| US Army forces 50,000 soldiers into extended duty |
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"As the war in Iraq drags on, the Army is accumulating a collection of problems that cumulatively could call into question the viability of an all-volunteer force," said defense analyst Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute think tank.
"When a service has to repeatedly resort to compelling the retention of people who want to leave, you're edging away from the whole notion of volunteerism." Since the war on terror begin some 50,000 soldiers have had their tours extended. The program has come under fire and has even been called a "back door draft". The program was meant to make sure that the military wouldn't leave huge gaps when experienced soldiers met their duty requirements and left for home. Combat experience is very valuable and replacing those soldiers with fresh recruits could end up costing lives. But some think that the program is being abused. What do you think?
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posted at 10:02:11 on 01/30/06 - Category: Army
Article Opinions
i hope that the troopers come back safe and i would help in the war but i am only 15. i giv e you the best of luck.
rachel
I have a tour coming up in the next couple of months. So our unit has been placed on stop loss. I had a seperation date of May of this year. We will be gone overseas for 18 months. Yeah, it sucks, but I signed the dotted line. And I accept that this kind of stuff happens. The only thing I don't like is being National Guard and being deployed 3 times in 5 years. I may as well have signed up for the real thing
We are at war and we are the most powerful nation on earth some times our leader's will have to make tuff decisions. Just as youre article said a soldier with combat exp. can save lives. It seem's to me they made the right decision. I do simpathize with the soldiers thow.
As an American we have an obligation to our country as our forefathers had. It is an honor to serve our country, and alot of people may not understand what it takes to be a soldier, but we as soldiers know what it takes, hardships, missing our family, missing out on the nice things people take for granted. Our mission God, Country, is what itis all about, protecting our loved ones freedom. So all you soldiers be proud you are the DEFENDERS of the meek and our beliefs, and Nation, I salute you all,and Pray that God will see you thru your mission, and bring you home safely. GOD BLESS
As a student and soldier, I find "forced extension" opposing to American values and belief. I too have been deployed twice and looking down the nose at three. I am "part-time" contrary to what are leaders think. This is the new real problem in the military - trying to smooth out retention while America is spreading her forces thin. The military must remeber that everyone that is not being cared for will speak nothing good about it, especially when it comes to young prospects. Wise up American leaders, your destroying our freedoms and creating a powder keg in defense policy!!!
i was wondering how i can find the website to be like an email penpal to the soldiers serving our country
also me and my church are praying daily
i got a friend who is 19 going into the airforce
also here is my email address for the soldiers as well countrymenus@yahoo.com
While these extensions are understandable, as a soldiers wife and mother of his child, it is hard for us because we don't get to see him, she is growing up without a father, I'm her mother and father. I was a soldier in the U.S. Army, but I got out right as Bush was getting into office, so I know what it takes to be a soldier and what it takes for my husband to be one, and the whole combat experience might save lives, don't you think these new young soldiers should recieve the same experience. They are supposed to be trained for combat, and yes, things occur that we may not be prepared for, but the military is supposed to teach you to expect the unexpected. I think I'm ready for my husband to be home for good, but he is standing around twiddling his thumbs in Kuwait waiting for something to happen in Iraq until November.....I wish he could be sitting at home with his wife and kid twiddling his thumbs waiting for something to happen in Iraq!!!!!!
Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! zalhnkntnj
would like 2 find a penpal .. have lots of free time .. anyone like 2 b friends ?? please email me .. jyellorose@wmconnect.com
WOULD LIKE 2 SAY THANKS 2 ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO R FIGHTING 4 US .. U GUYS R THE BEST .. AND WE LOVE YALL 4 GIVING UP UR OWN LIFES 4 US .. THANK YOU !!! WOULD LIKE 2 FIND A PENPAL .. JYELLOROSE@WMCONNECT.COM
A grandma would like to correspond with young person without family..I am 61 and just had my husban die..He was a veteran and my dad was in the USA and retired from it. MY heart goes out to the young men away from home and without a family. Would love to have a son or grandson to visit with..Connie
I would like to have military penpals to continue encouraging their long stay away ...
holaxica@yahoo.com
Hilda
i like all mssg.
im catherine im looking penpal,honeycat_2002_2006@yahoo.com
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rachel