Legal and Ethical Perspectives on Industry Support to Air Operations

Abstract

This presentation offers a legal and ethical framework for evaluating industry support to air operations. Such support needs to be viewed in the context of larger debates about the relationship between the military and private contractors more generally. Reasons for turning to the private sector include considerations of cost and flexibility; reasons for being wary of outsourcing include problems of accountability and diverging incentives. Where industry support is sought, lessons from past experience can assist in maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks through ensuring transparency, participation, and review.