The growing importance of Private Defense Contractors

Private defense contractors are more important to the United States Military than ever before. The Department of Defense (DOD) has mission requirements throughout the world and uniformed servicemen and women simply can not do everything. We have the finest and most dedicated military personnel on earth, but private defense contractors are still vital to the missions. Contractors provide critical logistical support "on the ground" at defense bases and occupied territories wherever our military personnel are based or deployed.

Despite common perceptions, our defense contractors are not new! This is not a brand new trend. During the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army relied heavily on contractors. The newly formed army was ill equipped, untrained, and incredibly inexperienced, but they had the drive and the spirit to prevail. The contractors of the day provided food, clothing, horses, wagons, weapons, scouting services, and other goods and services necessary to help the Army fight for the freedom of all Americans.

Today we need fewer horses and wagons. Our Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force are incredibly equipped, well trained, experienced, and they still have that drive and dedication that motivated the first Continental Army recruits. Also today's military forces do still need the private defense contractors. In the past twenty years, the missions in the Balkans, Somalia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and in Iraq have demonstrated the continuing and growing importance of private defense contractors. In these missions, the contractors supplied translation services, local intelligence, security, construction work, and they have fulfilled a multitude of other services. They also provide local supplies where needed.

Unfortunately, working with the military in their missions can be hazardous. Even where there is no active armed conflict, training accidents still happen. Trucks can get into crashes. It can be as simple as a translator sitting on a defective chair that collapses in a conference room, etc., etc. Of course, where there is armed conflict or an organized insurgent presence, injuries and death can easily take place. An insurgency of locals can cause incredible trouble to the military and to the defense contractors.

When an active duty serviceman or woman is injured or killed, the U.S. Military provides medical care; evacuation, surgery, physical therapy, medication, etc., or death / survivor benefits if death takes place. The United States Department of Veteran Affairs continues to provide medical benefits even after the serviceman or woman is discharged from active duty service. So, what happens to the private defense contractor?

The United States Defense Base Act provides medical care and treatment; as well as death benefits if the contractor dies. This protection covers you if you are an American, an Iraqi, an Afghan, a German, a Kuwaiti, an Egyptian, etc., etc. It covers anyone of any nationality anywhere in the world that is injured or killed while serving as a contractor aiding the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force at defense bases, occupied territories, and other sites. To secure these valuable medical and financial benefits (lost wages), you or your family members should immediately contact a Defense Base Act lawyer. By contacting and consulting with a Defense Base Act attorney, you can pursue your claim from anywhere in the world. The reach of the statute is great, but the rules and time requirements are complex, so legal counsel is critical to your receipt of the right benefits. An experienced attorney based in Florida can easily handle these cases throughout the world.