Why don't we privatize the Armed Forces?

Question

Don't you think that a privatized military would make more sence in a Capitalist economy than a nationalized milatary?

Answer 1

Yeah right, and hire them out to the highest bidder I suppose.

I can see it now, a bidding war and you end up fighting against your own country.

Stupid idea

Answer 2

No. The military is a recognized part of the defense of public safety. We hold that the defense of public safety is the responsibility of every American, because every American is protected by it. The same Constitution that provided our capitalist economy also allowed Congress to raise an Army and a Navy.

Furthermore, there is a larger practical consideration. How will it be payed for? Taxes? If so, why wouldn't we just keep the military as it is. If it is to be payed for by private contributions, then will some people not be afforded protection. That we be unconstitutional because the Constitution "provides for the common defense." That means all citizens, not just those able to pay for it.

The other consideration is accountability. Private contractors are accountable to no one, save the people who pay thier contracts. The US military is accountable to the President, Congress, and most importantly, the People of the United States.

Answer 3

And put national security at the whim of mercenaries? No thank you. If there's one thing that conservatives say consistently about government, it's that government has the duty to provide a military - and now even that's too much for you?

Besides, half the military is already outsourced, to Blackwater and Halliburton, and that's only made it MORE expensive, not less so; AND it's put a large element of our defense infrastructure beyond the reach of military direct command, INCLUDING the Commander-in-Chief.

Think again, please.

Answer 4

No. If you put the armed forces under the control of private corporations, you take the control from the hands of the people. Our founding fathers didn't want this. This is why it is the responsibility of the Government, which is supposed to be by the people for the people, to raise and maintain armed forces as is outlined in the Constitution of the United States.

Answer 5

military is a traditional role of government. Also, how can you make people pay? Do you withold protection to some while providing defence to others? There is no way to discriminate in terms of pay and who would be the employer, the U.S. government? U.S. government has a record of overpaying for goods and services to private businesses due to lobyists.

Answer 6

And then there would be absolutely no accountability of any kind. Who would declare war? Who would answer to whom? Sounds like a disaster to me. However, companies like Blackwater do have private armies and have 10's of thousands of soliders in places like Iraq and God only knows where else. Why only God knows? Because they are not accountable and don't have to answer any questions.

Answer 7

No. The primary responsibility of the US government is to protect the citizens of the US. The government cannot delegate that responsibility.

Further, there is no commercial military anywhere in the world. There would be no one to hire to run the military.

Answer 8

Ummm......

really think about that for a second. Let's say we did that. All of a sudden we're at war. Now there's a strike. What do we do???

Even better, let's say the company decides to move overseas. Where does that leave us?

Answer 9

uhhuh.. so the Army is up to serve the highest bidder. That makes sense at least it does in South America.

Answer 10

Would the military be allowed to strike then?