re: Thoughts On Civilian Military Contractors?

It is an interesting dynamic...on many fronts. While Obama and the democrats are decreasing the number of military personnel - or at least plan to, I assume the number of PMC personnel will only increase.

Reading this Blackwater book, one could assume that they are indirectly, direct action personnel - if you know what I mean. They are not going and raiding homes, but they are certainly not afraid to engage what appears to be the enemy (and even beyond if the book is to be believed).

Blackwater was employed by the State Department by in large in Iraq. They were investigated by the FBI, but their contract essentially made them immune from prosecution in the US and when their personnel made questionable decisions that resulted in death, they were quickly flown out of the country so as to avoid the Iraqi justice system (if there is such a thing).

Other contractors are employed by the CIA to perform other functions.

Google Raymond Davis and CIA when you have time...