Today, unbeknownst to most Americans, agencies once renowned for their prowess in analysis, covert operations, electronic surveillance and overhead reconnaissance outsource many of their core tasks to the private sector. The bulk of this market is serviced by about 100 companies, ranging in size from multibillion dollar defense behemoths to small technology shops funded by venture capitalists.Privatising national security - who was the smart ass who thought of that one?
Nearly every one of them has sought out former high-ranking intelligence and national security officials as both managers and directors. Like Armitage, these are people who have served for decades in the upper echelons of national power. Their lives have been defined by secret briefings, classified documents, covert wars and sensitive intelligence missions. Many of them have kept their security clearances and maintain a hand in government...
Every time I think of Armitage, I remember what a great friend he was to former Australian Labor leader Kim Beazley, a fellow traveller in the military industrial industry, who may well become Australia's next Ambassador to Washington in the next few months.
