The United States relies 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. 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 March 31, 2010, there were more than 27,000 armed private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan (calculated using a tooth-to-tail ratio). Recent contracting trends indicate that the number of such contractors in Iraq may decline while the number in Afghanistan may continue to increase. Many analysts and government officials believe that DOD would be unable to execute its mission without PSCs. The use of armed contractors has raised a number of issues for Congress, including concerns over transparency and accountability. Much of the attention given to PSCs by Congress and the media is a result of numerous high-profile incidents in which security contractors have been accused of shooting civilians, using excessive force, being insensitive to local customs or beliefs, or otherwise behaving inappropriately. These actions may have undermined U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some analysts and DOD officials believe that poor contractor oversight has significantly contributed to contractor abuses. As a result, Congress has also focused on whether DOD is effectively managing PSCs and whether improved contractor oversight could have prevented or minimized the impact of these incidents.

"June 22, 2010"--Cover.

Introduction / Background. Services provided by private security contractors -- Total number and profile of PSCs working in Iraq and Afghanistan -- Congressional focus on PSCs / Private security companies working for the U.S. government. Why the U.S. government uses PSCs -- Department of Defense PSCs -- Armed security contractors as a percentage of DOD's armed stability and security force -- Can the use of PSCs undermine US efforts? -- DOD management and oversight of PSCs / Options for Congress. Define the role that private security contractors can play in support of military operations taking place in unsecured environments.