Strategy Page: Money Is Ammo in Iraq

"CERP fills that gap, and even small amounts can buy goodwill. In mid-July, I went on a foot patrol in Baghdad with another 1st Cavalry Division unit. One of the officers told me the Cav had experimented with a 'designated spender' on foot patrols. A soldier would spend 10 bucks while on patrol, buying food in a souk or a toy from a store. The food would then be donated to a food bank and the toys given to kids. Unfortunately, the troops spent their own money. To use appropriated funds, another officer later told me, was practically impossible, 'unless the funds are CERP. With CERP, a soldier signs a receipt (for the money), then the patrol generates a little local economic activity.' "