WASHINGTON — U.S. commanders in Iraq are rejecting a recommendation by Army mental health experts that troops receive a one-month break for every three months in a combat zone, despite unprecedented levels of continuous fighting and worsening risks of mental stress.
Instead, commanders are trying to give troops two to three days inside heavily fortified bases after about eight days in the field, said Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, chief aide to the ground forces commander in Iraq, Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno.
"We would never get the job done of securing (of Baghdad) if we went out for three months and came back" for one, Anderson said.
U.S. forces in Iraq spend more time in combat without a break than those who fought in Vietnam or World War II, according to Army psychologists who studied troops in Iraq.
What do you think?
Answer by trichbopper
I think it is a terrible situation that will not end until Taterhead
is out of office. I work with a lady whose husband just went
over for his third tour. She is a nervous wreck.
Wonder how much RESOLVE the commander in chief would have if Jenna was in the middle of Iraq.
Answer by Slapnut
Yet another example of the act now, plan later approach we have been taking for the last six years.
Answer by Neenie
I don't think the right people care about the troops. The ones who use them as a political back drop when needed, but forget about them and exhaust them the rest of the time. It's sad and frustrating.
Answer by Jahpson
absolutely ridiculous. in my book, troop welfare and health would be first on my list. I mean they are the ones realistically doing all the work. what are the politicians doing? drinking their Evian water sitting in comfortable rooms all nice and put together, just thinking? oh the humanity!
Answer by Pfo
Mental health is important, possibly the most important thing now because it ties in with morale. With all the leftist news depleting morale with their stories of futility, they need something to boost it.
Orignal From: How important is the mental health of our soldiers on the battlefield in Iraq?
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