The report from the Government Accountability Office said another 400 who died in the wars had $300,000 in debt but that the Defense Department doesn't pursue collection of people killed in combat.

"We found that hundreds of separated battle-injured Soldiers were pursued for collection of military debts incurred through no fault of their own," said the report. It said that included seeking reimbursement for errors in pay or for equipment left on the battlefield.

The problem became known months ago as Soldiers began to complain and lawmakers asked for the report.

The Pentagon said it has been working to resolve it.

"My experience is the military ... when these things are reported to them, work aggressively to resolve them," said Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman.

"Not by way of trying to make any excuses, it's clear that our ... processes could be shored up to try to prevent some of these ... from happening."

Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More Military Headlines

• Lithuanians in Afghanistan
• Pentagon Seeks More Power From Vehicles
• Chasing Taliban 'Ghosts' in Afghanistan
• Normandy Vets Look to One Last Remembrance
• Underway at Last!