Gates questions combat training by contractors

Has anything not been "outsource" in Iraq to contractors?

Gates questions combat training by contractors

By Erica Werner - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 21, 2008 20:02:22 EDT

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to know why his military uses private contractors for combat and security training, and how widespread the practice is.

He’s asking for answers from the Pentagon’s top military officer, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen.

“In my mind, the fundamental question that remains unanswered is this: Why have we come to rely on private contractors to provide combat or combat-related security training for our forces?” Gates wrote in a memo to Mullen that was released Monday to The Associated Press by the office of Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.

“Further, are we comfortable with this practice, and do we fully understand the implications in terms of quality, responsiveness and sustainability?”

Gates’ memo came after Webb raised concerns about the role of private contractors and specifically Blackwater Worldwide, which opened a new counterterrorism training center in San Diego last month over the opposition of city officials.

Webb had been blocking Senate consideration of four civilian Defense Department nominees while waiting for answers. On Monday, Webb told Gates he was lifting his opposition to the nominees.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_contractors_gates_072108/

As for Blackwater, go here to read how they are getting out of this kind of business and then you won't have to wonder why they are.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Blackwater plans shift from security business
Blackwater plans shift from security businessBy Matt Apuzzo and Mike Baker - The Associated PressPosted : Monday Jul 21, 2008 17:54:50 EDTMOYOCK, N.C. — Blackwater Worldwide executives said Monday that they plan to shift away from the lucrative security contracting business because government scrutiny and negative media attention have made the business too costly.“The experience we’ve had would certainly be a disincentive to any other companies that want to step in and put their entire business at risk,” company founder and CEO Erik Prince told The Associated Press during a daylong visit to the company’s North Carolina compound.go here for morehttp://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_blackwater_072108/