The Department of Defense’s Use of Private Security Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan:
Background, Analysis, and Options for Congress
"The United States is relying on contractors to provide a wide variety of services in Iraq and
Afghanistan, including security. Private firms known as Private Security Contractors (PSCs) are
hired to protect individuals, transport convoys, forward operating bases, buildings, and other
economic infrastructure, as well as train security forces. While DOD has previously contracted
for security in Bosnia and elsewhere, it appears that in Iraq and Afghanistan DOD is for the first
time relying so heavily on armed contractors to provide security during combat or stability
operations. As of June 2009, there were over 18,000 armed private security contractors in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Recent contracting trends indicate that the number of such contractors may
continue to increase..."