'US pays $20bn to cool soldiers abroad'

US: The US military spends USD 20.2 billion annually on air conditioning for the American troops stationed in war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan, a report says.

The figure is more than the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s entire annual budget, and is higher than the G8's aid pledged to be offered to Egypt and Tunisia, combined, the prominent US-based National Public Radio reported.

"When you consider the cost to deliver the fuel to some of the most isolated places in the world - escorting, command and control, medevac support - when you throw all that infrastructure in, we're talking over USD 20 billion," said Steven Anderson, a retired brigadier general who served as Gen. David Patreaus' chief logistician in Iraq.

To keep US troops cool in Afghanistan, fuel has to be shipped into Pakistan's Karachi, then driven 1,288 Km (800 miles) over 18 days to Afghanistan, Anderson explained. "And you've got risks that are associated with moving the fuel almost every mile of the way," he added. Anderson calculates that more than 1,000 troops have been killed in fuel convoys, which remain the prime target of militant attacks. Free-standing tents equipped with air conditioners in 125-degree heat require a lot of fuel. Press TV