Contractors ( mercenaries ) have been used in all wars over the centuries since the 1950's our nation also for good reason. Rules of engagement for our armed forces limit how you fight and war is an ugly thing. Do the Phoenix Nam search before running that crap around. The most utterly stupid rules of engagement were under Mr. Obama as he did not have the stomach for collateral damage. These kids fighting our wars now must be well disciplined because I can remember what my CO told us after a mix up that damn near got myself and my guys killed. " When in doubt you shoot, we will sort it out later. Your job is to help the ARVN not die here, screw Brigade. "