A Brief Look at Why the War in Iraq Is So Expensive

A great personal finance blog dedicated to military members and civilians alike, Military Finance Network, recently published an interesting posting about the war in Iraq, “Behind the Scenes: Why the War in Iraq Really Costs $12 Billion a Month“. 

Now I can see why the war has cost as much as the $700 billion financial sector bailout.  Here are some highlights from the article…

1. American generals drive around the infamous Green Zone in the Iraqi capital in $61,000 H2 Hummer SUVs
2. Hundreds of acres of brand new SUVs and pickup trucks sit unused at a base just outside of Baghdad near the international airport
3. Thousands of $150,000 up-armored Humvees are being sold to the Iraqi government for $10,000 a piece
4. $200 special ops knives which were handed out to hundreds of troops, none of whom had a need for a specialized tool like this.
5. Cargo pallet with air compressors, power tools, and other construction items designated for the war efforts heading the wrong way, home for someone’s personal use.

I am sure that these examples above are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to how the American taxpayers’ money has been wasted.  It a shame that so much money has been spent, and there are so many other needs at home and abroad.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bashing the military or our brave Servicemembers, but I just wish that our money was better managed.