Abstract
The paper discusses how in recent years the military has been reduced in numbers and funding. These changes have made it necessary to increase the use of civilian contractors during times of war. The paper explains that they provide contract labor in areas that require special handling and when the project or job is over they leave without retirement pay or other benefits. The paper describes how contractors provide technical expertise and support where the logistical decisions can mean life or death on the battlefield of war. The paper concludes that with the reduction of funding and troops in the military, the use of civilian contractors is the prudent and cost effective way to maintain military strength without having to increase the cost of the military.

From the Paper
"They provide expertise with a focus on technology, as well as a cost reduction for the United States Armed Service Corps. Contractors are paid by the job which relieves the government of responsibility for their retirement pension fund, vacation or sick pay and other things that are typically provided in a traditional military or private sector job.
Another element to increased civilian contract use is the need for military personnel in other operations. The use of civilian contractors frees up military personnel for other operations while not reducing the work or coverage in the areas that the civilians work with."

Tags:army, personnel, technical, military

Abstract
This paper defines the roles of the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) which hires private civilian contractors to provide supplies and services to American soldiers. It also explores the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which asseses the federal programs to see if money is being spent in a wise fashion. The paper, through statistics and research, tries to determine whether the American taxpayers are getting their money's worth from the contractors who are supplying and servicing American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From the Paper
"Going way back to 1997 and the U.S. military involvement in Bosnia, the same problem (lack of accountability and oversight) was apparent, according to the GAO "Report Abstract" issued on February 11, 1997. "The Army lacks basic financial systems to track how contractor funds are being spent and contractor monitoring systems to evaluate contractor performance," the report states. Civilian contractors were used "extensively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars... [and] in the case of Bosnia, the Army's latest estimate for contractor support has risen to $461.5 million - about $111 million more than the Army's original estimate." The GAO also criticizes the "unnecessary overhead costs and duplication resulting from the Navy and the Air Force introducing similar support contract programs.""

Tags:soldier, war, economy, budget, tax, payer

Abstract
This paper looks at the US military's use of private contractors to perform military activities and the many problems associated with this practice. The paper focuses on the war in Iraq and reveals that privately contracted personnel in Iraq have the power and authority to use arms against anyone who they believe to be a threat, regardless of the consequences of their actions. The paper then discusses the multinational corporation, Blackwater USA, which holds the largest share of security contracts in Iraq. The paper explains some of the problems with Blackwater USA including lack of supervision, lack of continuity, and allowable secrecy that has led to innocent civilians' deaths. The paper also explains that the Bush administration was the chief opponent to reforming the practice of using private contractors and points out that if no reform is undertaken, taxes will continue to go to Blackwater and the reckless slaughter of innocent people will continue as will increased distrust of Americans by Iraqi civilians. The paper concludes by proposing changes to the development and awarding of contracts to private contractors.

Outline:
Demand For Change
Proposed Changes

From the Paper
"During the course of the war in Iraq, the United States has seen many of its allies remove their troops from Iraq. By itself, the United States military would be unable to fight the war and bring stability to the region as it is does not have the requisite number of troops on the ground and those troops are not adeptly trained for all of the dangerous tasks involved. The definitive number of troops is determined not by need but by executive and congressional orders, which do not allow greater numbers for support and or security troops which creates an essential gap in services for troops and for the cause of securing individuals, groups and even supplies. The answer to this gap has been to provide for such services through private contracts and in doing so the dire need calls for such contracts to be closed bids, where the contract is not offered to the best provider or the provider who offers the best return on the investment it is simply offered to an individual corporation that is most likely to be able to provide the service as rapidly as possible. These services range from cooking and maintenance services for US troops and equipment to prison guards and or trained security staff for high profile Iraqi civilian officials."

Tags:transparency, accountability, mercenaries, military

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in recent years, the Department of Defense has turned increasingly to independent contractors for the performance of essential services. Though generally touted as a means of improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the use of private contractors has frequently meant exactly the opposite - poor management and cost overruns. The writer maintains that the Department of Defense must put in place clear procedures for determining when to use independent contractors and must show stakeholders why independent contractors must be considered preferred service providers in these cases. The writer concludes that all Department of Defense acquisitions and allocations must be justified.

From the Paper
"Numerous parties hold a vested interest in the elimination of problems within the Department of Defense acquisitions process. The military itself is a primary stakeholder, as are the independent contractors, the end recipients of services - in particular in Iraq - and the American taxpayer. The cost overruns and mismanagement associated with independent contractors have become particularly acute since the beginning of the Iraq War as varied interest groups compete for different priorities. The Department of Defense has as its primary interest, the proper functioning of the military establishment. To this end, it has eliminated many civilian positions within the military that formerly oversaw the acquisitions process."

Tags:efficiency, contracts, practices, functioning, military

Abstract
This paper presents a research proposal that aims to examine the role of perceived organizational support (POS) and psychological contracts of independent contractors. It specifically examines whether work status or context, i.e., independent contractors in comparison to traditional employees, moderates these concepts. The paper also discusses the history of the relationship between the employee and employer.

Table of Contents:
Problem Statement
Statement of Purpose

From the Paper
"From a practical perspective, my interest in this research topic comes from extensive experience working alongside traditional employees and my status as an independent contractor. In order to gain a competitive advantage, the implementation of organization-wide strategy initiatives have created decidedly different results in relation to experiencing the involvement, attitude and commitment of independent distributors and traditional employees. Purely by accident, I ran across the concepts of POS and psychological contracts and while they seem to explain the difference in outcomes between independent distributors and employees, I did not have sufficient knowledge to translate those concepts into positive action nor to make management aware of the potential contributions of these concepts to successful organizational behavior."

Tags:POS, behavior, reltionship, commitment

Abstract
Those in favor of privatization argue that use of private contractors will lead to cost efficiency in the design and building of new facilities. Those who are against privatization, argue that it is that very independence of the contractors which will lead to higher costs since the profit margin now needs to be factored in as well as the possibility of "low balling" and other disreputable practices. This paper intends to examine both sides of the argument in terms of quality, cost, flexibility and accountability. However, it will also be argued that privatization is a step backwards in terms of societal, and governmental responsibility.

Tags:privatization, correctional, facilities

Abstract
In this article, the writer focuses on the impact of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on US military personnel currently serving in a war zone. The writer examines current literature on PTSD, current theories and treatments and the ability to adapt to society after they return to life in a conflict-free zone. This research uses a survey to examine the effectiveness of current treatments for PTSD among a population of military personnel and private contractors stationed in the war zone. The writer concludes that this study will play an important role in the further development of techniques to help those who spend time in a war zone avoid PTSD and allow them to return to a state of normalcy as quickly as possible.

Outline:
Introduction
Americans at War
The Effects of Life in a War Zone
Literature Review
Military Statistics
The Affects of War on an Individual
Current Treatment Options for PTSD
Veterans of Previous Wars
After the War
Conclusion
Methodology
Study Participants
Survey Instrument
Data Collection
Statistical Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Conflict is a part of the human condition. Although most would prefer peace, sometimes war represents an inevitable reality. Since the founding of our nations, Americans have been called to serve our nation in the armed forces numerous times. The latest conflict is only one event in a long chain of wars dotting American history. Every time there is a conflict, three things are inevitable: casualties, fatalities, and survivors.
"Fatalities are a part of life in the war zone. It is a reality that every military person faces every day. For those that become casualties, they are often left with permanent reminders of their life in the war zone. However, not all casualties are physical. Life in the war zone leaves lasting emotional scars on everyone who survives, whether they were injured or not. Often these emotional scars go unrecognized, or have no apparent affect on daily life, but for some, they can affect their life to a degree that makes it difficult to cope. These emotional effects are the topic of this research."

Tags:PTSD, casualties, grief, traumatic, event

Abstract
The paper provides an overview of liens in general and mechanics' liens in particular. The paper explains their implications for general contractors and subcontractors, and focuses on how these laws operate in the state of Kansas.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There may be other barriers to pursuing a construction-related lien as well. In cases of construction work on personal residences in Illinois, for example, subcontractors are required to furnish two notices, one within 60 days of first doing work and one within 90 days of last doing work; in the event these notices are not provided, a legal barrier is added that precludes the subcontractor from pursuing a lien. According to Resnick, "Only upon receiving final lien waivers from all the subcontractors (including your general contractor) can you be reasonably protected from a mechanics lien being recorded against your property" (8). Each state allows an individual or company that furnishes labor or materials for a construction project to claim a lien against the improved property; although these laws differ from state to state in their definition of improvements and some states limit lien claims to buildings or structures, the majority of the several states allow the filing of a document with the local court that places parties interested in the property on notice that the party asserting the lien has a claim (Kansas Construction Lien Law 2008: 3)."

Tags:mechanics, debt, mortgage, taxes, labor, materials

Abstract
The paper shows that if the answer is yes to the question of obligation, how can these large corporations best be encouraged to live up to these obligations? As both international trade and international commerce have become globalized, humanity is facing unprecedented challenges in terms of the demands corporations are placing upon our social and governmental structures.

From the Paper
"The defense industry is largely oligopolistic, with the federal government the sole customer, or "monopsonist". The industry consists of relatively few very large contractors and many small satellite subcontractors which cluster around them. The business of a contractor in defense work comprises research and development and/or production. The work can vary from exploratory studies, costing thousands of dollars, to extensive production programs involving billions and requiring broad subcontracting arrangements. In practice, the firm that does the research and development often contracts the production work as well.
As much as 75% of the annual dollar value of all prime ... "