I doubt anyone will disagree that war is obscene. I doubt anyone in this country does not feel some level of compassion for those who come home from Iraq maimed in the service of their country. I doubt anyone feels other than sympathy for the families who have lost loved ones in armed conflict.

Our government, though, has found a way to inflict a new level of obscenity on some of our returning soldiers. Instead of thanking them for their service, it seems the Army is billing returning servicemen for equipment lost in battle and for clothing that is returned bloodstained.

The U.S. Army billed Lieutenant William “Eddie” Rebrook of Charleston West Virginia $700 for the body armor that was destroyed when he was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq. On the other hand, Rebrook was honorably discharged because of an arm injury sustained in battle. Perhaps the $700 was because Rebrook only paid an arm rather than an “arm and a leg” for the body armor.

Specialist Robert Loria of Middletown, N.Y., lost his arm in Iraq, but instead of a farewell paycheck from the Army he got a bill for nearly $1,800. Army officials said he owed money for travel expenses and for lost equipment. First time I’ve heard of soldiers having to pay their own travel expenses to partake in a war. Perhaps if Loria had also lost a leg, the Army would have been satisfied with his payment. In Loria’s case, legislators came to his aid and convinced the Army to cancel the bill.

The Army has explained there is a way for soldiers to avoid being billed for lost or damaged equipment. All they have to do is fill out a three-page form for each item lost, have it approved by their unit commander and submit it to through appropriate channels.

Having been in combat, I can guarantee the last thing on one’s mind in such situations is making certain equipment isn’t lost or damaged. Your primary concern is, of course, getting yourself and your comrades out alive.

What’s next, asking soldiers to pay for ammunition they use? I guess this would ensure soldiers don’t just go around needlessly shooting off their weapons. Imagine a soldier in the middle of a fire fight having to count the number of times he pulls the trigger on his rifle so he can later fill out the requisite form to avoid being billed for the 150 rounds he fired while defending his position. While we’re at it, why don’t we require they pick up all spent shell casings so they can be recycled?

I’m reminded of the story of the soldier in basic training who somehow lost his rifle on a trip to the firing range. When his commanding officer told him he would have to pay for the rifle, the soldier responded, “Well, now I understand why the captain always goes down with his ship.” And all this time, I thought this was a joke.

Oh, and if you get any blood on your uniform, I suggest soaking it in cold water immediately to minimize the chance of staining. Once your uniform is in order, you might want to see about having someone tend to that gaping hole in your chest. But I suggest you get agreement for the cost of services up front.