Are you a contractor in Iraq?

As part of its continuing coverage of the conflict in Iraq and its aftermath, the BBC News website would like to hear from security contractors in Iraq about their experiences.

It is estimated that anything between 10,000 to 20,000 security contractors are currently operating in Iraq.

Salaries can be handsome, but risks are high. It is thought that at least 50 private security contractors have died in the country since the end of the war.

Are you working as a private security contractor in Iraq or do you know anyone who may be working out there? What have been your experiences of working in the country? Send us your comments and experiences.

---

The following comments reflect the balance of views received.

I read a report saying that the majority of these security firms are owned by former US defence ministers etc. I don't understand that one of the largest armies in the world doesn't have enough people to give security. These security companies are there to make money, not because of lack of resources. Having proper connections surely are helping.
Sudesh Katugampola, Scarborough, Canada

Since arriving in Baghdad in 2003 I have listened at home and through the media to the rhetoric of individuals who have not been to Iraq and who have an uninformed opinion about the foreign contractors working here. Surely the question should be "what are these critics doing for Iraq?" Invariably the answer is "absolutely nothing" except using it as a vehicle to promote self-importance or a personal agenda. Bottom line, you don't have the right to criticize if you refuse to participate.
Anon, Baghdad, Iraq

I am currently in Baghdad working with a reconstruction group as a security manager. Our security provider is UK-based and while highly paid, they provide a professional, low profile service attuned to the operating environment. On average each man has 10+ years of military service in a combat ready unit. Iraq spawned multiple companies, some that fail to set or maintain quality control of personnel they employ. While private security contractors are a concern, they are not - at least not typically - used in an offensive role thus the term mercenary is not correct. If the PSCs were not present, the ability of reconstruction actors to conduct even limited work would be difficult indeed.
Ian, Baghdad, Iraq

When foreigners not part of an army get caught in Afghanistan they're "illegal combatants", however when they serve the mighty USA they're honourable "contractors". America needs to cut down on this sort of hypocrisy if it wishes to be a responsible superpower. But these "contractors" are indeed parasites, feeding on the misery of the Iraqi people whilst making gross amounts of money. Can't Iraqis be trusted to fulfil such jobs so their state of affairs improve?
Ahmed, Edinburgh, Scotland

I think this is indicative of the growing trend of the government privatising and contracting out work, period. Morally, the mercenary profession may be questionable, but they solve the PR problem that growing casualty numbers present for the administration in Iraq. Nobody cares if a platoon of mercenaries gets wiped out.
James Schmidt, Memphis, TN, USA

The bulk of private security contractors are mature ex Special Forces soldiers, who at the age of 40, with backgrounds of extensive operations against terror organisations worldwide are released by the Armed Forces. Not all companies screen or run selection courses prior to employing contractors and some unsuitable personnel do get employed, but they also seem to get found out pretty quickly and given their marching orders! Reading some of the comments already posted, it seems a great many people do not understand the role of security contractors! The contractor's role is purely defensive involving the safety of their clients. We are all aware of how the undisciplined or reckless action of one reflects on all contractors, therefore please reassure those who are ill informed about our role, that it is, mainly in safe professional hands!
Willem van der Waal, Chudleigh ,UK

The views of your other readers are ill-informed. I work in a security coordination role for a major company and liaise with hundreds, even thousands of other expats. I know of no 'paid combatants'. Are the lorry drivers, cooks and secretaries 'mercenaries' too? If profiting from war sticks in the throats of your readers, maybe they should consider the greatest gains are made by multi-national corporations that control our governments.
DD, Winchester, UK

For those referring to "mercenaries", there is a huge difference. Mercenaries are paid conduct offensive action. Security contractors are paid to conduct defensive operations (ie to protect people). The sad and annoying fact is that the cowboys - due to ignorance, inexperience, sheer stupidity and watching to many Rambo movies- think that they are there to take the fight to the enemy.
Mike C, Baghdad, Iraq

Isn't contractors another word for mercenaries and/or soldiers of fortune, profiting from war and human suffering? DTS, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Isn't contractors another word for mercenaries and/or soldiers of fortune, profiting from war and human suffering?
DTS, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

I have yet to understand how "we" can possibly spend billions of dollars on "reconstruction" efforts through these sub-contractors from the USA, UK etc when there is astronomically high unemployment in Iraq. It is hard for me to believe that our governments need to be paying large sums of money to private, foreign companies when Iraq's people would benefit much more from employment of their own labour force. I am very perplexed as to why this issue is not being discussed.
Jacob, Saratoga Springs, USA

The risks are high but the money is so great that we have no choice but to work in danger. I hope to see Iraq free and up and running well. I make $200k if I stay for 12 months and if I leave early it is put to a much lower level. So you can see how I must stay here and finish what I/we started. This is no place for quitters.
Jeff, from Seattle, WA, USA

I am not working in Iraq, but I have done such work in the past. The striking thing from my perspective is how much the business has changed. A decade or more ago it was still like being a pirate. Today's professional soldier is more like a highly paid McDonalds employee.
Rich, Wisconsin, USA

I am a contractor in Iraq. I work and live on a military base. In addition, we have company-paid security who watch over our every step on base. I never venture of base and I am handsomely rewarded for working in Iraq. The Iraqis I have talked to said this type of terror is new to Iraq, it was never a part of the culture before. They point out the fact that most terrorist and suicide bombers are from outside Iraq. I feel most Iraqis just want to better themselves. Remember that Iraq was a secular society under Saddam and basically these people just want to get on with better their lives, educating their children. Most Iraqis if given the chance would travel abroad or leave.
Lon Finister, USA.

Making money while providing security for firms operating in Iraq will go down in history as the "gold rush" of the war on terror. People have capitalised on this opportunity to make fast money and to add some excitement to their lives. Unfortunately, being out of the grasp of military rules of engagement and conduct, many of the mercenaries through their irresponsible and cruel acts have sometimes dealt heavy blows to the efforts to stabilise Iraq or give confidence to the people in whose country they operate. Iraq is not just another field for opportunists to make money; it is a country that has been suffering for a long time and needs sincere help.
Albion Plepi, Albania

The question to the BBC is why are you referring to these people as "contractors": In every war prior to this, every paid combatant who is not a member of any armed forces engaged in the conflict has always been referred to as "mercenaries". So can you please explain why the Americans who are fighting for pay on in Iraq are called "contractors"?
O Edward, NY, US

I spent six months repairing generators and power supply equipment soon after the war was over. We had two armed guards with us at all times. Most were "old hands" and ex paratroopers or SAS regulars who had quadrupled their income after leaving regular service and were very professional. Some - but not many - were kids who were immature and trigger happy. We got shot at but not hit, nobody got injured and the Iraqi engineers we worked with were really good people. Hard working and well trained, they knew what was needed and what to do, they just didn't have the spare parts needed.
Anon, Epsom, Surrey

I've been here since early 2004, working as security contractor for a large British run company. I agree that the attitudes of 95% of the contractors out here are doing more harm than good to an ever decreasing sense of security. The biggest culprits, I'm afraid to say, once again are our American allies. Locals are surprisingly more friendly and open to conversation with us. I hope this will be taken on board by managers at the top State Department companies and that they attempt to change their ways. It is understandable that they are aggressive in their manners due to the high risks involved. But surely they must have noticed these acts of aggression have made matters worse.
Anon, Baghdad, Iraq

Down to freedom of choice - anyone who works there does so under their own free will, presumably with the intention of earning a high salary. Everyone in that situation must understand the risks and should not moan, feel abused or surprised if things go badly wrong. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
David Clark, Glos, UK

There are many opinions about the rights and wrongs of individuals putting themselves into the line for money. The security contractors free up tasks that would ordinarily be undertaken by the military. The individuals taking the money know the risks, I personally have lost two friends in Baghdad this year and am a strong believer that the money is well deserved by the majority. I am fortunate enough to work for a very professional British company that monitors the standard and level of training and is very aware of the image portrayed not only to the clients but to the Iraqi populace. It never ceases to amaze me the vast difference between the very overt and stand-off approach of the majority of people working for US backed security companies and the more subdued yet very professional approach of a number of British security companies. A feeling very much echoed every time I talk to an Iraqi outside the International Zone.
M, Baghdad, London

My brother is working as a contractor in Iraq right now. It is his second time over, first time was as a marine. It has been very stressful for our family, as we know the high risks at both times. I am very proud of him. I know the money is good, but is it worth the risk?
Hannah M, Rochester, NY, USA

I agree with many of the comments - 90% of the cowboys give the remainder a bad name. They are irresponsible and do nothing to aid the hearts and minds tasks of a counter-insurgency. In fact, as an army officer, I find some of the actions by these people quite disgraceful. They can be forgiven for going slightly overboard when there is a threat to their principal, but when not actually protecting anyone many are irresponsible, drive dangerously in the International Zone and singularly fail to add value.
Ceri John, Baghdad, Iraq

I worked in both Iraq and Afghanistan during 2003-04, and the differences with regard to "security contractors" is striking. The reason for this is because Afghanistan is a Nato and UN operation, while Iraq is strictly the USA's, or more specifically Rumsfeld's. Our efforts in Iraq were seriously weakened post-Saddam because the Department of Defense and Department of State were running the show. As a result, you basically have a mercenary force of 20,000 Westerners attached at the hip to an army of occupation.
Blair, Oklahoma City, USA

As your opening article outlined, working as a private security contractor carries a high risk of death or serious injury (depending on where you are working), however the financial rewards are high. Reality check time -please do not be misled by the comments of some (sadly the majority of whom are US citizens) who say they are here to help the 'Iraqi people'. In a (printable) word -rubbish! There are no security contractors working in Iraq for anything other than the money.
Tam, Baghdad, Iraq

No-one should make money out of the suffering of local people in a war.
N Khan, Manchester UK

One of my old ex-army friends works for one of the better companies in Baghdad. Formerly, he was working for another company in Falluja. About a month ago he was in charge of a convoy driving past an American military checkpoint. A gunman opened fire at this point, which the US guys thought came from my friend, despite the fact that their vehicles were clearly contractor vehicles. His car took 20 rounds, which would have killed him had the vehicle not been armoured. Shocking really, but I guess it's an element of the high level of risk. In his new role as an operations manager, he has to manage 'contacts' (i.e. attacks on his employees) on a daily basis.
Gordon, London, UK

From the opposite angle, I worked in Baghdad in late 2003 and would like to send a large thank all the civilian security contractors. With rare exception, they are dedicated professionals who put their lives on the line to protect the personnel and assets of people from around the world whose job is to improve Iraq for the Iraqis. Thank you, you deserve every penny and a lot more respect than is common to give. The military protects major assets and tries to beat the insurgency, the contractors protect individuals and their assets, allowing the country to actually function.
David, Devon, UK

I am from Ohio and was working in Iraq as a security guard for convoys bringing fuel from Kuwait to Iraq. It's a very dangerous job. All Westerners are viewed as part of occupation. As I realised this I became more and more eager to leave Iraq for home. I tell you honestly, we went there without even basic knowledge of local people. The truth is that the religious institutions and religious leaders of Iraq can provide a better help to its people than USA and its allies. We just need to give them some money and political support and they will do things much better than us. As long as the occupation is there, the Iraqi people will fight for freedom, as long as there is occupation there will be war!
Daniel, USA, Ohio

I spent a year or so in Baghdad and Basra in two distinctly different roles; one in the humanitarian sector, the other in the now familiar commercial security sector. One of the most striking aspects for me is how superficial much of the reporting has been, not necessarily the fault of the journalists, though I have witnessed astonishing levels of naivety. In one instance I was stood next to a well-known broadsheet journalist who was being escorted by a British Army officer. A heavy exchange of large calibre automatic gunfire broke out a few hundred metres away towards the centre of the supposedly peaceful city of Basra. When asked what was happening, the escorting officer breezily dismissed what was becoming a crescendo of gunfire as a wedding celebration. It was duly reported as such in the respective broadsheet. There has never been any mention of the rocket fire that struck the British Consulate towards the end of last year either.
David, UK

I have worked in this country since the beginning of 2004. In the last 18 months I have seen it crumble to the sorry state it is now in. Private security contractors in Iraq are not seen in the best of light by many but there are a few companies out here who do a professional job. Unfortunately, there are a lot more companies who employ the wrong kind of people, who tend to treat the job like they are extras on a Sylvester Stallone movie. About 99% of these companies are owned and run by American personalities who have no idea how to operate in a hostile environment. I hope these comments will produce a reaction from said companies as I would love to know how they view themselves. I hope that the new Iraq government tightens up the rules forcing these cowboy firms out of the Middle East allowing the more professional companies to operate without being shot at by other companies.
Mr C, Baghdad, Iraq