of private security contractors can cause the civilian population, to view the events that have taken place (from their actions) in a negative light. Where, many people will often see them as an extension of a government that does not follow various rules and regulations. At which point, the chances improve dramatically that this could assist, in increasing the resentment of local officials and the general public. This helps to increase instability, with any kind of negative events being replayed over and over again. Over the course of time, these events will help to make the security situation inside the country worse. As the actions of private security contractors will cause resentment and discontent to rise dramatically. A good example of this can be seen in Afghanistan, where the government announced recently that they...
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