Are private military companies becoming the future of war?

2015-01-21T13:28:08-05:00

For the past 20+ years, private companies have silently been conducting military operations around the world. They carry out responsibilities like back-end logistics, protection of government officials, and even combat duties - all roles that have traditionally been left to national military forces.

Check out this video outlining the rise of these PMCs around the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LaSD8oFBZE

How do you feel about PMCs? Will they really become the future of war?

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Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 21 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-01-21T15:04:42-05:00

I'm sorry but too much grey area for me. I like my allies in uniform and subject to the UCMJ and the laws of the land. There is too much potential for politicians to try to use them without the full knowledge of the people and without the oversight of senior military leadership. There is too temptation to authorise their use when the people making the decision owns stock in the company or can receive "campaign contributions" during election years. If we need to spend billions on contractors, then we have identified a shortage and need to divert funds for our own SOCOM operators to shore their numbers and capabilities.