Question 1: The Global War on Terror has introduced a new phenomenon on the modern battlefield: private contractors. Contractors have taken on new roles as support service providers to the U.S. military and have assumed security force roles involving active combat.

Identify at least two ethical problems with using private contractors in combat operations such as those that are currently used to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you believe that private contractors used to support contractors are actually mercenaries? Explain your answer and note whether you believe it is legitimate and ethical to use private contractors in combat.

Question 2: The use of assassination in warfare has been a topic of debate throughout history. At different times, the United States has outlawed or condoned the use of assassination in warfare.

Discuss two ethical concerns with regards to the use of assassination in warfare. Provide one argument for why targeted assassination is legitimate in warfare, and then provide one argument for why targeted assassination is not ethical in warfare. Do you believe that assassination is an ethical use of violence in warfare?