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Combat Tours to Be Cut

Tours of duty to be cut back to 12 months; Congress to hear troop cut proposals

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 5, 2008 5:20 AM CDT
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(Newser) – American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are to have their combat tours cut from 15 months to 12 beginning late this summer. The White House plans a formal announcement next week, an insider told the AP. Tours were lengthened last year to boost troop levels in Iraq, and the Army has warned that the "unsustainable" extended deployments are wearing down its soldiers.

There are now 18 combat brigades in Iraq—down from a peak of 20—and Gen. David Petraeus will update Congress next week on the chances of further withdrawals this year if Iraq remains relatively stable. House Democrats urged President Bush to consider a complete overhaul of Iraq policy rather than bequeath the status quo to his successor.

Troops depart their Georgia base. Combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan are to be cut to 12 months from their current 15.
Troops depart their Georgia base. Combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan are to be cut to 12 months from their current 15.   (KRT Photos)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that cutting the length of time troops spend on the battlefront would affect how much the US military could do.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that cutting the length of time troops spend on the battlefront would affect how much the US military could do.   (Getty Images)
US soldiers preparing to leave Baghdad after a 15-month tour. The government is expected to announce next week that combat tours will be cut to 12 months.
US soldiers preparing to leave Baghdad after a 15-month tour. The government is expected to announce next week that combat tours will be cut to 12 months.   (Getty Images)
24th Ordnance Company soldiers leave from Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart Military Reservation Base en route to the Middle East.
24th Ordnance Company soldiers leave from Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart Military Reservation Base en route to the Middle East.   (KRT Photos)
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House Dems urge overhaul of Iraq policy
Washington Times

Iraq putting a heavy strain on the US Army
Reuters

15-month tours burning out soldiers
Psychiatric News

 
Iraq • Afghanistan • Robert Gates • David Petraeus • deployment • US military • troop withdrawal • US Army • Gen. George Casey

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