CONTRACTORS

When I was in the RVN we had civilian contractors in-country. While I'm sure some were killed in combat action, my sense was that - by and large - they provided a back-up role in running the military and civilian infrastructure, rather than a direct combat role. Regardless, they were well compensated, just like today's contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, most of whom are ex-military who had the sense enough to get out and get paid for the blood they lose.

Are they mercs? Well, to be OED correct, no,at least not the one's fighting against terrorists and terrorism. Why's that you ask (you probably didn't ask if you've read this far, but LRRP's World is my forum)? Because they fight on one side, rather than any side that offers them money. Is there a justifiable case against using them? Well, to be honest, no. If you want to blame someone for their use, effectivenesss or ineffectiveness, cost and/or excesses, you may as well blame the US government and all our elected darlings for not providing a standing military large enough to handle multiple conflicts.

I admire these guys, and would probably be one had all this happened 10 or 15 years ago.

HERE'S a closer look at what these guys do. It's the same as our military do and with the same repercussions.