For those curious, the usage of Private Military Contractors is ubiquitous on military bases. Many think it is limited to overseas conflicts, but the reality is that they are used in military bases around the world. Much of this is due to the decline of conscription to maintain manning levels after the end of the Vietnam War. An all-volunteer army required considerably higher pay rates to attract recruits. A decision was made to shrink the military to ‘essential’ combat duties. No longer would soldiers be used for housekeeping duties such as cooks and cleaners and maintenance. Instead, we would contract those functions out to the private market.
There was, and is, considerable disagreement as to the wisdom of this system, but it is the system we have. In any case, there is a wide range of capabilities and specialization in the PMC community. Some specialize in the housekeeping and maintenance functions described early in the story. Others specialize in combat functions. For those curious, the description of the PMCs in this story passed both American and British military editors.
Enjoy!