The White House is considering a plan to privatize much of the U.S. war in Afghanistan in an effort to revitalize the stalemated 16-year war, USA Today reported Tuesday. Erik Prince, founder of the security firm once known as Blackwater, proposed that 5,500 private contractors, primarily comprised of former U.S. Special Operations troops, would advise Afghan combat forces, and a 90-plane private air force would provide air support. The U.S. military has has 8,400 troops in Afghanistan to train and guide local forces. Though senior White House officials are reported to be actively considering the proposal, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis are said to oppose the idea.
