America’s Shadow Army: The Truck Drivers of Iraq
MELISSA BLOCK, host: Private contractors play a crucial, though often overlooked, role as America’s support workforce in Iraq. Among them, civilian truck drivers are particularly at risk as they navigate some of the most perilous roads, delivering everything from food to ammunition.
These truck drivers operate unarmed and are vulnerable to attacks, with at least 63 fatalities reported—24 of them American citizens. Critics argue that their employer, KBR, could have done more to safeguard them.
JOHN BURNETT reporting: Picture yourself in an Iraqi truck cab, jostling along a road framed by palm trees and rundown houses. Children rush out to ask for aid while men in traditional garb watch closely, their expressions often unfriendly.
This commentary features audio taken from videos made by these truck drivers. Drivers describe dodging obstacles and sudden attacks, all while relying on the protection of military escorts and their own meager armoring. As the tension mounts, so do prayers for safety amid the chaos of conflict.
In this dangerous environment, drivers like Scott Hodges and Michael Vick build a strong sense of camaraderie. Many see their roles as a chance to support U.S. troops, although motivations vary from financial necessity to a desire to serve their country.
KBR operates around 700 trucks daily in Iraq, making it a significant player in U.S. logistics. While some drivers find decent living conditions back at the base, they universally express concerns over the inadequate protection of their vehicles during compulsory convoy missions.
Complaints about insufficient armor have been common among drivers, yet KBR’s response has often fallen short, opting for makeshift solutions that fail to meet safety needs. Many drivers who voiced their concerns faced threats of replacement or job cuts, highlighting a lack of support from their employer. The dangers they faced became tragically real when loved ones, like Sasha Grenner Case, lost their lives to insurgent attacks, and families left behind struggle to gain recognition for their sacrifices.
