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.