a bit more on extended tours of duty

imagine how THEY feel. those who are serving and their families and friends

speak up. write your congress people, write to your senators. we must stop this. we must get OUT of iraq


Strained Army Extends Tours To 15 Months
Move Is Needed for Iraq Troop Increase


By Ann Scott Tyson and Josh White Washington Post Staff Writers

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced yesterday that all active-duty soldiers currently deployed or going to Iraq and Afghanistan will see their one-year tours extended to 15 months, acknowledging that such a strain on the war-weary Army is necessary should the ongoing troop increase be prolonged well into next year.
The decision -- coming three months after President Bush put forth his new security plan for Iraq, including the deployment of at least 28,000 additional troops there -- reflects the reality that the new strategy is unfeasible without introducing longer Army tours..................