Coordinating Contract Support On The Battlefield PDF Download

New types of threats are constantly emerging in this rapidly- changing, global military and economic environment. At the same time, the revolution in business affairs occurring within the Department of Defense (DoD) brings with it major impacts on the warfighter. One significant impact is in the area of increased reliance on contractor support, with changes both in the magnitude and the nature of that support. Contractors now provide many of the functions that were previously performed by military personnel, ranging from traditional base operations support to maintaining sophisticated weapons systems. This transition has occurred as a result of globalization and expansion of U.S. interests abroad, with a concurrent increase in military operating tempo (OPTEMPO). Furthermore, transformation dictates that the military must have the capability to deploy quickly and decisively, with the optimum tooth-to-tail ratio, while complying with established troop limitations set by Congress or host nations. Other factors have exacerbated the situation-deep cuts in DoD personnel and budgets, the Congressional push to privatize functions that can be accomplished outside the military, and new technology and complex weapons systems that have found their place on the battlefield. Contractors on current and future battlefields create a host of challenges for the commander. This paper chronicles the historical perspective of contractor support to the military. It reviews policy and doctrine and examines critical DoD issues and risks in light of the movement to contract out more, not less-and differently-in the future. Lastly, the paper looks to the future and identifies a course of action to legitimize contractors as an integral piece of the Total Force, augmenting existing DoD force structure and creating a seamless partnership between contractors and the military.