thedrifter
08-15-08, 07:28 AM
MILITARY: Improper contracting allegations probed
By MARK WALKER - Staff Writer
CAMP PENDLETON ---- An investigation into "improper contracting procedures" in Iraq involving U.S. Marines and others is under way, a service spokesman confirmed Thursday.
Lt. Col. David Griesmer said the probe is headed by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, a civilian law enforcement agency that investigates allegations of criminal misconduct involving Marines and sailors.
Griesmer said an unspecified number of troops from Camp Pendleton are associated with the case.
"It involves service members, but it's not limited to Camp Pendleton and could involve people from various locations," Griesmer said during a telephone interview from his office at Marine Corps Forces Central Command in Florida. "It's ongoing, and it's looking at improper contracting involving multiple people."
The investigation surrounds "various supplies" for U.S. troops in Iraq, he said, adding that he could not be more specific.
Griesmer also said he did not know the ranks or jobs of any of those under investigation.
Attempts to reach officials with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters in Washington were not immediately successful.
Incidents involving fraud in Iraq started occurring shortly after the U.S. invasion in 2003. The Pentagon is relying on private contractors to do much of the noncombat work so that troops can concentrate on the war.
In Iraq, the Marine Corps has had primary responsibility for the western Anbar region for more than four years. That is where most Marines and sailors from local bases and those around the country are sent.
In January, the Army said it was investigating as many as 50 cases involving members of the military and contractors in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Three weeks ago, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told Congress that the military was increasing its efforts to make sure contract dollars and supplies are being used appropriately.
The Pentagon has awarded contracts worth more than $71 billion to nearly 100,000 contractors since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were launched.
The Government Accountability Office said in December that the military has lost millions of dollars due to poor or nonexistent contractor oversight.
Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.
Ellie
By MARK WALKER - Staff Writer
CAMP PENDLETON ---- An investigation into "improper contracting procedures" in Iraq involving U.S. Marines and others is under way, a service spokesman confirmed Thursday.
Lt. Col. David Griesmer said the probe is headed by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, a civilian law enforcement agency that investigates allegations of criminal misconduct involving Marines and sailors.
Griesmer said an unspecified number of troops from Camp Pendleton are associated with the case.
"It involves service members, but it's not limited to Camp Pendleton and could involve people from various locations," Griesmer said during a telephone interview from his office at Marine Corps Forces Central Command in Florida. "It's ongoing, and it's looking at improper contracting involving multiple people."
The investigation surrounds "various supplies" for U.S. troops in Iraq, he said, adding that he could not be more specific.
Griesmer also said he did not know the ranks or jobs of any of those under investigation.
Attempts to reach officials with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters in Washington were not immediately successful.
Incidents involving fraud in Iraq started occurring shortly after the U.S. invasion in 2003. The Pentagon is relying on private contractors to do much of the noncombat work so that troops can concentrate on the war.
In Iraq, the Marine Corps has had primary responsibility for the western Anbar region for more than four years. That is where most Marines and sailors from local bases and those around the country are sent.
In January, the Army said it was investigating as many as 50 cases involving members of the military and contractors in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Three weeks ago, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told Congress that the military was increasing its efforts to make sure contract dollars and supplies are being used appropriately.
The Pentagon has awarded contracts worth more than $71 billion to nearly 100,000 contractors since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were launched.
The Government Accountability Office said in December that the military has lost millions of dollars due to poor or nonexistent contractor oversight.
Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.
Ellie