Corruption is a major factor in Iraqi Army's failures

A new report reveals that a major factor in the collapse of the Iraqi Army in the wake of military advances by the Islamic State was the weakening of the army due to corruption that reached into its highest ranks.

The New York Times reports that corruption was so widespread and debilitating, that by the time IS launched its summer offensive in Iraq, the Iraqi military was woefully underprepared to mount any type of resistance.

Corruption was so obvious, as were its perpetrators, that members of the armed forces earned nicknames depending on their corrupt practices, according to the Times. Various Iraqi generals had nicknames like, "chicken guy," "arak guy," and "General Deftar."

Chicken guy earned his moniker from the fact he would steal the poultry meant for his troops' rations and resell it on the black market for a profit. The general known as arak guy was so called because of his love for the liquorice flavored liquor. General Deftar took his name from the Iraqi bill representing 10,000 dinars, the Iraqi currency. He would sell officer commissions, or appointments, leaving vitally important leadership roles unfulfilled.

The new report raises serious questions about the more than $1 billion the Pentagon is seeking to rearm the Iraqi military and various tribes. The Times reports that some weaponry which has been delivered to the Iraqi Army has already turned up in black markets or the hands of IS.

The Times report also lays out another practice that has left the Iraqi Army incapable of doing its job. That involves the practice of "ghost soldiers." In such schemes, high-ranking officials give paychecks to fake individuals so they can pocket the money themselves.

Iraqi soldiers also told the Times that they would be sent cheap equipment that was often ineffective. By purchasing less than top quality kit, officers and bureaucrats in charge of allocation are able to pocket the savings.  

The Times notes that the problem is exacerbated by the fact that since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, very few members of the military have been charged with corruption.