October 1, 2008: The Chinese army has replaced over 60,000
support personnel by outsourcing their jobs. The Chinese are taking outsourcing
farther than most Western armed forces. For example, maintenance and management
of over 5,000 troop barracks buildings has been taken over by civilian property
management companies. On many bases, civilian companies have been contracted to
feed the troops and provide medical care. Many basic supply items (uniforms,
supplies for the barracks) are now provided by civilian firms, rather than
military supply units.
