Pentagon's Reliance on Contractors a Wartime Concern

By Scott Horsley

Published February 5, 2003 at 12:00 AM EST

Since the end of the Cold War, civilian contractors become vital to the military as armed forces shrink by more than a third. If America goes to war against Iraq, not everyone in battle will be in uniform -- and many civilians will be close to the frontlines. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Related Content

Boar's Head recalls 200,000 pounds of deli meat linked to a Listeria outbreak

Lola Murti

The Food Safety and Inspection Service made the announcement Friday. There are 34 cases of Listeria from deli meat across 13 states, including two people who died of Thursday, according to the CDC.
Police departments are offering big raises. Does it work?

Meg Anderson

Police officers in many U.S. cities have recently gotten large pay boosts. Departments are offering these raises to combat understaffing, but some say the money won’t help.
How are new sports chosen for the Olympics?

Andrew Mambo

Breaking is the newest Olympic sport. But how did the competitive dance style make it to the Paris games? NPR's Andrew Mambo speaks to ESPN's Alyssa Roenigk about how the IOC and host countries add new sports.
The Park Fire in Northern California is now the state’s largest this year

Alec Stutson

A rapidly growing wind-driven wildfire that started Wednesday evening near Chico, Calif., has exploded in size, forcing thousands to evacuate.
Exploring how a President Harris might handle criminal justice issues

Martin Kaste

Republicans are attacking Kamala Harris for being soft on crime. But her record as a district attorney and California attorney general isn't so simple.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.