Issues Facing Weapons Systems Contractors Deployed in Support of Contingency Operations

: The deployment of defense contractor personnel in support of military contingency operations provides an enhanced capability for the warfighter. Contractors provide a variety of services covering a range of capabilities and serve as a force multiplier. However, the use of these personnel does not come without issues. The procedures and policy guidance currently available does not completely meet the needs of individual weapons systems contractors deployed in support of U.S. Military forces. Some issues, unique to the deployment of contractors, which require the attention of the Combatant Commander include: integrated planning, accountability/visibility, transportation, life support, legal status, relationship with the military chain of command, and force protection. Within the Army Acquisition community, these challenges can best be resolved through the implementation of three courses of action: policy reform, a centralized contractor accountability system, and a better relationship between the Program Executive Offices (PEO) and the Army Materiel Command (AMC). Policy reform begins with definition and clarification of standard contract clauses and language with respect to contingency operations and the deployment of defense contractors. As a means of accounting for contractors and providing visibility of their capability, the Special Projects Office (SPO) Tracker, developed by the Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications Tactical (PEO C3T), provides a ready, web-enabled solution for accounting for any deployed contractor. Lastly, recent changes in the relationship between the Army Acquisition community and AMC bring promise to a better means for providing contractor oversight at the unit level. In concert, these solutions can result in enhanced integration of contractors into the deployed force.