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Privatization of National Security

During most of the twentieth century, a strong and well-funded military had limited need for private contractors. But, post-Cold War cuts in defense spending and staffing along with the changing nature of national defense gave rise to the critical need to turn to Private Military Contractors (PMCs) to offer expertise and supplement U.S. military resources.

Determining the appropriate roles for both government resources and PMCs was the topic of discussion at the McCormick Tribune Foundation's conference on "Understanding the Privatization of National Security," held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Ill., on May 11-12, 2006. Forty distinguished legal scholars, first responders, military personnel and other representatives of the private and government sectors were on hand to define and refine the key issues.

Two main areas of concern framed the discussion. First, the roles assumed by PMCs and their resulting responsibilities and, second, the legal and humanitarian concerns that arise from private contractors assuming certain tasks.

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