US Maximizes Tour Length While They Can

On April 11, 2007, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the Pentagon would increase the Army tour length for active-duty soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq from 12 to 15 months. Naturally, Democrats responded with rapid criticism to the policy shift. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi states, "Extending the tours of all active-duty Army personnel is an unacceptable price for our troops and their families to pay."

Yet despite the initial gut reaction or emotional pull one feels when they hear a loved one, or even a stranger, will be away in the war zone for three extra months, it may strategically benefit other military personnel, their families, and those pushing for the March 2008 pullout. Defense Secretary Gates notes, "Without this action, we would have had to deploy five Army active duty brigades sooner than the 12-month at home goal." Instead, troops already stationed abroad will be able to make more progress than if newly arriving men and women had to learn the ropes. Despite Democratic disapproval, if successful troop withdrawal is to come sooner rather than later, this unfortunate decision may work out better.

Fortunately, troops can look forward to an extra $1000, supposedly untaxed, per month in combat pay while abroad. Hopefully the Pentagon will have enough respect for our military in the future, however, to notify them and their families first before releasing such potentially emotional news to the public-at-large. That is a much greater insult than a job extension.