Hot on Facebook

Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Panel Rips Army Fraud 'Crisis'

Raps military on wasted contract billions

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 1, 2007 4:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Army is under fire for failing to train enough officers to supervise billions of dollars in contracts and allowing waste and fraud to flourish, reports the New York Times. The problems have "created a crisis," according to an independent six-member panel appointed by Army Secretary Pete Geren and charged with investigating contracts to supply US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The "blunt" report lashes officials for failing to respond quickly to mounting money management issues in the Army, which spends some $4 billion a year on such contracts. The panel recommends increasing the number of Army contracting officers by 25 percent in coming years. “You need more people and better-trained people in contracting," said one observer. "Work isn’t getting done or it’s done poorly.”

Army Secretary Pete Geren talks to soldiers earlier this year. (Associated Press)

A US soldier looks on as a C117 plane drops food, water and supplies in Afghanistan. A panel has criticized the Army's lax oversight of the contractors who supply such goods. (Getty Images)

Soldiers unload medical supplies in Afghanistan. A panel has sharply criticized the Army's lax oversight of the contractors who supply troops in the field with necessities. (Getty Images)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

'Jesus Rifles' Draw Fire

US military firearms with coded messages raise issue of 'crusade'

(NEWSER) - A rifle scope commonly used by the US military is inscribed with references to the Bible. The scopes, made by Trijicon of Michigan, bear codes that refer to verses glorifying God and Jesus—even though the military, leery of being accused of waging a Crusade, bans proselytizing in Iraq and Afghanistan. The scopes are "probably the best example of violation of the separation of church and state in this country," said an activist who promotes separation of church and state. More»

Post 9/11, Highest Military Honor Grows Scarce

The highest military award has gone to only five—and all posthumously

(NEWSER) - The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have produced only five recipients of the Medal of Honor, all of whom died as a result of their heroism, the Military Times reports. Pentagon stinginess with the highest military honor in the post-9/11 era frustrates service members who say a politicized, stringent, and lengthy review process has denied recognition to some who deserve it. More»

Troops in Iraq Face Final Challenge: Moving Out

US military prepares to remove equipment from Iraq

(NEWSER) - As the US military reduces its presence in Iraq, it faces the logistical challenge of moving all the equipment it brought to the country during the nearly six-year war effort, the Los Angeles Times reports. Unlike personnel, much of the equipment used in Iraq will remain in the region, stored in huge warehouses in Kuwait and Qatar in case the military needs it again. More»

Marines Improving Vests After Complaints

Troops complained 30 lbs. vest too heavy, restrictive

(NEWSER) - The Marine Corps is planning major improvements to its body armor after troops complained the $100 million vests were too heavy and restrictive, the AP reports. “I've worn the vest on my travels into Iraq and Afghanistan, and I can tell you those Marines have raised some valid points,” the Corps' commandant said. The modifications will improve comfort, mobility, and safety. More»

The Army Wants You. 30,000 More of You.

Pentagon says Army is overstretched

(NEWSER) - The US Army wants you, and about 30,000 of your friends, if it's going to fight effectively in Afghanistan and Iraq and complete other missions around the world, reports the Washington Post. Increased demands are being made on troops in places like Africa, Korea, and cyberspace, and while the down economy is boosting recruiting efforts, officials say current growth plans are insufficient. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Panel Rips Army Fraud 'Crisis'

Raps military on wasted contract billions

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Army Contracts

Iraq • Afghanistan • contracts • US Army • Pete Geren • Kuwait • Government Accountability Office • Maj. John Cockerham • Jacques S. Gansler • procurement

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

'Jesus Rifles' Draw Fire

US military firearms with coded messages raise issue of 'crusade'

Post 9/11, Highest Military Honor Grows Scarce

The highest military award has gone to only five—and all posthumously

Troops in Iraq Face Final Challenge: Moving Out

US military prepares to remove equipment from Iraq

Marines Improving Vests After Complaints

Troops complained 30 lbs. vest too heavy, restrictive

The Army Wants You. 30,000 More of You.

Pentagon says Army is overstretched

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

Panel Rips Army Fraud 'Crisis'

Raps military on wasted contract billions

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Army Contracts

Iraq • Afghanistan • contracts • US Army • Pete Geren • Kuwait • Government Accountability Office • Maj. John Cockerham • Jacques S. Gansler • procurement

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

'Jesus Rifles' Draw Fire

US military firearms with coded messages raise issue of 'crusade'

Post 9/11, Highest Military Honor Grows Scarce

The highest military award has gone to only five—and all posthumously

Troops in Iraq Face Final Challenge: Moving Out

US military prepares to remove equipment from Iraq

Marines Improving Vests After Complaints

Troops complained 30 lbs. vest too heavy, restrictive

The Army Wants You. 30,000 More of You.

Pentagon says Army is overstretched

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?