Cost of Troops

[Francis]

Does anyone know if the budget requirement for the occupation of Iraq
covers the entire costs of the troops stationed there or just the difference between what they usually cost and the additional costs incurred by their presence in Iraq?

[Ergotron]

1. Cost of Troops

I don't think anyone, including our "leaders" really know the cost. When the numbers get that big they just kind of fake it. We'll probably never know the true cost, not the $ cost anyway.

[newyawker99]

5. Hi Ergotron!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

6. American troops forced to buy own wartime gear

Here is an article. Halliburton is amking money selling gear to our own soldiers! Disgusting!

http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2003/030911-boots01.htm

[pbeal]

7. Not unuseal

Most Soldiers buy at least one set of inspection gear. and Clothing allowance never really covered realistic wear and tear in the field.

The old ALICE Equipment is uncomfortable both the large and small rucksacks are uncomfortable and the pack frame is prone to break.

Issue boots suck.
Don't even get me started on the Underwear.

But I still have socks that I was issued 20 years ago I don't have anything but praise for Army socks.

Since the time of the Roman Empire Soldiers have bought their own supplemental gear its not something new

[ewagner]

2. Great question

I've been trying to figure this out also.

another question: $67B of the request is to "support military operations". But salaries of military personnel are laready budgeted, except perhaps for reservists/guard going full time. But how much of that $67B is for the "privatized" part of military operations and will go to private contractors?

From what discussions I've heard from Congressmen/Senators, the $67B portion is not going to be questioned ...maybe somebody should question it...how about a full, detailed accounting of the request?

[G_j]

3. exactly what I've been wondering

simply put,how much of this goes back into their pockets?

[hang a left]

4. I think that is a reasonable request.

"support millitary operations" that is the private contractors loot, isn't it.

[pbeal]

8. its the Diffrence

The costs are combat losses of big ticket items like Tanks and helicopters, cost of replacement parts, cost of munitions, cost of food, cost of Fuel, cost of transport of everything from here to there. Paying fulltime pay to reserve and guard units. cost to cilvian contractors, cost of building supplies, cost of bribes paid to Spain, Poland, Italy and all the other "collation of the willing" members.

War has always been expensive modern war is really expensive.

On the other hand Guerilla and insurgent armies are so much cheaper to run than a modern mobile force. And this is just a best guess estimate a loss of one American troop has the same Financial effect on the opposition in either Iraq or Afghanistan of losing 500 to 600 men.