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U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Oct. 3 that the U.S. military in Iraq should exercise better control over all private security contractors in Iraq. His remarks followed two events: First, the reported incident in which State Department contractors were involved in a shooting that killed at least 11 Iraqis. Second, a Pentagon team recommendation that the U.S. military command in Iraq be given more information about the activities of thousands of contractors operating in the war zone. The team also recommended more coordination between the coalition's military command — multinational forces-Iraq — and private security contractors, who guard facilities and convoys transporting U.S. government civilians.

According to Gates, about 30% of the calls for help for quick reaction forces come from convoys that MNF-I does not know are out there. Private security contractors have come under intense scrutiny since contractors with the U.S. firm Blackwater were involved in a shooting while escorting a convoy through Baghdad last month. That incident is under investigation and has infuriated Iraqis who see the thousands of security contractors operating throughout Iraq as private armies that act with impunity.

The Pentagon employs at least 7300 security contractors in Iraq, but none from Blackwater. The State Department employs thousands more.
Military commanders also have complained about what are often described as heavy-handed tactics employed by contractors and voiced uncertainty about their authority over those private workers.

In response to those concerns, the Defense Department last week issued a memo to commanders outlining their authority over security contractors.
The review team also recommended the U.S. military selectively apply military law, known as the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to contractors acting inappropriately, Gates said. But there are outstanding legal questions as to whether military law can be applied to civilians working as security contractors — as well as practical questions, such as who would decide when to pursue cases under the code.