What is a Military Contractor?

A military contractor is a private company or individual that provides goods or services to the military. These can range from building weapons and supplying equipment to offering training and even managing non-combat tasks like catering and maintenance. Instead of the military handling everything themselves, they hire contractors to help fulfill specific needs, often to save money or gain specialized expertise.

The Role of Military Contractors

The vast majority of military contractors are responsible for base maintenance and upkeep, particularly when the military is overseas. They ensure the bases' electrical grids are functioning and other support services are in place. This allows the military to focus on their primary mission while outsourcing auxiliary tasks.

A Tale of Two Technicians

Long ago, the Defense Department needed military contractors for a top-secret assignment. They chose a couple of newly-retired navy radar technicians who had recently completed their six-year contracts and had signed up for another six years. These technicians would become military contractors until their mission was completed and then return to active duty as navy personnel.

At the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, these radar technicians/military contractors posed as navy personnel and were housed in the base's Enlisted Men's Barracks. When their temporary secret service assignment ended, they resumed their regular roles as navy personnel at Yokosuka.

Private Military Companies (PMCs)

As simply as possible, Private Military Companies (PMCs) are heavily armed private companies, often with different engagement rules than the military. These companies operate in the open and sometimes seek military employment as needed.

Military Contractor as a Job

A military contractor is an employee of a private company contracted to provide a specific service to the military. These individuals often leverage their military experience to secure high-paying jobs with civilian companies, often at 2-3 times their military pay.

Defense Contracting Process

Military contractors are civilian companies that manufacture equipment, software, or offer services such as food delivery to military customers. The process of awarding a contract involves the military issuing a "Request for Contract" (RFC) document.

Any company interested in bidding on the work responds with a detailed proposal detailing what will be provided and at what price. The government evaluates these bids by how well they meet the requirements, the level of risk, and the cost. The contract is generally awarded to the lowest bidder that meets the requirements, although preference can be given to small businesses, women-owned or minority-owned companies.

Military contractors play a crucial role in supporting the military's operations, ensuring that the forces have the necessary resources and support to carry out their missions effectively. Whether it's through technical expertise, specialized equipment, or routine maintenance, these companies are an integral part of the modern military's operational capability.