Editorial: Time to reimburse soldiers for armor

Friday, Sept. 30, 2005 | 9:42 a.m.

It has been a year since Congress voted to reimburse military personnel fighting in Iraq who hadn't been properly outfitted by the U.S. government for the body armor they and their families purchased with their own money. But not a single dime has been paid. The measure was passed after widespread reports of soldiers' families shelling out thousands of dollars for the armor, which is strong enough to offer protection from assault rifles. In 2003 it was reported that up to 25 percent of military personnel lacked the equipment.

Defense Department officials say they need another 60 days to finish working out the process that will pay back up to $1,100 per piece of equipment. Perhaps they are slow to pay because the lack of urgency comes from the top. When asked before a group of more than 2,000 soldiers why adequate armor hadn't been supplied, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld quickly replied, "You go to war with the army you have." He made the comment two months after the reimbursement had been approved. But his seemingly lackadaisical attitude toward protecting our troops continues nearly a year later. It is time to pay these people for providing their own protective gear.