Policy Issue (Privatization & Contracting Out)
Problem: Security of non-military actors and training of Afghan police and military
personnel
Policy: Private security contractors in Afghanistan: “The United States is relying heavily
on private firms to supply a wide variety of services in Afghanistan, including security.
From publicly available information, this is apparently the first time that the United
States has depended so extensively on contractors to provide security in a hostile
environment, although it has previously contracted for more limited security services in
Afghanistan, Bosnia, and elsewhere. In Afghanistan, private firms known as Private
Security Contractors (PSCs) serve to protect individuals, transport convoys, forward
operating bases, buildings, and other economic infrastructure, and are training Afghan
police and military personnel.”
Client: Representative Vic Snyder (D), Chairman, House Armed Services Subcommittee
on Oversight and Investigations
Tasks: 1) Identify the advantages and disadvantages of contracting out security
operations in Afghanistan; 2) If the policy is to be continued, how can the disadvantages
be addressed?; 3) If the policy is to be discontinued, what are the alternatives to ensure
security of non-military actors, and to provide training to Afghan police and military
personnel?; 4) Recommend to the Chairman if the existing policy should be continued
or seek alternative solutions to the problem.