The Measure of a Life, in Dollars and Cents

Source: Washington Post

A report released late last month by the Government Accountability Office examines the practices and rules guiding condolence payments that the U.S. military can distribute to families of Iraqi civilians killed "as a result of U.S. and coalition forces' actions during combat." These voluntary payments -- known as "solatia" payments -- can also cover injuries and loss or damage to property. They constitute "expressions of sympathy or remorse based on local culture and customs, but not an admission of legal liability or fault," according to the report.

The Pentagon has set $2,500 as the highest individual sum that can be paid. Most death payments remain at that level, with a rough sliding scale of $1,000 for serious injury and $500 for property damage. Beginning in April of last year, payments of up to $10,000 were possible for "extraordinary cases" but only with a division commander's authorization.

Despite Iraqi civilian deaths reaching tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, throughout the war, we are not talking big condolence payouts thus far. In 2005, the sums distributed in Iraq reached $21.5 million and -- with violence on the upswing -- dropped to $7.3 million last year, the GAO reported.

Commanders were first authorized to make such payments in September 2003, and payments were initially financed with money seized from Saddam Hussein and his family and colleagues. Now the payments come from the Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP), a U.S. fund designed to build goodwill among Iraqis through good works such as small-scale water and sewage projects.


Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/17/AR2007061700970.html?nav=rss_world/mideast/iraq

I remember back a little bit when a mother-in-law called in to AAR regarding her daughter receiving a payment of $100K for compensation for the loss of her husband. Seems there was some other pay out money involved as well.

I'm a disabled vet from the Vietnam war. I recieve a monthly stipend of around $350 for my battle injuries. I am only 30% disabled. My point is there are so many expenses to war that we don't even consider...not to mention the loss of life, limb and the mental health of ALL THOSE involved. The dollar and cents expense is horrendous.

War...what is it good for?? Absolutely nothing!!

Yes thank you, and welcome to DU!!! :hi:

Speaking of Military Insurance, reminds me of a joke. I hope it's not inappropriate.

back when the flags were waving and the drums for war were beating in 2003.

And then for coming back here and realizing what war is good for.

Keep spreading the message.

I learned from my dad, a WWII vet, that war was not good for anything.