Military Contractors: How Earlier Integration in the Planning Process Would Achieve Greater Mission Success

The United States' use of private military contractors during wartime dates back to the Revolutionary War when sutlers would follow behind the army selling merchandise to troops. With current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is not feasible for the United States military to provide uniformed personnel to conduct all security and logistical missions. Private contractors have been called upon to provide a wider scope of services on the battlefield than ever before. However, procedures private firms utilize to accomplish their missions may unknowingly undermine theater-strategic or operational objectives. This paper will examine the adequacy of current military doctrine on the use of contractors, the extent to which contractors are involved in military planning, and how early integration in the planning process can achieve greater mission success. Future military operations will rely even more heavily on contractor support; therefore, to ensure unity of effort, commanders and their staffs must understand how to effectively plan for and implement contractors on the battlefield.