Between 2012 and 2019, the DoD paid more than $160 billion to private military contractors. This figure does not include hiring statistics for the Department of State and other federal government agencies. It also doesn’t include money spent by certain sympathetic foreign governments.
If they get hurt in the line of duty, all these contractors are entitled to Defense Base Act injury compensation benefits. These benefits, which include lost wage replacement and reasonable medical bill payment, are available if a contractor is injured in an overseas war zone.
The law defines “in the line of duty” very broadly. For example, if Alex was hurt in a terrorist attack in a marketplace while she was off duty, she is eligible for DBA benefits. Furthermore, a Defense Base Act lawyer can obtain benefits if the victim served in a country that had any U.S. military presence, like an embassy guard.
Private military contractor jobs are as diverse as the contractors themselves. Many are former servicemembers. Others are former law enforcement officers with little or no military experience. Still others have never put on a uniform. All private military contractors, unlike mercenaries, are subject to U.S. legal oversight. So, it’s important to know the rules and general expectations before you sign on.
IT Technician
These contractors often do not wear fatigues on the job. They also carry clipboards and laptops as opposed to rifles and machine guns.
In general, whether they work at an airbase in Iraq or an office in Dallas. Information technology technicians diagnose computer problems, install software, monitor computer systems, and test computer equipment and programs.
Technology gives government security forces a vital edge over their insurgent opponents. As a military contractor, you are responsible for helping the military keep its computer networks and systems operating efficiently. IT technicians are responsible for quickly diagnosing issues and making repairs to minimize or eliminate downtime.
Training Instructor
Ultimately, the goal of every foreign military intervention is to do the job well, get home as quickly as possible, and ensure that no one must come back and do the same job again. Military instructors fulfill the third part of that mission.
Training instructors are responsible for training recruits or veteran soldiers in a specialized skill or a certain type of combat that they have mastered. The training instructor is expected to provide hands-on, performance-based exercises, practice scenarios, and final performance assessments. They are also responsible for helping their trainees, as necessary, with the course material or exercises.
Sometimes, instructor contractors enhance skills. They often work with government security forces, teaching them counterinsurgency tactics that they have usually learned from experience. Other times, instructor contractors start from scratch. They instill military discipline into rebel fighters, transforming them from well-intentioned idealogues into an efficient military fighting force.
Security Manager
These higher-up military contractors are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of an assigned location, such as a foreign embassy or military base, or a specific person. A security manager also develops and implements security policies, protocols, and procedures. S/he may also be expected to manage a budget and keep security costs at or under budget.
Note that security managers do not handle overall policy concerns. Suits in Washington usually handle this chore. Private military contractors are not mercenaries who make their own rules. Private military contractors color inside the lines.
Firefighter
Private military contractor firefighters generally provide fire fighting services in a secure or specialized area, such as an airport or military base. These firefighters may also be asked to evacuate civilians during emergencies and respond to fire alarms. Additionally, firefighters who work for the government may be responsible for protecting specific equipment or information.
Background Investigator
Sometimes, background investigators are responsible for conducting and compiling personal and professional background investigations for job candidates. Their primary responsibilities include interviewing employers, coworkers, members of the candidate’s family and personal references. They prepare reports on their findings and make recommendations based on the candidate’s background.
Other times, background investigators are more like bounty hunters. We do not mean Boba Fett-style bounty hunters. Instead, we mean bounty hunters that track targeted individuals and accurately predict their future moves.
Private Investigator
Private investigators who work for the government gather information about matters of national interest. They may also work on technical surveillance countermeasures. Little is known about the daily responsibilities of these investigators, however, as the military work they perform often involves secretive and private operations.
Medic
These individuals might be the most important members of a combat team. A medic is responsible for providing first aid and trauma care during combat. They are also responsible for providing continuous medical care in the absence of a physician. Medics usually move with the troops they serve and monitor their ongoing health. Medics help to save the lives of soldiers in the field, and their skills make them very desirable in the field of military contracting.
Usually, medics stabilize combat injury victims so they can be transported to hospitals for treatment. Medics may also handle care for non-combat-related illnesses and injuries.
Roving Security
When most people visualize private military contractors, they think of roving security guards, who are primarily responsible for preventing attacks. While they are prepared to handle combat, they are also placed in locations to have a visible security presence to deter possible attacks against military personnel and civilians.
These private military contractors also gather vital intelligence, usually by developing close relationships with civilians and gaining their trust. Roving security can also serve as public information officers and make sure that basic roles are adhered to.
Personal Security Detail
These contractors, who are a lot like roving security contractors, are in charge of protecting an individual or group of people. Personal security assignments may include high-profile individuals who may potentially be at risk of attack. Personal security detail can include a single person or an entire security team. It can also be a combination of private security contractors, military personnel, and law enforcement.
Logistics Coordinator
A logistics coordinator is responsible for coordinating and analyzing a supply chain and managing acquisition, distribution, and delivery. Logistics coordinators who work for the government may be in charge of coordinating people, the management of supplies, or facility management. They may also be responsible for the movement and transportation of troops and their equipment and supplies.
For more information about available injury compensation, contact Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A.