Military Out-sourcing: Observations, Opportunities, Conflicts and Recommendations

Abstract

Observations, opportunities, and potential conflict areas concerning both defense out-sourcing and out-sourcing of the military for homeland security agencies are discussed. Observations include the impact of transformation and network-centric operations on defense out-sourcing within a volatile and uncertain national security environment. Opportunities for out-sourcing include retention of institutional knowledge, assistance with generating a network-centric force, and cost savings. Potential areas of conflict include the domestic use of the military to fight terrorism and the asymmetric nature of warfare. Recommendations are offered that suggest areas for defense outsourcing and concern the domestic employment of the National Guard.