Alleged firing of whistle-blower in Iraq probed

WASHINGTON —- U.S. military officials want to know if an employee of a private security contractor was fired for confirming serious deficiencies in training and equipment for Ugandan guards hired to protect an American base in Iraq.

Information about John Wayne Nash’s sudden departure from Iraq after he met with staff from the Commission on Wartime Contracting has been forwarded by U.S. Central Command to the Pentagon inspector general, according to a defense official.

The military relies on hired guards at bases in Iraq so troops are available for combat duty. Overall, five companies provide the service under contracts with an estimated value of $250 million. A majority of the guards are from Uganda and other East African countries and make about $700 a month.

Nash, a retired Marine master gunnery sergeant, was security contractor Triple Canopy’s on-site manager at Forward Operating Base Delta, about 90 miles south of Baghdad. The Herndon, Va.-based firm denies he was disciplined.

But the commission said reports indicate Triple Canopy guards don’t have enough vehicles to do the job, even though the company is required to provide all labor, weapons and other equipment that the guards need. It also said Nash had been instructed by Triple Canopy not to meet with investigators.
AJC