DESPERATE to find enough recruits for President Bush's Iraq war, the U.S. Army is using millions of taxpayer dollars for a huge inducement. Since July, a $20,000 up-front bonus is given to each enlistee who accepts "quick ship" - rapid departure to basic training and perhaps to the war zone.

News reports say 90 percent of all recruits now take the $20,000 lure. Tens of thousands have joined, wiping out previous enlistee shortages.