We need to remind ourselves that there are non-military people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, voluntarily going to a war zone to do tough work of country building.
Lots of them are non-career Diplomats. They are being fairly paid, but are still Patriots and not mercenaries.
The contractor may be a security or public works contractor..doesn’t say. Once again volunteers in the war zone..doing the countries work.
Thank you. I have often been accused, even here on FR, of being a "war profiteer." I think that is one of the nastiest accusations someone can make and it tends to tell me more about the accuser than they probably realize.
Personally, I'm in the capacity development/training/transition line of work here. I love what I do and wouldn't have it any other way. (Well, OK, it would be great if they could turn the heat down outside in the summer...)