U.S. trains fast-track Iraqi militia on shoestring

BAGHDAD, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Wearing second-hand uniforms and with just six days of training, the latest recruits in Iraq's new militia force set off for work on Thursday as part of a U.S.-led effort to improve security quickly and cheaply.

As international donors met in Madrid to raise billions for Iraq's longer term reconstruction, U.S. soldiers said the fast-track graduation showed some things could be achieved without big budgets.

"They are wearing captured uniforms and using captured weapons," said Captain Steve Selman. "The only cost is food. When you look at expense versus reward, it's way in our favour."

After a swift passing out ceremony in a hangar at a U.S. base south of Baghdad, 351 soldiers of the Iraqi Civil Defence Corps (ICDC) were given a $50 bonus and packed into buses to join units in their home towns.

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