Theft worry plagues sale of NVGs to Iraq

[unhappycamper]

Theft worry plagues sale of NVGs to Iraq
By Peter Eisler - USA Today
Posted : Tuesday Jun 10, 2008 6:19:24 EDT

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon plans to sell up to 4,000 sets of high-tech night-vision goggles to Iraq, despite U.S. government audits showing that the deal could leave a critical U.S. military asset vulnerable to theft or diversion to insurgents fighting American forces.

The previously unpublicized sale is sparking concern from members of Congress.

The goggles are part of a major, $1.4 billion proposed sale of weapons and other military gear for Iraqi forces, which have been faulted along with their Pentagon supervisors for being unable to account for thousands of firearms and other battlefield equipment provided by the United States in recent years.

The sale also would send Humvees, rifles, grenade launchers and cargo trucks to Iraq, which has become a leading foreign buyer of U.S. weaponry. The night-vision goggles, which have capabilities far beyond commercial versions, are particularly sensitive because they give troops such an advantage that the military often launches its most dangerous missions after dark.

“The night-vision goggles are an absolute treasure — it’s imperative that not one set gets into the wrong hands,” says Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., top Republican on the House oversight subcommittee on national security and foreign affairs. After learning of the sale from USA Today, Shays requested a hearing to examine it.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/gns_goggles_060908/