Vietnam 1963-1973: Ten Years of Operational Contract Support

The private military industry has always played a significant role throughout American military history. Much of the current literature, particularly concerning the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, magnifying negative aspects of individual contractors, not the strength of the entire industry. Other literature specifies concerns of overreliance as an indicator of a decreased ability to conduct military logistic operations. The purpose of this study is to show the private military industry as beneficial to military operations and pose the question of whether the private military industry negatively affects the future logistical capabilities in the United States Military. This study answers this question by demonstrating the necessity of private military companies to provide logistical requirements during ten years of the Vietnam War. This examination of one case study confirms that the private military industry does not threaten the future of logistics, but strengthens its capability. Proper integration of private military companies can enable force projection and operational reach within an austere environment.