Privatizing the Military

I know this really has not been in the news much recently but since I'm nearly done reading Blackwater I thought I would talk about it. Having read 90% of that book, I have come to the conclusion that contracting out military responsibilities to private companies is one of the most dangerous threats to the military, and maybe even the nation itself. These "private security companies" have WAY too much influence and power. A company that has military grade weapons, training, billions of dollars, and the ability to influence foreign policy is something that should worry all of us. A company like that is capable of doing anything if it doesn't get what it wants, including, in extreme circumstances, using their forces against the government. Mercenary forces, which is exactly what security contractors are, have absolutely no place in the military, war zones, or patrolling US cities after hurricanes.

Also I feel that having them deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan is an insult to our active duty military personnel who are there because they were ordered to go, and who are doing the exact same thing as security contractors for FAR LESS money. Is the notion that the lives of private contractors are worth more, which means far higher salaries, than the everyday hero in the Army who is on the ground fighting the same people as contractors, but with a far lower salary, a good one to be sending to those guys who are in the military? It should be the complete opposite! Our soldiers should be getting paid far better than ANY security contractor! Every person who went to work for security companies who are now in Iraq had a choice and knew what they were getting into, and they can quit at anytime. The enlisted soldier though MUST go where he/she is ordered and MUST complete his/her duty no matter how they feel about the orders they are given because if they don't they can be court martialed and/or dishonorably discharged. Recruiting and reenlistment are also casualties because why go into or stay in the military when you can make far more money in the private sector doing the exact same thing. Now tell me who is making the bigger sacrifice and thus deserves to be paid and supported as they should be.

Blackwater is a very interesting read, and I recommend people read it. It does knock the current administration, however, it was under this administration that companies like Blackwater were able to thrive so much and so fast. It also talks about what I mentioned with respect to patrolling in US cities.