Thesis: The increased use of civilians in combat may put more Soldiers on the battlefield; however, the contracting process is inefficient and costly. Abstract: The attack on the -United States on September 11, 2001 has forced the nation to increase its security in virtually all aspects. The number of military personnel sent overseas to fight the War on Terror has forced the Department of Defense (DOD) to hire civilians to perform a variety of duties. Throughout history, there have always been civilians on the battlefield. In the recent decade however, DOD has hired an unprecedented number of civilians to support our military both in the continental United States and abroad. The increased use of civilians in combat may put more Soldiers on the battlefield; however, the contracting process is inefficient and costly.

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