And while Obama 'deliberates' in his cool manner:U.S. Turns to Local Guns-for-Hire to Guard Afghan Outpost

DANGER ROOM:

The U.S. military is turning to guns-for-hire to guard one of its outposts in Afghanistan. But Blackwaters of the world, take note: simply hiring former G.I.s or American cops or even Nepalese Gurkhas won't do the trick this time. At least half of the 50-man force has to come "from within a 50 kilometer radius" of the base, according to a contract solicitation issued by the U.S. Air Force.

Over the summer, the American military signaled its interest in hiring an army of contractors to help handle security at as many as 50 outposts in Afghanistan. It's one of several efforts efforts designed to free up uniformed troops for combat and counterinsurgency work. Now, U.S. forces appear to be taking the first step towards building that country-wide private security force, by soliciting bids for a team that watch over Forward Operating Base Lightening, in Paktya province.

According to the Air Force, these guards will be encouraged to "employ appropriate forces necessary to neutralize any threat from unauthorized individuals illegally trying to enter the installation." They'll also "conduct surveillance and counter surveillance activities" to make sure intruders or attackers never get close. However, "under no conditions are contract security forces to be involved in offensive operations." Nor will the guns-for-hire "commi[t] the U.S. Government to a course of action, such as deciding who or what to attack or search."

These wouldn't be the same guys as these, would they:

British Army tells its soldiers to 'bribe' the Taleban