As the Obama Administration winds down in the coming months, much ink will be spilled in the discussion of the President’s legacy in foreign affairs in general and military matters in particular. One thing is beyond dispute: Today’s military is more dependent than ever on military contractors, especially in the “overseas contingency operations” (DoD-speak for “wars”) in Afghanistan and Iraq. …
New Work Projects In MENA Region
Various U.S. government agencies continue to award huge development and security contracts to protect and expand American interests in the Middle East and North Africa regions. These projects create economic opportunities for thousands of individuals, but also carry substantial risk of injury. The U.S. Agency for International Development announced that it will provide $68 million in emergency assistance to Sudan …
Back to Basics: Myths About Contractors
Before they arrive in-country, either in a relatively quiet place like Diego Garcia or an extremely hazardous war zone like Afghanistan, what processes apply to military contractors, and what exactly do they do during their deployments? Once upon a time, most military contractors were Special Operations veterans that some people aptly described as “door-kickers.” But shortly thereafter, given the increased …
Understanding Security Clearances for Overseas Jobs
Before private military contractors and other overseas workers confront the Iraq War, they must first emerge victorious in the Paperwork War. After they receive provisional employment offers, which probably means they have already provided a considerable amount of background materials to their prospective employers, candidates must normally complete the Office of Personnel Management’s Standard Form 86 Questionnaire for National Security …
New Imaging May Predict Long-Term Effects of TBI
Combat-related Traumatic Brain Injuries, which are particularly widespread in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, may soon be easier to diagnose and treat, thanks to an advanced imaging system currently under development. Doctors can use Diffusion Tensor Imaging, which is similar to an MRI, to diagnose and treat returning combat veterans who suffer concussions, or Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries. With over …