Troops gone, US to rely on 7,000 contractors in Iraq: report

[ZombieHorde]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i95vQddSvDq7rolln4GestfTRuSA

WASHINGTON — The US State Department is to more than double the number of security contractors it employs in Iraq to around 7,000, filling a gap left by departing troops, the New York Times reported Thursday.

The newspaper said the contractors would be deployed to defend five fortified compounds that will be left behind as US combat forces exit Iraq and the US mission switches from a military-led to a civilian-headed operation.

Citing unnamed administration officials, the Times said private security contractors would operate radar to warn of enemy fire, search for roadside bombs, and fly surveillance drones.

They could also staff "quick reaction forces" dispatched to rescue civilians in trouble.

The massive increase in security contractors is an indication of the unusually large role that will be assumed by US diplomatic staff after combat troops leave Iraq

[lib2DaBone]

1. Blackwater Guns earn $125,000 per year....

What does a private in the U.S. Military make?....

I could be wrong.. but isn't this going to send the budget deficit to the moon? How can we afford this?