Repeat Deployments Destroy Our Troops

Try to imagine the physical and mental strain our soldiers and marines are going through. They are in combat operations seven days a week, in heat that reaches 130 degrees. WITHOUT A BREAK. If they are lucky they get a two week leave to go home to see loved ones, and then it is back to combat again.

A Defense Department appointed task force recommended last week that soldiers get one month of in-theater R&R for every three months on the line. The army rejected the proposal, saying instead it might consider two to three days in a secure location, i.e fortified bunker or compound, for every eight days in a high combat zone.

It has long been recognized that mental health breakdown occurs after prolonged combat exposure, yet these brave soldiers and marines are in combat 12 hours of every day, plus pulling guard duty and other assignments.

Look at how combat troops were treated in the past.

1. In World War II entire units were pulled from the front lines for months at a time.

2. Vietnam soldiers and marines got several days of rest following week long patrols.

In those major conflicts, commanders had the benefit of a draft to supply replacements making combat relief possible. We are destroying the very young men and women we ask to protect us in a war that the U.S. cannot sustain with present troop levels.

If we want to be at war for extended times, activate the Selective Service Act. Until then we must protest, hold rallies and anything else to force the Department of Defense to follow the reccomendation of the task force they commissioned and GET OUR TROOPS RELIEF FROM CONSTANT COMBAT CONDITIONS. If we don't the pain and suffering of our troop will be on our heads.