“I want to bring to everyone’s attention a Washington Post story this week pointing out that the Iraqi Army has 50,000 ghost soldiers. That is right, ghost soldiers, salaries being paid to soldiers that do not exist”, said Rep. Nolan. Pictured here: Helmets and body armor abandoned by fleeing Iraqi soldier in Mosoul.
On December 4, 2014 Rep. Rick Nolen of Minnesota asked for and was granted permission to address the United States House of Representatives for one minute regarding the Iraqi Army:
“Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, I want to bring to everyone’s attention a Washington Post story this week pointing out that the Iraqi Army has 50,000 ghost soldiers. That is right, ghost soldiers, salaries being paid to soldiers that do not exist.
We have spent $20 billion supposedly training and arming this Iraqi Army. Right now there is a request for another $1.2 billion. The time has come to stop supporting this corrupt government. The money for the 50,000 soldiers was going into the pockets of the military and government officials.
Mr. Speaker, my friends, it is time to put an end to this. Give our taxpayers some relief. Use this money to rebuild America and recognize the fact that we have no friends in this conflict. The money, the arms that we send inevitably end up being used against us and contributing to the violence and contributing to the extension and the continuation of this tragic and senseless war and waste of human and financial resources.
It is time to put an end to it.”
Source: Congressional Record
See video: Iraq’s 50,000 Ghost Soldiers Proof of Army Corruption? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7laKZtnueAk