"The State Department is unforthcoming about the real cost of the corporate armies operating in Iraq: the mercenaries, or 'private security contractors', who guard US officials and international contractors ensuring that Coalition forces are free to fight insurgents. The GAO estimated last year that there were more than 25,000 of these 'contractors', significantly outnumbering British troops. A former squaddie, kitted out with dark glasses, automatic
pistol, rifle, body armour and radio, working for a construction team, can earn at least $12,000 a month. A former special forces NCO protecting a Coalition official or construction firm boss can make more than twice that. The State Department says the cost of security makes up 16 to 22 per cent of the overall outlay on big reconstruction projects, but this may be an underestimate. The GAO has observed that the State Department's reports to Congress 'do
not identify the magnitude or impact of the costs associated with security providers on reconstruction efforts or available funding'. When asked why not, embassy officials in Baghdad claimed that 'such requests can be burdensome for both the contractors and agency officials.' Publishing the true cost of 'security contractors' would mean admitting to the American public that what has become a deeply unpopular occupation is also even more expensive than it
currently appears." (thanks Laleh)