Contractor Accountability: One Soldier Leads Our Call for Consequences
by ItsNeverOver, Fri May 16, 2008 at 01:11:50 PM EST
[Cross-posted from www.progressivefuture.org]
This entire week, I've been blogging my
interview with Rachel, a formerly deployed soldier in Iraq, who has been brave enough to share her experiences with
contractor abuse and the
harm it is causing our troops. Her testimony has placed a spotlight on the need for policies that truly support the troops in practice, not just in rhetoric. For as much as the current administration uses empty talking points such as "protect of our national security" and "support the troops" to justify its policies, when it comes down to it, our leaders clearly view the well-being of the soldiers on the front lines as an afterthought to the profits they and their cronies have reaped from the war. In this final entry, Rachel weighs in on the need for accountability
What is your reaction to the news that the administration left a loophole in contractor accountability legislation that gave immunity to overseas contractors like KBR for any misdoing?
Honestly, it makes no sense. To give immunity to these contractors clearly gives no motivation for them to live up to their contracts. In this case, KBR was supposed to be testing for chlorine three times a day, however after looking at the reports and oversight hearings, it seems that the water had been contaminated for as long as KBR had been present on Camp Ramadi. Many studies and common sense observations make it clear that contractor accountability should not be minimized. For example, a study released by Blackwell Synergy's Journal of Travel Medicine discussed the self-reported description of diarrhea among military populations in Operations Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. The background of the study reports that infectious diarrhea is among the most common medical problems associated with military deployments and has been reported as a frequent problem for troops. Overall diarrhea was reported from 2003 to 2004 by 76.8% of military personnel in Iraq. It was "frequently severe" for 20.8% or associated with fever (25.8%), vomiting (18%), persistent symptoms (9.8%) or chronic symptoms (3.3%). Over 80% reported seeking care, usually at the lowest echelon of care (field medic). The study concluded that the issues are more common than in past conflicts in the region. Common sense tells me it's probable that the increased amount have been due to contaminated water and that less accountability for contractors giving troops basic necessities could prove detrimental to force protection.
I knew that I would face risks while I was in Iraq. It's a part of the job description. But that risk should never have involved behavior by contractors cutting corners with such carelessness. In most wars, dysentery kills more soldiers than combat. This in itself seems like a pretty good reason to hold the contractors accountable. The contract and regulations to provide clean water and to test it regularly to avoid contamination were clearly stated. This wasn't just one time on one camp, it was widespread and exposed thousands of troops and civilians to a potentially deadly threat.
After hearing Rachel's testimony, I can't help but wonder why the administration doesn't see the correlation between the lack of accountability in Iraq, and the lack of progress in Iraq. Rachel says herself that the neglect practiced by the contractors in providing basic necessities undermines the efforts to secure progress.
It's clear that the need for change is imminent. Policies such as these do not reflect the true American values of fairness, community and security. It's time we started truly supporting our troops by calling for measures of accountability for the contractors who are supposed to be taking care of them.
I'm sure you are as grateful as I am to Rachel for being the voice that has been silenced by the Pentagon and by the media. Rachel's story stands as an unequivocal call for consequences for those who have taken advantage of the soldiers on the front lines of the war. Please join Progressive Future's campaign to hold private contractors accountable by signing our Call for Consequences petition, and stay tuned for further ways to stay informed and active on this serious issue.
Tags: Iraq, Pentagon, Military Contractors, Blackwater, KBR, Veterans (all tags)
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