U.S. spending on contractors in Iraq reported to reach $85 billion
 

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/...contractor.php

"The report by the Congressional Budget Office says that about one out of every five dollars spent on the war in Iraq has gone to contractors for the U.S. military and other government agencies. Employees of private contractors now outnumber U.S. troops in the war zone.

...

Contractors now employ at least 180,000 people in Iraq, forming what amounts to a private army, larger than the U.S. military force, whose roles and missions and even casualties have largely been hidden from public view."

Some people are getting VERY VERY rich on the war.

When it reaches 100 billion then Sell!

where do I sign up

"Mercenary" is an ancient word

A private 'American' army? Sounds like treason to me.

You mean the war isn't about the Iraqui people or WMD?

What does that mean? It means America has a military 2 times larger than it's advertised size:)

Guess the Middle East Mulla's didn't get the memo of the serious ass kicking about to kick off in Iran. One Army can stay in Iraq and the other start on Iran. It's pretty awesome.

SO that brings American forces to nearly 1 Million strong if you include non combat positions, support, administration and contractors.

Also keep in mind most of the Mercenaries are former and experienced military men.

It means half the force over there doesn't fight for this country, but the biggest paycheck.

Shoot, that would have paid for a lot of 'Big Digs' and 'Bridges to Nowhere...'