Broken wings: both current and former employees of DynCorp, one of the federal government's largest contractors, have accused the company of taking a fly-by-night attitude toward maintenance of military aircraft

0 Comments | Insight on the News, April 29, 2002 | by Kelly Patricia O'Meara

The information provided to INSIGHT by these current and former DynCorp and State Department sources clearly are assessments of what they have witnessed and believe to be true. Sometimes, these whistle-blowers sent along documentation indicating that the concerns raised were brought to the attention of DynCorp management without results. But DynCorp apparently takes action once the information has been made public.

However, according to DynCorp sources in Europe, just after the "DynCorp Disgrace" article ran in February, the International Police Task Force (IPTF) conducted an investigation into Johnston's allegations of sex trafficking by DynCorp employees. According to the source who informed INSIGHT about the reported investigation, "This is one for the books. The IPTF is contracted by DynCorp, and the employees performing illegal acts in Bosnia are both IPTF personnel and aircraft mechanics that are hired by DynCorp. What's wrong with this picture?"

In other words, says the source, DynCorp is investigating itself. Whether there is anything wrong with the picture is a decision for federal agencies and congressional committees with oversight responsibility for these government contracts. What is certain is that current and former DynCorp employees all over the world are expressing concern about the safety of the men and women who fly the aircraft being maintained by this contractor.

DynCorp did not respond to specific questions forwarded in writing to its Reston, Va., headquarters about the issues raised in this article. However, Charlene Wheeless, a DynCorp spokeswoman, did provide the following statement: "DynCorp has provided aviation and aerospace services to government agencies for more than 40 years. We have received customer commendations for our superior service and we believe our positive performance speaks for itself."

The military, however, is taking heed of the concerns raised and a spokesman for Gen. Waterman tells INSIGHT, "Present and former DynCorp employees have made allegations about DynCorp's hiring practices and contract performance on its aviation maintenance contract. The command takes seriously any indication of potential issues with the safety of aircraft and soldiers. Based on the letters and e-mails received, U.S. Army, Europe's 21st Theater Support Command, as the command with oversight of the aviation maintenance contract, initiated an investigation into these allegations. Since the investigation is ongoing, it is inappropriate to comment on any specific allegation. We will take appropriate action upon completion of the investigation."

KELLY PATRICIA O'MEARA IS AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER FOR Insight MAGAZINE.