Many of the previously unknown (but frequent) successes we have enjoyed, both in Iraq and Afghanistan, are the result of either private military contractors (PMCs) or hybrid organizations made up of former __________ (fill in the blank) and current active-duty forces. Having served with these groups in both theaters I can tell you that there is no "heartburn" between PMCs and active duty - they function well together. The stove-piped framework of a well-run PMC allows for the ability of the unit to act on intelligence, in a timely fashion - which brings great flexibility and real-time results. One HUMINT team I worked with in Afghanistan had former DEA members within it's ranks - fighting alongside bearded active duty MI soldiers. Brad is right - between our insistance on political correctness and our addiction to big slow-moving federal agencies.......we aren't giving our mission (and our troops) a fair chance at a successful conclusion.