As if we need more proof our Troops are stretched way too far, Bush is looking to hire more Mercenaries. This time it is to, the admins says, to "to develop and install high-resolution shortwave infrared cameras...for 2 types airplanes" and "provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support in Trans-Saharan Africa by identifying the best platform and sensor suite; designing, building, operating and maintaining a base of operations" also to "develop a program to train border police in Afghanistan to guard crossings, prevent the flow of contraband, and search people and vehicles."
"The contractor shall provide security and related services in support of [counter-narcoterrorism and] related missions to include, but not limited to, intelligence, medical, logistics, canine services, surveillance, counter-surveillance, aerial over-watch, security advisory, etc. The services may be incidental to other activities (i.e., training programs, construction, etc.) or the primary purpose of the [task order]," the statement said.
There is more below the fold.
There are a few things that really bother me about this expanded use of Mercenaries. Just read the job description and keep in mind this will be being done in the War Zone of Afghanistan. It sure smells kind of fishy to me, and as those in Congress say , it won't pass the smell test. At least not if we can get someone to smell it. Democrats are trying to bring troops home so maybe Bush has a plan to replace them on the side.
"The contractor shall provide security and related services in support of [counter-narcoterrorism and] related missions to include, but not limited to, intelligence, medical, logistics, canine services, surveillance, counter-surveillance, aerial over-watch, security advisory, etc. The services may be incidental to other activities (i.e., training programs, construction, etc.) or the primary purpose of the [task order]," the statement said.
The only thing not in black and white is the actual pulling of the trigger from what I see and we can be sure that is in there somewhere. If we look farther into the details of the is deal like who is in the running for the contracts it becomes more obvious. I don't want to get buried in the weeds of the Industrial War Machine but the Big Boys are here, missing maybe is Halliburton and KBR.
Awardees include Raytheon Technical Services Co., Lockheed Martin Co., Northrop Grumman Corp., Arinc Inc., and Blackwater USA. The contract was let by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command on Aug. 24 on behalf of the Pentagon's Counter-Narcoterrorism Technology Program Office.
The mission of the counter-narcoterrorism office is to "develop and deploy technology that aids disrupting, deterring and denying the flow of drugs, people, information, money and weapons related to illegal drug trafficking and narcoterrorism," according to a 2003 Pentagon memo that expanded the charter. The office was formerly known as the DoD Counterdrug Technology Development Program Office. http://www.govexec.com/...
Make up your own mind but it shouldn't take a tinhat to connect the dots on this on this deal. Looking back at the CNN article pretty much confirms what the mission is of these Contractors.
"CNTPO is actively engaged in providing technology and services to meet the immediate and emerging needs of the combatant commanders and others involved in interagency and multinational operations to disrupt, deter and deny narcoterrorist and illegal drug activities," said Tom Arnsmeyer, vice president of the Homeland Security Solutions
I have just one more question if anyone knows the answer. Where does this money come from and how ? Isn't 15 Billion Dollars a bit out of our budget these days ?
Raytheon Technical Services Company (RTSC) LLC, a subsidiary of Raytheon Company , has been awarded a five-year, indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract to support the Department of Defense's counter-narcoterrorism activities. This multiple contractor award has an estimated ceiling value of $15 billion. http://money.cnn.com/...
"Due to the rapid adaptability of the counter-narcoterrorist threat, special federal government spending authorities are available to the [deputy assistant secretary of Defense for counter-narcoterrorism]." http://www.govexec.com/...
Fighting Osama and the Taliban just got more expensive.
Update: Micheal Hirsh is on CNN saying the Pentagon wants to bring home 2/3 of the troops way faster than General Patreaus. If true it would be just like Bush to try and do this on the sly isn't ?