Does the current extensive use of private military companies ultimately benefit American society and its citizens?

During the past three decades, the U.S. government has increasingly come to rely on private security and military contractors (PSMCs) to handle everything from police work to combat support. As a result, U.S. operations, in addition to relations with allies on the ground, are often complicated by the fact that contractors -- rather than government personnel -- handle training, drone operations, embassy security, and many other functions. Author Ann Hagedorn employs a neutral tone to expose problems and describe success stories in this "fast-paced, critical introduction to the privatization of America's national security" (Library Journal). History and Current Events newsletter November 2014.