After five years and a healthy dose of criticism, the United States Army will finally terminate and restructure the $15 billion contract they had with Halliburton. This is clearly long overdue and should do well to satisfy the critics who voiced concern over the conflict of interest - or at least a perceived one - regarding vice president and former Halliburton chairman Dick Cheney.

The newly restructured contract will again open bidding, this time spreading the contract between four companies instead of just one. This should foster more competition between markets and is a step in the right direction for a president whose approval ratings aren't exactly soaring.

American citizens are obviously accustomed to the idea of fairness, and this restructuring reflects the balance of competitive military logistics that voters have been seeking. While the Army refuses to acknowledge a perceived conflict of interest involving Cheney, saying it had nothing to do with the restructuring, it's still a welcome change that should benefit taxpayers and troops alike.

Critics of Halliburton originally condemned the company for overcharging, but that problem should be resolved now that they are in a competitive market. Halliburton was accused of charging $1.09 more for a gallon of gasoline than it should have - the allegations surrounded 56.6 million gallons, or an overcharge of $61 million.

Halliburton is still likely to be one of the four companies involved, possibly becoming the "overseer" of the other three. But the market will no longer resemble a monopoly that supplies the Army with food, fuel and housing.

Of course there is one problem with spreading the contract over four companies. The other three are likely to not be as prepared in catering to the extensive needs that the military may require. Hopefully, these companies will be given ample time following a winning bid so they may adjust accordingly.

If not, another mess may be inevitable. Overall, though, and regardless whether one is a supporter of the Bush Administration or not, the added competition and the Army's decision to end Halliburton's contract should be looked upon as a positive one for most everyone involved.