Are military contractors mercenaries?

Mercenaries are often called military contractors. The difference between them “comes down to labels,” says Sean McFate, a former Army officer who’s also worked as a private military contractor. He wrote about the use of contractors in his book, “The New Rules of War.”

What is Jtr military?

The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) are for members of the Uniformed Services of the United States and DoD civilian employees and civilians who travel using DoD funding. The JTR contains regulations related to per diem, travel and transportation allowances, relocation allowances, and certain other allowances.

What does a military contractor do?

Private military contractors (PMCs), also known as defense contractors, provide armed combat or security services to the government and private organizations. Contrary to popular belief, they are not mercenaries. A mercenary is defined as an individual who works only for monetary gain.

How do military contractors work?

Military contractors also fill advisory roles, perform intelligence gathering, implement logistics and maintenance, conduct technical services, plan security and provide escort services. Training police forces and security personnel. Developing security plans for private organizations. Assisting in drone missions.

Does Jtr apply to contractors?

No, the JTR does not apply to contractors. The JTR was written for and only applies to civilian employees of the Department of Defense and the Uniformed Services.

What army regulation covers pay?

Also see Army regulation (AR) 612–201. b. The law prescribes the pay of soldiers. Soldiers are entitled to receive pay according to their pay grades and years of service if— (1) On active duty in a pay status.

Can a retired military member work for a foreign government?

In essence, it says “employment of all retired military members, both officer and enlisted and both Regular and Reserve, by a foreign Government is prohibited unless a waiver is granted.”

Are contractors at greater risk in wars like Afghanistan and Iraq?

If the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were like World War II, which was a conflict between formal military organizations, contractors would not bear as much of the risk as servicemembers because they would spend most or all of their time in the “rear area.” But in an insurgency, there is no rear area.

Are private military contractors considered mercenaries?

Private military contractors also do not meet the UN definition of mercenaries because, for the most part, they are either U.S. nationals or foreign residents of territory under U.S. control. Legally, mercenaries must be completely detached from the conflict in an emotional sense.

What happens if a contractor leaves the military at any time?

That goes both ways, as generally, contractors can leave at any time without suffering any negative consequences. Whereas contractors receive the same compensation regardless of experience, regular servicemembers are paid according to rank.