Moving to relieve strain on troops, the Army plans to reduce the length of combat tours from 15 months to one year after the troop buildup in Iraq winds down this summer, top officials told Congress on Tuesday.
You have to admit the current 15 month tours are a long time to be away from family. With the documented success of the surge it is possible for the upper echelons of the military to start considering returning to pre-surge level. Maybe it is time to start rotating those who have never been to Iraq over there so that the soldiers who have been can get some much deserved rest. Should all members of the military be required to serve a term in Iraq, to relieve the stress on the ones who have already been there?
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It is not just the long tours but the risk these Soldiers are required to take during these 15 months. This does not set well with the families back home worrying about their loved one on the front line. Iraq needs to step up to the plate and get the same courage and honor these Soldiers have!
V/R MJ Striffolino SGM (Ret).
V/R MJ Striffolino SGM (Ret).