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U.S. Could Hire Private Guards for Bases in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON -- U.S. military authorities in Afghanistan may hire a private contractor to provide around-the-clock security at dozens of bases and protect vehicle convoys moving throughout the country.

The possibility of awarding a security contract comes as the Obama administration is sending thousands of more troops into Afghanistan to quell rising violence fueled by a resurgent Taliban. As the number of American forces grow over the next several months, so too does the demand to guard their outposts.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said he wants to cut back on the use of contractors that now provide a wide range services to American troops in war zones, including transportation, communications, food service, construction, and maintenance. As recently as February, however, Gates called the use of private security contractors in certain parts of Afghanistan "vital" to supporting U.S. bases. A contract for the work also creates job opportunities for Afghans, he said.

But the use of private contractors in Iraq has been highly contentious. Since a September 2007 shooting of Iraqi civilians in Baghdad by guards employed by Blackwater (now Xe Services), critics have urged U.S. officials to maintain much tighter controls over hired guards.

The Washington Post reported Saturday that the Army published a notice July 10 informing interested contractors it was contemplating a contract for "theater-wide" armed security.

"The contract would provide for a variety of security services, to include the static security of compounds on which U.S. and coalition forces reside, and for the protection of mission essential convoys in and around forward operating bases located throughout Afghanistan," the notice states.

No formal request for proposals has been issued. If the military decides to move ahead, a contract could be awarded by Dec. 1.

AP-FOX News

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Explain this to me, please! Our soldiers are to be protected by civilians? Does something appear a$$-backwards, or is it just me? Why aren't we building up our military, instead of bringing in civilian contractors? I have no doubt bottom line is the dollar. Short term answer to a big problem? It's one thing to have civilians cooking for our soldiers, so our GI's can take care of their missions. All of our military branches, put our soldiers through rigorous training; bottom line...they become warriors. Now, I have no doubt...there will be some ex-servicemen stepping into these positions, but c'mon folks. Will they hold the same dedication as our military, or will there come a moment when they feel the money is not worth it and they bail? Can they be trusted, can this result in more breeches of security?

I was going to save this for Talking Tuesday, but decided to post a Stumped Sunday instead.

Your turn......