Half of new Iraqi army quits; Now they're gonna get more money

[Bucky]

Looks like CBS and MSNBC aren't quite agreeing on numbers. CBS says 400 of 700 quit; MSNBC says it's 480 of 900

CBS Sunday update
Early Iraqi Army Trouble

(CBS/AP) The U.S.-led coalition will reconsider the pay scale for members of the new Iraqi army after about half of the recruits in the first unit to be trained, deserted, the top U.S. soldier in Iraq said Saturday.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, speaking at a news conference, said the major reason for the defections of Iraqi soldiers was pay, specifically allowances for married soldiers who were struggling to support their families on $60 a month.

"We're working to review the pay scales and I think we'll have a decision in the coming weeks," Sanchez said. A total of 400 men, of an original 700, are left in the battalion in question.


MSNBC Saturday news
Recruits abandon new Iraqi army

By Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post

KIRKUSH, Iraq - More than half the men in the first unit to be trained for the new Iraqi army have abandoned their jobs because of low pay, inadequate training, faulty equipment, ethnic tensions and other concerns, leaving the nascent 1st Battalion dramatically understaffed just days before it is scheduled to leave training camp for its first assignment, Iraqi, U.S. and other coalition officials say.

About 480 of the 900 recruits who began training in August have left the U.S.-backed force, according to Australian Maj. Doug Cumming, chief instructor at the training academy in Kirkush, about 60 miles northeast of Baghdad. They will not be punished for leaving, nor are they even being pursued, officials say. Among those who remain, some still have not mastered such basics as how to march in formation and how to properly respond to radio calls.

[Bucky]

1. oops, left out the key 'graf in today's CBS story

money's not the only problem with the Iraqis in uniform leaving

Aside from pay, factors in the large-sale desertion included inadequate training, faulty equipment, ethnic tensions and other concerns, leaving the nascent 1st Battalion dramatically understaffed just days before it is scheduled to leave training camp for its first assignment, The Washington Post reported in its Saturday editions.

[alittlelark]

2. Maybe WalMart employees should do the same thing

It worked in Iraq.... and they have a (slightly lesser) risk of bodily harm

[izzie]

3. A union vote in the army?

:eyes:

[ConcernedCanuk]

4. More money, AND more training - - Saddam's probly giggling himself silly !

n/t