Contractor deaths up 17 percent across Iraq in 2007

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Houston Chronicle

Feb. 9, 2008, 11:36PM
Contractor deaths up 17 percent across Iraq in 2007
As 'surge' took effect, spike in killings subsided


By DAVID IVANOVICH
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — The number of civilian contractors reported killed in Iraq jumped 17 percent in 2007 and accounted for more than one in four deaths associated with the U.S. occupation last year.

In a year when President Bush sent 30,000 additional troops into Iraq in what's been called the "surge," at least 353 civilian contractors working for the U.S. government were killed, up from 301 in 2006, Labor Department records show.

"Incredible," replied Steven Schooner, a law professor and associate dean at the George Washington University Law School, when told of the contractor death toll.

U.S. military personnel suffered their deadliest year of the war in 2007, but both contractor and troop deaths began declining dramatically in the second half of the year, according to various tallies examined by the Houston Chronicle.



Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5528613.html

[SpiralHawk]

1. "But they have the glory of knowing they died for a contract." - Commander AWOL

"What republicon homelander mercenary would not gladly give his life for the sake of a beloved contract, and to keep the oil profits flowing. Greater love hath no republicon."

- Commander AWOL

[ima_sinnic]

2. something the readers of Soldiers of Fortune magazine don't take into account

... when you are a hired killer, you run the risk of being killed -- DOH!!

and when the proportion of soldiers who are "private contractors" is ever increasing, the proportion who will be killed compared with the numbers of U.S. Army and other armed services will also increase -- DOH!

mercenaries are soulless scum of the earth with no conscience so I feel this is no great loss.

[pokercat999]

3. Actually good news, every death brings us closer to the

end. These are paid mercs as is our "volunteer" army and they are getting the downside of their chosen "profession".

[sce56]

4. Now that was a cheap shot at our professional soldiers!

As far as those who signed up with the intent of defending our land they deserve an apology from you! As far as the contractors I doubt they were talking about Blackwater Merc's they hardley ever die since they operate under scorched earth tactics of shoot first at anything that moves they even gassed our troops with Tear gas Riot C/S! Of course it is not the same Army I served in they would only accept the best when I retired now up to a third enlist with moral waivers the Army is that broken thanks to Commander AWOL and his cronies. The majority of US contractors killed are more likely third world contractors from places like India and the Philippines.

"At least 146 contract workers were killed in Iraq in the first three months of the year, by far the highest number for any quarter since the war began in March 2003, according to the Labor Department, which processes death and injury claims for those working as United States government contractors in Iraq.

That brings the total number of contractors killed in Iraq to at least 917, along with more than 12,000 wounded in battle or injured on the job, according to government figures and dozens of interviews.

The numbers, which have not been previously reported, disclose the extent to which contractors — Americans, Iraqis and workers from more than three dozen other countries — are largely hidden casualties of the war, and now are facing increased risks alongside American soldiers and marines as President Bush’s plan to increase troop levels in Baghdad takes hold."

[pokercat999]

5. I don't think it was a cheap shot but the reality of

service. One of the first rules I learned as an enlisted man 1972-75 was that you were REQUIRED to disobey an unlawful order. I think the "war" in Iraq is an unlawful invasion and as such the orders to report there are unlawful. Therefore anyone obeying those orders is an unlawful combatant/mercenary or whatever you may want to call them.....patroit doesn't come to mind. Of course that's just my opinion and everyone will have to decide for themselves, that's freedom and the responsibility that goes with it. As for the rest, I still think every death in Iraq brings us closer to withdrawal. After the fall, more tough question follow, as to reparations, etc.

[stillcool]

6. I wonder how they count...

'contractor' deaths. Somehow I don't think the deaths of Fijians, Ukrainians, South Africans, Nepalese, Serbs, Guatemalans, Salvadorans, Nicaraguans and Colombians, as well as all those recruited from the Middle-east are accurately tabulated.