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October 19, 2003
Iraq Troops Demoralized
Posted by jbholston at 10:28 PM

This isn't getting enough attention (via Truthout, from WaPo):

A broad survey of U.S. troops in Iraq by a Pentagon-funded newspaper found that half of those questioned described their unit's morale as low and their training as insufficient, and said they do not plan to reenlist.

The survey, conducted by the Stars and Stripes newspaper, also recorded about a third of the respondents complaining that their mission lacks clear definition and characterizing the war in Iraq as of little or no value. Fully 40 percent said the jobs they were doing had little or nothing to do with their training.

It doesn't mean that the mission was wrong or will fail, but it does mean that the troops are being mis-managed.

A total of 49 percent of those questioned said it was "very unlikely" or "not likely" that they would remain in the military after they complete their current obligations. In the past, enlistment rates tended to drop after conflicts, but many defense experts and noncommissioned officers have warned of the potential for a historically high exodus, particularly of reservists.

What are the Pentagon's plans if reenlistment falls too dramatically? First; extend enlistment period requirements. Second; extend reserves and call up more.

Third: draft?


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