1,001
Military officials estimate that 125,000 contractors are working in the country, nearly the number of American troops. The figures on those who carry guns vary widely, depending on the source, but seem to settle on about 20,000. As of June 30, government figures show, 1,001 contractors had died in Iraq since the start of the war.
From "For an Iraq Contractor, Duty, and Then Death" at NYTimes.com (reg required)
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