The Department of Defense's Use of Solatia and Condolence Payments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military Operations

We found that DOD has established guidance for making and documenting solatia and condolence payments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that guidance has changed over time primarily in Iraq in terms of condolence payment amounts, approval levels, and payment eligibility. Within parameters established by...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pickup, Sharon L, Coffey, Carole F, Baumgartner, Kelly, Bolling, Krislin, Czyz, Alissa, Harms, K N, Lake, Ronald L, Oliver, Marcus L, Pogacnik, Jason
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT
BRIEFING CHARTS
CIVILIAN POPULATION
COMPENSATION
CONDOLENCE PAYMENTS
Economics and Cost Analysis
GAO REPORTS
GUIDANCE
IRAQI WAR
Military Forces and Organizations
MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
PAYMENT
SOLATIA
Online Access:Request full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We found that DOD has established guidance for making and documenting solatia and condolence payments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that guidance has changed over time primarily in Iraq in terms of condolence payment amounts, approval levels, and payment eligibility. Within parameters established by guidance, commanders exercise broad discretion for determining whether a payment should be made and the appropriate payment amount. While guidance does not require commanders to make payments, commanders may do so if they choose. When determining whether to make payments and payment amounts, commanders told us they consider the severity of injury, type of damage, and property values based on the local economy as well as any other applicable cultural considerations. According to unit officials with whom we spoke, units generally follow a similar process for making solatia and condolence payments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Officials told us that they generally make payments to civilians at Civil Military Operations Centers ad hoc organizations established by military commanders to assist in the coordination of civilian-related activities or during personal visits. Presented to Congressional Requestors. Document contains briefing charts in addition to text.