Dear FRONTLINE,

I enjoyed your broadcast. I have a brother currently in Anaconda working as a private contractor. He retired from the Guard and left his full time job and family to go to Iraq to proudly be a part of supporting America in the fight against terrorisim. While some believe that it is wrong for the private contractors to be a part of this war, I support and thank all of them who have given up their private lives and left their families to support our troops in the fight for freedom. As you reported in the show too many times the tragedy of loss of life for a private contractor during this war goes unreported but they too should be recognized and honored for what they are doing for our country. Not a day goes by that we don't fear for our family member that has choosen to proudly serve his country in this way. Bless each and every contractor, soldier and their families and I personally say, "Thank you!"

Karen Dawson
Granville, OH

Dear FRONTLINE,

The report on the private companies that operate in Iraq is a broad spectrum of what is needed after the downsizing of the overall military presence for the United States in the early nineties. The decision was made long ago to do this, and this is the result. I am not sure anyone was complaining about the danger then. Real world issues always bring up the idea of hind sight. Our soldiers deserve everything they recieve that may be considered a "Luxury." I couldn't imagine anyone thinking that a choice of three Ice Cream flavors is just too much for our soldiers. They should have 32 if they want.

Michael Bugler
Indianapolis, Indiana

Dear FRONTLINE,

Welcome to your basic Army of one.

While I understand the need for the military to contract for certain services, Operation Enduring Freedom seems to have beecome the biggest con-game in American history.

There seems to be very little accountability applied to any of these contractors or subcontractors and very little of the political will necessary for oversight by either the legislative or the executive branches of government.

I can't understand why the public isn't absolutely outraged! Where is the leadership in government that takes the initiative and tackles this issue? Why is the country being bled dry while no one in Washington has the will to, at the very least, investigate these contractors and penalize the obvious profiteering?

With so many billions of dollars wasted, perhaps it would best serve our nation to reinstate a plan of National Service (that may or may not involve military service, for those that can demonstrate conscientious objections) and have our military do the job properly.

Shawn Burnett
Wood Ridge, NJ

Dear FRONTLINE,

I just watched the PBS show about contractors in Iraq. The government is making it's best attempt to win this war on terror. Liberals complain when the war costs too much. Now your complaining about a method the government is using save money. No situation is perfect but you libs love to expose all the mistakes made by good americans. I'd heard that PBS was another liberally biased entity. After watching this I'm certain of it. I will now email all of my contacts to explain why we shouldn't donate to a liberally biased organization.

Dave Hayes

Dear FRONTLINE,

What a great (and dangerous) job this reporting crew did. my hats off to you.

mary cappelli

Dear FRONTLINE,

I enjoyed your Frontline program " Private Warriors".

I have to give a statement on the conditions of the camps with the Air Force running them and with KBR running them.

I was in southern Iraq at an Air Force installation inside of an Army compound. The Air Force was running our dinning facility, the showers, toilets and all other services for our compound. The food was always cold, we were limited to the amount of food we could have and the mice were really nice in the dinning facility. The toilet facilities continually overflowed with urine and feces. When we were at work we could go to the Army dining facility that was a contract by KBR. The food was wonderful. They (KBR) always has plenty of food. KBR finally brought in some toilet/shower trailers for the Air Force side. Life became bearable and the Air Force dining facility closed.

I was also in Uzbekistan where KBR had all the contracts for the facilities. Everything was clean, always. The food was very good and they cared.
Please don't insult KBR by asking what the daily cost of the keeping up the camps. Most of us that have been to the desert were glad that KBR was there.

Karen Furr
Oklahoma City, OK

Dear FRONTLINE,

It appears there isn't sufficient military personnel to cover all aspects of the war. I see nothing wrong with private contractors contributing to overall functioning of the war. Especially, in view of the declining recruitment needed to support this operation.

Jan Kokemor
New Orleans, Louisiana

Dear FRONTLINE,

Excellent coverage on a topic that's rarely discussed. As a retired military man I've thought often of joining a private security firm, but it's difficult to find facts regarding these companies. This show really puts the war into perspective from a civillian's p.o.v ... thank you very much.

Paul Smith

Dear FRONTLINE,

Great show! Your show did an excellent job of shinning a light on a growing problem. I thank God someone in the media has got the balls to say the truth about what is happening in Iraq. Your show did an excellent job of showing the shooting gallery known as Iraq. Also your show did a suburb job showing what slight of hand the administration is pulling by outsourcing the war. They are dumping more and more work, to the tune of 12 billion plus a month onto contractors and mercenaries. ( I call the security companies what they are, mercenaries) This is an effort to hide the cost of the war. These contractors hire out military people, reducing the strength of our Army. The administration refuses to either enlarge the Army to win the war or admit the truth that occupation of Iraq is a failure, declare victory and go home. The paying of contractors lets them avoid that decision. Maybe your story will let people see this slight of hand is what it is. Keep up the work.

Tom Magee
Overland Park, KS