Response From Rep. Linder (R-GA) on Contractors

Dear Mr. Spires:

Thank you for your email regarding private security contractors operating overseas. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

First and foremost, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of U.S. Army Staff Sergeants Ryan Maseth and Christopher Everett. Their devotion to the United States and the freedoms and liberties we hold so dear does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

The United States government has utilized the services of private security contractors for most of its overseas military operations since World War I. The media has suggested that we are now utilizing a far larger number of private security contractors overseas than at any other time in our country's history, however, that assertion is simply misleading. Similarly, while it is true that the media is reporting a greater number of incidents involving government contractors than in years past, any increase in reports of questionable incidents does not warrant a total ban of security contractors in all U.S. military operations.

For my part, I would consider supporting measures that would, for instance, hold private security contractors accountable for their actions. Everyone operating on behalf of our government--whether military personnel or private security personnel--should be held to high standards and expectations of conduct and accountability, especially if the opportunity for the use of deadly force is involved.

For over a century, private security firm contractors have provided valuable support to our troops and diplomatic missions overseas. While I was very disturbed to learn of the alleged misconduct of some employees operating as security contractors in the Middle East, I believe that most of our nation's private security firms do, in fact, offer our military and government personnel the security they need to conduct important operations they would otherwise not be able to accomplish without the security provided by these firms.

Additionally, in the past, neither Afghanistan nor Iraq was in a position to sustain larger military forces than those that they currently control, but this situation may slowly be changing. The ultimate goal of our efforts in both of those countries is to ensure that they can fully assume the responsibility of maintaining order within their own borders. Our men and women, in turn, will come home as soon as possible once that occurs.

In the meanwhile, I can assure you that I will support our service men and women as much as possible. They are doing a great job under extremely adverse conditions. As those brave men and women are willing to sacrifice to protect us, I want to provide them with the best services, resources, and equipment so that they can return home expeditiously and safely. This support, I believe, encourages military personnel to continue to serve and allows our armed services to maintain the high quality force that we have worked so hard to achieve.

Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of further assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to call on me.

Sincerely,

John Linder
Member of Congress