The presence of ghost soldiers and battalions have been cited as a key reason for the chain of rapid and disastrous collapse and defeats by the Iraqi army against ISIS in its early, 2013-2014 offensives. Cases of army officers and soldiers splitting the soldier's salary in exchange for not having to show to the military barracks, works, and training are documented. The soldiers are then free to return to their civilian profession and routine, but have to return periodically to renew various certificates under the protection of his officer. The practice also provided Iraqi soldiers the possibility to retire after 10 years of such ghost service.