The Human Cost Of War: Examining Contractor Casualties In Afghanistan

The U.S. military spent $14 trillion during two decades of war in Afghanistan, with some of the beneficiaries being private contractors. These contractors were involved in a wide range of activities, from major manufacturing to entrepreneurship.

DAI, an international development company, has been involved in numerous projects in Afghanistan. These projects cover areas such as agriculture, alternative development, assistance to legislative bodies, export-oriented businesses, and local governance.

However, the presence of contractors in Afghanistan has also led to casualties. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a total of 1,822 civilian contractors were killed in Afghanistan as of March 31, 2021. This includes 260 private security contractors between June 2009 and April 2010. The high number of contractor deaths has raised questions about the role and protection of contractors in conflict zones.

The US government has been criticised for not keeping track of contractor deaths in Afghanistan

The US government has been aware of the issue of underreporting contractor deaths since at least 2010, when a ProPublica analysis found that companies employing such workers often failed to report their deaths and injuries to the Labor Department, as required by law. This has resulted in government figures likely understating the total number of civilian contractor deaths.

The lack of transparency around contractor deaths in Afghanistan has contributed to what journalist Dexter Filkins has called "The Forever War." With the US media largely failing to pay attention to contractors, they have become subject to political manipulation, and their deaths have allowed politicians to change strategies without the public noticing.

The true number of contractor deaths in Afghanistan is difficult to ascertain. While the US Department of Labor confirmed that 1,822 civilian contractors were killed in Afghanistan by March 31, 2021, Brown University's Costs of War project estimates the number to be around 3,814. This estimate is supported by internal documents obtained by the Washington Post, which indicate that the US government has lied to the American public about the success of the Afghanistan war.

The US military spent $14 trillion during two decades of war, with major weapons manufacturers and entrepreneurs benefiting

The US military spent $14 trillion during two decades of war in Afghanistan and the Middle East, enriching arms manufacturers, dealers, and contractors. One-third to half of that sum went to contractors.

Five defence companies — Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co, General Dynamics Corp, Raytheon Technologies Corp, and Northrop Grumman Corp — took the lion's share, $2.1 trillion, for weapons, supplies, and other services.

Weapons makers have spent $2.5 billion on lobbying efforts over the two decades since 9/11, employing on average over 700 lobbyists per year over the past five years.

The US military's reliance on contractors has been criticised as privatising key functions can reduce the military's control of activities that occur in war zones while increasing risks of waste, fraud, and abuse.

The US military's spending in Afghanistan also created rags-to-riches stories. A young Afghan translator transformed a deal to provide forces with bed sheets into a business empire including a TV station and a domestic airline. A California businessman running a bar in Kyrgyzstan started a fuel business that brought in billions in revenue. Two Army National Guardsmen from Ohio started a small business providing the military with Afghan interpreters. It grew to become one of the US Army's top contractors, collecting nearly $4 billion in federal contracts.

Contractors were essential for keeping most of the air platforms flying

The US military has relied on private contractors for decades, and their role in Afghanistan was no different. Contractors were essential to the US mission in Afghanistan, providing key maintenance and military support. They were responsible for training, gear maintenance, intelligence gathering, and close air support for units fighting the Taliban.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which began in July 2021, saw the departure of thousands of contractors from the country. This marked a turning point in the Afghan military's ability to function, as they had relied heavily on contractors to maintain their air platforms.

The Afghan Air Force could still conduct basic ground combat without contractors, but they needed support to keep their aircraft flying. The majority of Afghan aircraft, such as Black Hawk helicopters and C-130 transport planes, were supplied by the US and required specialized maintenance.

Contractors played a crucial role in the US war strategy. They followed security forces into cleared areas to implement development programs aimed at improving the lives of Afghans and drawing them away from the Taliban. However, without military protection, contractors became soft targets for the Taliban, who increasingly targeted them.

The loss of contractor support left the Afghan Air Force struggling to maintain its aircraft, and this is considered a significant factor in the rapid collapse of the Afghan military.

The Taliban's targeting of State Department and USAID contractors is contributing to the increase in contractor deaths

The number of private contractors in Afghanistan has been steadily increasing over the years, with the United States relying heavily on contractors to support its military and civilian operations in the country. These contractors often work in high-risk areas and perform critical tasks such as security, logistics, and development projects. As a result, they have become prime targets for the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

The Taliban have a history of targeting contractors, particularly those working for Western governments and organizations. They view these contractors as representatives of foreign influence and interference in Afghanistan, making them a direct target for their attacks. Additionally, contractors often have access to valuable resources and information, making them attractive targets for kidnapping, extortion, and intelligence gathering.

The State Department and USAID contractors are particularly vulnerable due to the nature of their work. They are often involved in development projects, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building initiatives, which require them to interact closely with local communities and government officials. This increases their exposure to potential threats and makes them easier targets for the Taliban.

The Taliban have also been known to use contractors as bargaining chips in negotiations with the United States and other countries. They have kidnapped and held contractors hostage to gain leverage and secure concessions. This further increases the risk for State Department and USAID contractors working in Afghanistan.

The increase in contractor deaths is also a result of the Taliban's tactics, which often involve suicide bombings, ambushes, and targeted assassinations. These tactics are difficult to defend against and can result in high casualty rates, especially for contractors who may not have the same level of protection and security as military personnel.

The Taliban's targeting of State Department and USAID contractors has had a significant impact on the ground. It has led to a decrease in the number of contractors willing to work in Afghanistan, as well as increased costs for those who do. It has also disrupted development projects, humanitarian aid efforts, and other critical initiatives that rely on the expertise and support of these contractors.

The United States government has faced criticism for its handling of contractor safety and security in Afghanistan. There have been allegations of insufficient oversight, a lack of clear guidelines, and a failure to provide adequate resources for protection. This has further contributed to the increase in contractor deaths and highlighted the need for improved policies and procedures to protect contractors in high-risk areas.

Overall, the Taliban's targeting of State Department and USAID contractors is a significant factor contributing to the rise in contractor deaths in Afghanistan. The nature of their work, combined with the Taliban's tactics and intentions, puts these contractors at a heightened risk. As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, ensuring the safety and security of contractors will remain a critical challenge for the United States and its allies.

The cost of providing security for contractors is rising as fast as the casualty numbers

The cost of providing security for contractors in Afghanistan has been rising as fast as the casualty numbers. The U.S. military spent $14 trillion during two decades of war, with beneficiaries ranging from major manufacturers to entrepreneurs.

The U.S. government has relied heavily on private firms to supply a wide variety of services in Iraq and Afghanistan, including security. Private security contractors (PSCs) serve to protect individuals, transport convoys, forward operating bases, buildings, and other economic infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Labor confirmed that by March 31, 2021, a total of 1,822 civilian contractors were killed in Afghanistan, of which, during the period between June 2009 and April 2010, 260 were private security contractors.

The cost of providing security for contractors is also dependent on the nationality of the contractors. For instance, the pay scale for PSC employees reportedly varies depending on their experience, their nationality, and the U.S. government's perceptions of danger involved.

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