This book examines the increasing role and growing dependence on private military companies (PMCs) by the U.S. government, in particular, the U.S. Air Force (USAF). It highlights potential areas of concern when using PMCs to provide combat capabilities, and offers possible solutions for solving or mitigating these problems in future conflicts. The main argument of this book is that the role of PMCs has become blurred with traditional governmental unctions, and that their use in future conflicts should be evaluated based on monetary, personnel, and material savings for the USAF and its abilities to balance international and domestic political needs and objectives, while accomplishing its national security mission.This book will answer the following questions: How does the USAF use PMCs in aspects of control, oversight, and accountability during conflicts, and what are the main challenges for the USAF concerning contracting PMCs to provide combat capability?