Number of U.S. troops in Iraq climbs
The number of U.S. troops in Iraq has climbed back to 138,000, driven up in part by the need to control the escalating violence in Baghdad and the decision to delay the departure of an Alaska-based Army brigade.
The increase comes as the U.S. Marine Corps is preparing to order thousands of its troops to active duty in the first involuntary recall since the early days of the war.
No more than 2,500 Marines will be recalled at any one time, but there is no cap on the total number who may be forced back into service in the coming years as the military helps fight the war on terror. The call-ups will begin in the next few months, and most of the Marines are expected to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Troop levels in Iraq had been declining, from about 138,000 for much of last year to a low of about 127,000 earlier this summer, amid growing calls from Congress and the public for a phased withdrawal. Part of the latest increase is due to the overlap of units that are currently moving in and out of Iraq. But much of it comes from the decision late last month to delay the departure of the 172nd Stryker Brigade for four months. The brigade had served its one-year deployment and was beginning to head home to Alaska, but was instead ordered into Baghdad. Just when troop levels were starting to drop it looks like they'll be reaching record levels. Hopefully we have enough troops coming in to give those who've been in it for the longest a chance to come home and be with their families. All branches have been hitting their recruiting goals so we should have enough troops to rotate them without taking away all the soldiers with experience in this conflict. The rising numbers don't look good though. Violence is at an all time high and the death toll is rising. I keep wondering what's going to happen next? Where is this thing headed?
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Other Opinions
I truely feel that the number of troops in Iraq should not climb anymore. I feel that we have enough of our troops over seas.
i think the troops over there are not needed. We need to just come out of there. I have a man that just went into the army and dont want to see him facing the same thing in the future
if more troops are needed to bring some stability to the country and make it safer for the civilians and most of all OUR TROOPS then we should do it. i would rather have MORE then enough,then NOT enough.
I believe that if our troops are making a differnce than fine. Let them go and then bring thme home. Get in and get out but, I feel that in a few years we will be right back there becasue everything these troops do over their will come crashing down when we pull our troops out. Saying that I hope to god that we never have to be constantly present. Perment solutions should be decided on but I honestly feel it wont happen.
My fiance is currently serving in the US Army at Ft Stewart. He has been to Iraq 3 times already unfortunately, and has seen more than I probably would like to know about. I completely support our troops and everything they do! If you do not wish to go fight for your country, then do not go join the military, it is as simple as that. If you can't support someone that is willing to give their life for yours then you do not deserve to have them! So, for all of you anti-military that hate our troops just because they are doing their jobs, I say screw you! If you really hate this so much then take your lazy no good ass over to Iraq and live how those people do, deal with what they deal with, and experience the kind of hell that they live with! You'll be wishing you had the freedom that you do here! The troops have a job they are told to do just like everyone else, but if you pull our military out of there too soon, then we will just have to go back over there to finish the job in the near future. So, it is better to finish it now and keep all of our guys home safe afterwards. If you are some lazy ass female who is worried about your man going to Iraq then I have 2 things to say, they signed up because they wanted to so stay the hell out of their business or get off your lazy ass and go with them! It takes a hell of a lot out of you to be a military wife, but it is not about you! It is about your man who is sacrificing their lives on a daily basis so that you can have all of the benefits here in the USA that you are accustomed to.
When fighting a war there can never be too many troops if the true desire is to “win.” The problem I see as a post middle aged civilian with prior military experience is that the military in general desires 18 – 20 something year olds. While the age limit has been increased for all of the services, the military is still “selective.” A quality force that is truly diverse should employ Americans of varying ages in what has become a cultural war. The enemy certainly does not discriminate when it comes to age.
hmm, i wonder what is going to happen after the next election for president
John Kerry will not win because President Bush is more experienced, more nationally and worldly liked, and he will of course win in Afghanistan and Iraq before he leaves office!
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