American Contractors: Afghanistan's Unsung Heroes

The War in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilian contractors, including American citizens. The US Department of Labor has confirmed that, as of March 31, 2021, a total of 1,822 civilian contractors have been killed in Afghanistan. However, this number is likely an underestimate as the majority of US contractors are citizens of other countries, and many of their deaths may not have been reported. Brown University's Costs of War project estimates the number of contractor deaths to be about 3,814, while other sources place the figure at over 8,000. The deaths of these contractors, who performed some of the war's most dangerous functions, have largely gone unnoticed by the American public and remain unreported by the Pentagon.

US contractors killed in Afghanistan: 3,846

The US has lost thousands of contractors in Afghanistan. According to the US Department of Labor, 1,822 civilian contractors were killed in Afghanistan as of March 31, 2021. However, this figure only includes deaths up to April 2010. The true number is likely much higher.

The Washington Post reported that internal documents revealed a much larger number of contractor deaths than government statistics indicate, with more than 3,814 US contractors killed in the war. Brown University's Costs of War project estimates the number to be around 3,814, while AP News reports 3,846. These figures are higher than the number of US troops killed in the conflict, which stood at 2,300 as of 2020.

The Pentagon does not keep track of contractor deaths, and they are often unreported. Contractors have performed some of the war's most dangerous functions, and their deaths have largely gone unnoticed by the American public. They are a "disposable army," as described by Steven Schooner, with their deaths allowing politicians to change strategies without public scrutiny.

Contractors have filled essential roles in the war, including translation, logistics, security, and laundry. They have also been involved in guarding diplomats, feeding troops, and reconstruction efforts. The US military's reliance on contractors has been significant, with a ratio of almost 1 contractor to 1 US troop in Afghanistan, according to military figures from Fall 2020. Including local and third-country contractors, the ratio increases to about 2 to 1.

The use of contractors has provided political benefits, as their deaths do not carry the same political costs as military casualties. Additionally, the majority of contractors are not US citizens, with the Pentagon hiring a vast majority from within the country or from other countries, known as "Third Country Nationals" (TCNs). This further distances the American public from the human toll of the war.

The true cost of the war in Afghanistan, in terms of lives lost, is much higher when considering the deaths of contractors alongside those of US troops. The lack of transparency and accountability regarding contractor deaths highlights the need for better reporting and recognition of their sacrifices.

US troops killed in Afghanistan: 2,448

The US combat mission in Afghanistan was America's longest war. The US first entered the conflict in 2001, just weeks after the Al-Qaeda September 11 attacks that prompted the "War on Terror". Since the start of US military operations through to April 2021, 2,448 American service members have been killed in Afghanistan, according to data from Linda Bilmes of Harvard University's Kennedy School and the Brown University Costs of War project, as reported by the Associated Press. This figure is slightly higher than the US Department of Defense's count of 2,218, which only includes casualties that occurred in Afghanistan between October 7, 2001, and December 31, 2014.

The deaths of US troops in Afghanistan occurred in a variety of ways, including rocket-propelled grenade fire, improvised explosive devices, vehicle crashes, electrocutions, heatstroke, friendly fire, and suicides. Many troops also returned home with psychological wounds such as PTSD, and the number of US service members and veterans who have died by suicide (over 30,000) is more than four times the number of those who died in combat.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan began under the Trump administration and was initiated by President Biden, who ordered a full withdrawal by September 11, 2021—the 20th anniversary of the Al-Qaeda attacks. The withdrawal was completed by August 31, 2021, and during this period, the Taliban made swift gains across the country, securing the capital city of Kabul and forcing US Embassy staff to evacuate.

In addition to the 2,448 US troops killed in Afghanistan, there were also significant numbers of contractor deaths. The Pentagon has not kept track of contractor deaths, but according to the US Department of Labor, 1,822 civilian contractors were killed in Afghanistan as of March 31, 2021. Other sources give higher estimates, with The Washington Post reporting that more than 3,800 US contractors have died in the war.

US contractors vs. US troops deaths: Contractors have died more than troops

The US war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001, has resulted in thousands of deaths. The US government has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding the number of casualties, particularly those of civilian contractors.

According to the US Department of Labor, 1,774 civilian contractors have died in Afghanistan since the start of the war. However, this number is acknowledged to be incomplete. Brown University's Costs of War project estimates that the true figure is closer to 3,814, with over 8,000 contractors killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

In comparison, the number of US troop deaths in Afghanistan is lower. As of October 2021, the US had lost a total of 2,312 military personnel in the country, with approximately 2,300 deaths reported as of 2021.

The discrepancy between contractor and troop deaths can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Pentagon does not keep track of contractor deaths, and their deaths often go unreported. Additionally, contractors make up more than half of the military personnel working for the US in Afghanistan, and they perform some of the most dangerous tasks, such as translation, security, and logistics.

The high number of contractor deaths highlights the hidden costs of America's wars and the need for better tracking and transparency by the US government.

US government's response: The Pentagon does not keep track of contractor deaths

The Pentagon does not keep track of contractor deaths in Afghanistan. While the Pentagon has never felt obligated to report civilian contractor deaths to Americans, the US government has lied to the American public about the success of the Afghanistan war.

The US military's reliance on contractors has been described as a "pop-up army of greasy, lawless contractors". However, the military could not have operated without the services that contractors performed. They supported the troops during the long years of war in Afghanistan and stayed on the job under fire right up to the final collapse.

Contractors fill the gaps where there are not enough troops or the right skills in the military to do the job. They can also work more cheaply than US troops and deploy to places where the US doesn't want to or can't legally send its military.

The US government has been criticised for its lack of transparency around the number of contractor deaths. A spokesperson for the Pentagon, Jessica Maxwell, said:

> "If the death of a contractor occurs, the release of names and other information are handled by the next of kin or the organization by which the individual was employed. We hear about the casualties on a case-by-case basis but do not keep track of the total number."

The Department of Labor did not respond to a request for comment.

Contractor roles: translation, logistics, security, etc

Translation, logistics, and security are among the most common roles for contractors in Afghanistan.

Translation

Translators are essential in the transport and logistics sector, which is inherently international in nature. They help overcome language barriers and ensure seamless communication between clients, customers, contractors, officials, and employees. This includes translating operation manuals, mechanical drawings, parking rules, and other documentation.

Logistics

Logistics is a broad term that can include coordinating people, facility management, and the management of supplies and transportation. Civilian contractors provide logistical support to the military, especially in war zones, by overseeing dining halls, laundry facilities, and small retail shops at bases and outposts. They also assist with bringing in supplies and finding workers to fill food and other service positions.

Security

Security is one of the most common roles for contractors, making up roughly 50% of civilian contractors in remote regions. They serve as bodyguards and provide armoured transportation for military personnel, dignitaries, and other private citizens. Security positions can also include K-9 programs for tracking drugs, weapons, and enemy combatants, as well as explosive ordnance disposal specialists who defuse bombs and protect soldiers and citizens.

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