Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

jorge — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:43:21 GMT

And McCain thinks he can keep us there 5 more years and win on top of it?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Edward L. Williams — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:58:30 GMT

Unless you've been there, you don't know what soldier's go through. I do. I spent 22 Years in the Army and long tours away from home was very, very stressful.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

James G., TDY — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:05:01 GMT

The Air Force and the Marines have much shorter tours than the Army. The Army refuses to adapt to shorter tours and is therefore seeing a drop in reenlistments. The Army believes it can save money by rotating units less often. But the hidden costs are paid by those who serve 12 to 15 months. Additionally, there is the cost of training replacements for those who decide to leave the Army. I've heard one rationale for the longer tours: Property Book and equipment accountability. Army unit commanders deploy WITH their equipment and property, and leave WITH the same. The next incoming unit must repeat the cycle and so on. Air Force units, using common sense, deploy and sign for equipment upon arrival. There are more funds allocated to the upkeep of this equipment so that the next unit does not have to sign for broken equipment. The Army could save money that is spent on shipping ISU-90s and conexes, and allocate that savings towards the upkeep or replacement of theatre-specific equipment. But that would make way too much sense, and would require change. Reducing the logistics of moving a large unit significantly reduces the amount of time that unit needs in order to take over a mission. It also allows a more fluid and versatile 'plug-and-play' strategy.
Soldiers would much prefer spending 4 to 6 months deployed per year, as opposed to being gone 12 to 15 consecutive months every two years. That's two birthdays, or two anniversaries, or two Christmas Eves. Then there's all the Congress-mandated training we are required to do between deployments. We believe in our mission, but many of us perform this mission at the cost of remembering what it's like to be 'home.' The Army needs a strategy to retain its experienced soldiers. Putting financial incentives on a carrot on a stick is a superficial solution. Yes, we'd like more pay, but really, we'd like less consecutive time in the sandbox, and less time doing field exercises while in garrison. Units of combat arms, e.g. Infantry, Attack Aviation, and other units, e.g. Military Police, Convy Ops, who endure high stress levels outside the base can succumb to fatigue in fewer months than logistics and infrastructure, e.g. Supply Clerk, Mail Room Clerk, Dental Assisstant. Special Forces and other 'unique' elements deploy for much shorter tours than regular Army, yet still acheive their mission goals. I believe the Army should find a compromise between the rapid-fire tours and the marathon tours which takes a unit's specific mission or a soldier's specific specialty into account. Chronic fatigue reduces combat effectiveness. The Army's burn-out factor is why many are leaving. And as far as I can tell, the other services aren't having as much of retention problem.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

ny ny — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:19:57 GMT

get them home

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

LaShunta Gaines, Ft. Gordon, GA — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:30:38 GMT

My husband did a tour in Iraq as a reservist prior to us meeting. Now that we our married and have two daughters he has transitioned to active duty. The fear of deployment is something that is constantly on our minds. We are stressing over the thought. I can only imagine how it will be if it becomes reality.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Dave — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:31:10 GMT

What an informative and in depth article! "Long Tours Create a Lot of Stress". Wow - hand the Pulitzer to Mr. Rutherford. Incredible. I would've never guessed that. John, whatever MSNBC is paying you, it's not enough.
Sarcasm: off. Thank you to our brave men and women serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world, including right here at home. We love you.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Chris Becker — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:47:07 GMT

Deployment are stressful regardless of what branch of military you are in. I spent 26yrs in the Navy and made countless deployments. I have a son who has joined the Navy, I am proud of all those who came before me, with me and those that will carry on after me. Thanks each of you. "Slammer" SBU-20

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Sheila Himmerick - Jefferson City, Mo. — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:49:24 GMT

My son has been in Iraq for 8 months now, and I can"t even count how many times he's told me he's so very tired,he says everything is so overwelming. All he does is work,work,work. It's so sad how he tells me that soldiers over there honestly believe that they are forgotten about, and how no one cares what they go through over there. i reassure my son everytime I talk to him, how much he's missed and thought about, it really does make a big difference to keep in touch with your loved ones. I have not slept one full night since my son left, so I as well know how stressfull it is on those who are left at home. And McCain is a ignorant man, he must not have any clue what these soldiers are going through, otherwise he wouldn't feel the way he does. I have many,many days that I set and cry from missing him so much, it's not easy, but God is with us. My son will not be home until Jan. of 2009, I hope we can get through this.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Dave, wash — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:50:04 GMT

First let me say thank you to all of serving in the arm forces right now. I know how hard it can be cause I severed for 25 years and change.
I don't see how any one can say that they don't have enough info on how war and mental stress go hand and hand. Come on this is it our first war. You can almost say it part of america. Has there ever been a genaration that hasnt seen some kind of miltary action. there has been so many studies done it would fill a football field. so the people who they know, need to get out from be hind the desk and live in the real world.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jim Dallas, Texas — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:59:20 GMT

I served 3 tours in Nahm and 21 years in the Army, and unless you have experienced what these guys have experienced, you don't have a clue.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jack — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:11:31 GMT

Traitors they need to stop complaining. Support the troops and Bush.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Sylvia, Dallas, Texas — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:15:37 GMT

am with NY NY bring our troops home. have a close friend who just returned last year and now going for another tour of duty for 2 years.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Joe R, Columbus Ohio — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:21:28 GMT

Hey James that exactly right, thats been the best explanation to the problem that I have heard in a long time, long tours was the main reason I didn't reenlist, thanks for spelling it out so people will better understand.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

NMGrolnic, Driftwood, TX — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:23:12 GMT

"Long Tours" is a relative term. My father went to war in 1942 and stayed away until 1945. So did millions of others.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

mo — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:28:07 GMT

I'm in the Air Force and just got back from Iraq. I did a four month tour and that to me was a perfect amount of time, I would could have done 6 months. I really feel for the army guys out there for 15 months at a time. I can see why the Army has a retention problem. You are wearing out the soldiers with back to back rotations. I know of people on their 4th rotations - that's insane. Its hard on families especially.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Tom Hyland, Brockton,MA — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:28:23 GMT

Everybody has something to say, but unless you've been in the situation you don't know the half of it. Hot air is cheap. Spending the amounts necessary to revamp VAMC's and reinforce medical need by paying the price, is expensive. Maybe instead of whining and complaining, you should write your senators and your congressmen, so as to initiate budgetary change. Start paying combat veterans their worth and their due. I fought my war 42 years ago and am fighting it every single day when I see the whining and the complaining, and all the while from non-combat veterans or from persons never raising a finger in support of their country. I'm not saying there should be a draft or that everybody should inlist. That is your own personal choice. But leave the compaining to those who do serve.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Melissa Dawley, USA — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:33:32 GMT

As a reservist that is married to an active duty service member I do agree that the Army could follow suite and shorten deployments. I have seen my husband somewhere in between 12-13 months in the three years we have been married. It is a tough life but one that was chosen. There is no draft and no one forced any service member to sign a contract. Both my husband and I are proud to serve our country regardless of our beliefs on the war.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Teresa smith — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:37:01 GMT

The Army needs to rethink this whole deployment process. This is hard on the family. What about the kids? What about the divorce rates? What about the time being spent away from family before the initial deployment? No one ever thinks of the wife or the father who is left at home to raise a family while the deployed spouse is away. How can you send a spouse home for 18 days of R&R after you have worked them everyday of the deployment? Then give them incentive pay for anything over 12 months? Who cares about this money? If you would ask these poor families how they feel about this, I am sure everyone would agree to come home early versus receiving an extra grand a month. We are tried of these long deployments. Then before the unit can redeploy the rumors are already out about being on the next rotation list! So, essential this means that you will be stop loss, you can't PCs, or retire because you are going to deploy again. So, after nine months of dwell time with your family you will be back to training, which takes you away from home the reminding three months of the twelve months. Really, we are fighting a losing battle. How are we going to go and help another country when we are struggling. The army is not building up families, it is tearing them apart. How can you expect a child to know their absent parent? They can't because as long as they stay in the army, they will be gone. Let's give the air force, marines their 6 months a piece at deploying. That would make a year without the help of the army. Then lets give the army families the much needed time. They need to regroup and get their families back in tact. Its amazing what can happen in 15 months. You can have a normal child, that never gave anyone any problems turn to drugs, hang out with bad kids, start smoking and stealing because, of the absent parent being deployed. So, however takes office in November, needs to talk to some of the real spouses of soldiers'. Please do not talk to a wife of an officer. They are groomed just like their husbands. Talk to some enlisted wives. Go, inside some of these homes and see what the real problems lay. Go look at some of these bank accounts and see how that extra money isn't doing anything, because some of the spouses have turned to other extra activities because their deployed spouses are gone. Go into the schools and speak to the kids! Let, these babies tell their stories! No, would have ever thought that we would still be at this almost seven years later! Americans we need to come together and give our Army the much deserved rest it NEEDS! LETS GET OUR FAMILIES BACK!!!!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Gene — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:37:19 GMT

Did they find those WMDs yet?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Wendy, Fort Hood, TX — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:43:10 GMT

I totally agree on shorter tours. My spouse is currently deployed to Iraq on a 15 month tour. This is his second time around and we actually feel lucky that its only been twice! The emotional impact that deployment has on the soldier, the spouse, and the children is tremendous. Not only do the soldiers have to worry about their safety in hostile territory but also have to worry about their families back home. While hubby's decision to join the military comes with no regrets he would like to see some changes in regards to how this war is playing out.
I support the military but the treatment of each branch should be equal, the tours should be equal, the pay should be equal. It all should be the same across the board so that everyone and everything is fair!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

CW3 Craig Wentling, USA, AVN, INF (Ret) — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:53:12 GMT

Stressful ? They don't know stressful. Video games, cell phones, computer, chow halls, a bed to sleep in, a bath ?

I would like for them to spend with me one week in the Infantry in Viet Nam, 1968. We had none of these things, it took a month to get a letter. They don't know stressful. They are to spoiled ! But I do support them and wish them the best. x-grunt C 4/3

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Susan Scohy, Boulder, Colorado — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:57:24 GMT

For those of you who have forgotten, John McCain knows better than most how hard it is to be away from your family for an extended period of time and the stresses that combat can cause. He served in the Navy during Vietnam where he was shot down and held captive for five and a half years with inadequate food and medical treatment. He still suffers from the damage that was caused. I agree, a lot of people have forgotten why the troops are there but there are also a lot of people who do remember. Thank you to those who have served and are continuing to serve.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

William, Salt Lake City, Utah — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:17:06 GMT

I have 2 tours since 9/11 and served in Desert Storm. I am amazed at how simple minded people are regarding the war. Supporting the troops doesn't mean the war is justified nor will it bring about a quicker end to the war. To all those vets who say 'that unless you served'...get a grip. The people who protest are doing their part because that is why you fought and because you have served doesn't mean you have a better understanding of the U.S.'s role in the world.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Arkansas — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:21:55 GMT

Spent 6 years in the Navy and 13 of the first 14 months on my ship were spent at sea. I flamed on when I saw the announcement that SecDef was raising tours to 15 months and sent emails to every elected representative in my state and the president and vice-president which I thought would get me a gray suit visit. I got two off the cuff replies from my state senators, that was it. I was never in combat on the ground but extending deployment by a day, let alone 3 months, would really make us a very unhappy bunch. So you really don't know until you're deployed and no way home.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Kimberly Martinez, NM — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:28:55 GMT

All I have to say is Thank You to the brave men and women serving for our country's. May God Bless you all!!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Christina, Placerville CA — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:33:16 GMT

TO ALL MEN and WOMEN of the Armed Forces:

I can't even imagine what you all are going through while serving in Iraq. Please be safe and come home soon. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANK YOU!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

john maze, washingoton dc virginia — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:37:08 GMT

i love america, long live pakistan

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jill, San Diego, CA — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:37:10 GMT

My brother is on his third tour and still in Iraq even though his enlistment period was supposed to be over a month ago.

He emails us or calls almost every day when he can. But the fear is so great. It is hard to talk to him without him hearing it.

He is a brave, brave loyal man and a hero. But he has done service to our country and his family needs him now. His children need their father. My parents have aged 20 years in the past three. I don't think my mother ever sleeps anymore. He can't keep going back there.

When will it be someone else's turn to give?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

ALEX, OCEANSIDE CA — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:42:30 GMT

MY ONLY QUESTION IS, WHY IS EVERYONE SO DAM AFRAID OF THE D WORD, DRAAAAAAAAFT.. LET'S STARTED NOW, I AM A FORMER MARINE INFANTRY PLATOON SGT. RETIRED NOW BECAUSE I REFUSED TO CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR GAMES AND SEEING MY MARINES COME AND GO UNTIL THEY GET KILLED AND COME HOME NO MORE. I HAVE AN 18 YEAR OLD SON AND WOULD GLADY SEND HIM TO MAKE HIM PULL HIS LOAD. LETS TAKE THE SKATERS, SURFERS,COLLEGE BOYS AND GANGBANGERS AND SHIP THEM OUT. MAYBE THEN THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WILL ONCE AGAIN PAY ATTENTION WHEN IT IS THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS ON THE LINE.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

RADION — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:45:28 GMT

Really... I get angry when I hear this debate, and I get even angrier when I look at who is posting the majority of the comments.

BLUF: America is at war.

Most Americans don't consider it in there daily lives, because they are thousands of miles away from where the action is. We have a responsibility to defend our country - because it is ours. We have a responsibility to police the world, and to fight battles that no one else is willing to fight because we are the leaders of the world. America is the bright shining city on a hill.

99% of the people in our military joined the military, or decided to stay in the military after we initated action on Afghanistan. No secrets, no surprise. "Join the Army, go to war." Same thing for our reservists and National Guard.

Honestly, what do people think war is, that they would be surprised that Soldiers are tired, that things are difficult, that things don't always go according to plan? Why do people try to compare the rotations of the Air Force to the Army? The two branches have ENTIRELY different requirements to support the war.

Instead of complaining about different issues in the war, what if people truly made an effort to learn the facts, and not just believe that the war is just about the 25 second snippets that CNN and all the other stations slip in when they don't have current news about "Wacko Jacko"?

America's military is her finest tradition. Our country was born in and preserved in BLOOD. AMERICAN BLOOD. Whenever anyone / any country threatens America, it will be American blood shed to defend her.

If 15 month tours, American casualties, and Billion of dollars are too much for you to consider as you think about America and the war, then just be thankful for those that do serve those tours, pray for and thank the families of those that have given their lives, and continue to pay your taxes, and say no more.

Oh, and by the way -I'm in Iraq for my second tour, I volunteered to join an Army at war, I have stress in my daily life, I am tired at the end of my days, I miss my family, but I am here because it is what has to be done, and I will see it through

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Thou shall not kill — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:49:59 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Nicholas Chorey, Hermiston, Oregon (sent Friday 30 May, 2008 4pm — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:59:11 GMT

I spent 9 months in Korea. At that time, being near the front lines earned you 4 points per month. The closer you were to the front the more points you earned for rotation. So 36 points and you rotated by to stateside. If you were stationed in Japan you got 1 point per month and the tour was 3 years, for obvious reasons.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

KD, Hawaii — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:00:53 GMT

Several people have made harsh comments about the way John McCain feels about the war. In particular, JM is 'an ingorant man and must not know what these people are going through.' It surprises me that this person has no clue that McCain is a WAR vet and former POW for many years...yet he doesnt know what they are going through. Spare me. Dont get me wrong, this does not mean I am a McCain supporter, but neither am I a supporter of anyone who would throw away the hard work of all those I care for, including myself. Stop complaining about the soldiers if you arent one. I raised my hand to serve my country without force or coersion and I love my job and yes, I can and may die for my country to give you the pleasure to sit back at your computer and complain about a war you are to scared to fight. One day, again, it could hit our nation and it could very well be in your town. How will you feel then? Stop complaining and start supporting the troops. Thanks.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Joe Leonard, Waukesha, Wi — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:06:15 GMT

I served for 20 years on active duty. Was deployed 6 times to places in central america to the mid-east, somolia and bosnia. Never realy gave much thought to what the toll would be to me after the fact. Cost me my 19 year marriage and earned me 60% disability. I pray for these warriors every day. I would give anything to be able to take on some of their burden. To old and to broke down at 49 years old. God Bless these kids that do what many would never have the courage to even concider.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jill, Muskegon, MI — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:07:34 GMT

In a month my husband will have been gone a year.. after everything is said and done.. it will have been 18 months.. the stress is awful, the distance even worse. I know he believes in what he does but.. why does he have to be gone so long??

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Amy Anderson Phoenix, AZ — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:10:36 GMT

Boo Hoo!!! These men and women have chosen the military. They have not been drafted. They should know the consequences, especially after five years.

Stress??? I'll tell you stress. Being a fighter pilot in WWII where you were told that you had only a 30% chance of survival and were required to fly 17 missions. Real psychological stress is a Vietnam infantryman being given an immoral and unethical command to kill innocent people.

This generation is weak, weak, weak, and I am amazed that the military does not utilize adequate psychological screening tools to determine mental hardiness.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Mike, Seattle, WA — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:13:01 GMT

I have a cousin-in-law that's been in the army for 10 years now, been trying to get out for the past 2 years, served 2 tours in Iraq as a medic, "was" totally pro-Bush and still is a total conservative. Well, he's voting for the Democratic nominee this November. The way that the Army's treated him is total BS, and I can't agree with him more on his take of the give-take relationship with the Army that's become a complete give-give. I find it funny that people can sit there and criticize people like me because we've never been there and tell us that our opinions and viewpoints don't count for anything - even seen a few of you make those surly comments here. Well, I've expressed my opinion to many of my friends and family that are in the military and for four years or so my relationships with most of them were very strained. I've pointed out the flawed system of extended deployments, even citing the Haditha incident as well as the rape/murder of the 14-year old Iraqi girl as evidence of the major stress levels that will become prevalent in our armed forces. Now, 8 separate deployments between the 6 of them and their continuous stop-losses (even though all of their contracts have all been up for the past year or two) have all but made 1 of them finally agree with what I've been saying for a long time now. I'm not telling this story as an "I told you so" moment. I'm just trying to get some of you arrogant posters on here to stop with the "YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THERE SO SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" comments. It's tiresome, divisive, and really not necessary to illustrate whatever point you want to share with the rest of us. Yeah, I haven't been there. But there are lots of people that haven't been there that totally support the war. Why is a pro-war person's viewpoints more pertinent than my own? Let me put it to you this way. You get two people who haven't been to Iraq, one opposes the war, the other supports it. How can you blast the person that opposes it and say that the one who favors it has the more legitimate view-point? And it's funny because the very people who encourage this way of thinking (this administration) decided to dodge the draft and NOT go to war. Can you not see the irony here??? Am I crazy???

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Tom Hamilton — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:21:53 GMT

I am a former Marine and a Republican, but my party has been taken over by morons at the top. If it takes Obama to end this war, so be it. We have no rationale for being there. Like I told my daughter on Memorial Day, you have to thank those who serve---its their intention to keep you free. Just a sad and shameful thing when our nation uses them so unwisely. In November I will vote against this war. That does not for a second constitute a vote against the armed forces. On the contrary.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Network Engineer in Silicon Valley — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:29:58 GMT

Army guys are idiots. That's why they all come from TX and podunk religious "conservative" states.
All of you idiots who join the military are just supporting this fascist regime in this country.
And those of you religious military guys reading your damn bibles over there, separation of CHURCH AND STATE. WE ARE NOT FUNDING YOUR RELIGIOUS AND OIL WARS.

DO NOT SUPPORT THE TROOPS. IT IS UP TO THEM TO DESERT THEIR POSTS AND FORCE THE END OF THIS WAR.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Patrick Warchol, Edgewood, New Mexico — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:49:37 GMT

I was in the Air Force before this Iraq/Afganistan involvement and even then it was never easy. If you are in the military war or no war you are still expected to be ready to handle whatever comes your way whether you like it or not.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Maggie Gregg Ashville OH — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:07:03 GMT

I am a 57 year old woman that can only feel your pain and agony. Here's a link that tells you what I do to try and help. All readers are encouraged to view it. http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Maggie Gregg Ashville OH — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:10:19 GMT

I am a woman that can only feel your pain and agony. Here's a link that tells you what I do to try and help. All readers are encouraged to view it. http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

HAL--- — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:10:32 GMT

How about the DRAFT? That would lessen the burden...no?
No..wait, that would make the WAR REALLY unpopular and we would have to pull out.

You cant have it both ways.

BTW..that coke snorting, draft dodging, refuse to show up for a routine physical while in the Air national Guard, commander in Chief we have sure has been merciless with out troops in uniform...no?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:59:24 GMT

Thank you to these fine & brave soldiers. I don't pretend to understand what they go through, but I don't forget them.

Yes, please - go somewhere to complain about the war. This blog is for the TROOPS and their support and stories.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Dan, St. Charles MI — Sat, 31 May 2008 01:12:31 GMT

I watched the results of a recent poll which states that the economy is the number one priority to our citizens, and Iraq is number two. What the hell is wrong with you people? Iraq should be the number one priority until every one of our soldiers are home!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

SGT D, Fort Belvoir, VA — Sat, 31 May 2008 01:21:36 GMT

I am an active duty Soldier. I agree 15 month roations are too long. 12 Months are acceptable. However I also agree with the current administrations views on the war. I speak with civilians all the time on their views of the war. A lot of misconception is out there. There are Military personel that agree with being in Iraq. Most Soldiers on their third tour have re-enlisted. It takes a special person to be able to commit to our country like that. But with that commitment also comes the Pride and visible changes on the ground in Iraq. I have two 12 month tours as of now with the 3rd ACR and have seen first hand how we are helping the people of Iraq. A lot of people fail to realize that this is a third world country in a lot of its areas. There is a very extensive level of poverty, sickness, and lack of education. I will be deploying again and have supported Bush from the begining. I believe that the voices of support are not being put out there enough becuase were the ones too busy taking care of bussiness while some others sit on the sidelines and complain. I joined the Army after September 11th and couldn't be more satisfied with the route I have chosen. I have a loving wife with three children at home who are just as much a part of the war on terrorism as I and my Brothers and Sisters in arms. You all have slept safely for seven years now due to the current government in place through Bi-Partisan checks and balances. I don't believe there is a perfect War or a perfect solution to the current conflict. However I know being over there is the right thing.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Army Guy, Central TX — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:09:29 GMT

LONG TOURS CREATE ‘LOT OF STRESS’

NO SH*T SHERLOCK!!!

WOW

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

pam meyers, va. bch, va. — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:12:09 GMT

Vote for someone who will end this war and stop the
us involvement in the Iran situation before the White
House sneaks us in there before the election. Vote for
someone who really knows what is going on and is not
afraid to go to war only if it is truly necessary. We cannot take another president learning on the job.
Vote for Hilary Clinton. Just ask Gen. Clark. SHE
will get us out of this unessary war the right way not
extend as a out of touch 70 yr old and an unknown, inexperienced, probably a descent man like Obama. Maybe in 8 years he will be ready and not ignorant on how to deal with leaders of the rest of the world. Hilary is liked around the world and we need to recover our reputation if possible. I want our great
proud military home taking care of us not people who
didn't even want us. People who are suffering as much as we are from this hoax of a war. concerned about our soldiers and their families and our country
spread too thin with them gone.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

One Fly — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:38:23 GMT

This is no story Rutherford. This is old news. Tell me something I don't know. This is the kind of crap that happens when you invade another country for lies and remain there because so called journalists like you continue to enable it rather than insisting on getting the hell out now! Plus you should be demanding charges for treason be brought against those who got us to this point. Journalists owe a debt that can not be repaid unless you begin to redeem yourselves and that's not happening.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

tommy davis, paris, tn — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:05:09 GMT

i have a daughter that is on her third tour in 6 years of service. she is tired all the time as she hardly gets any days off for down time. she is in her third job this tour. the first one she did not have a day off in over 6 weeks, the second she did get 1 day a week and now she gets 1/2 a week but spends more that 12 hours a day at her duty station. that is what is wearing her and others down. but that is life in a combat zone, a hard life and a dangerous one. find a soldier if you don't have a family member and adopt them. send cards, letters, and goody boxes to give them something to look forward to. helps relieve some of the stress.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

PS,USA — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:18:57 GMT

It is true alot of us can not relate to the heartache, so many are feeling, I do believe there are time many do forget, we tend to get busy with everyday things in life, but it is time for so many to wake up and see that the men and women who have served and are serving and will serve are making it possible for us to live our lives FREE.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

J VA — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:40:43 GMT

NMGrolnic you hit the nail on the head.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Amazed at emotions/ignorance — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:51:13 GMT

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But unless you listen to the Flag Officers; nothing will happen. Remember it's elected officials that authorize their promotions. Listen to Commanders, not emotions, or politions reading opinion polls about a majority that trully doesn't understand. By the way, as for the comment about McCain; I beleive he spent 7 as a POW. I think he understands.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Another Soldier's, Mom MI — Sat, 31 May 2008 05:04:26 GMT

My son is currently serving in the Army. This is not easy, the wondering, worrying and so on. Words can not describe how we at home feel. Fortunately, I do have a strong Faith and this alone is sustaining me, the caring and compassion from others is as well. Others just don't understand this unless they live it daily. Something just has to give in this world, it is a mess... I support our troops 100%, however, I do Not Understand what on earth goes on in the Political Arena & Washington, there must be a solution other than this ongoing mess. I realize that this world today is a dangerous place, I am not that naive, but for crying out loud. If I am not mistaken Senator Obama has said why not sit down and try to work through this. That would be a start. Excuse me if this is a tad hard to read, this mother is exhausted and it is very late. My prayers go out for all in this unfortunate situation as well as the recent victims of these disasters that appear to be happening more frequently. What a mess worldwide...

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Air Force wife of 16 years — Sat, 31 May 2008 05:25:50 GMT

The Air Force has now increased their deployments to 15 month minimums. I miss my husband. Our daughters miss their daddy. I know this is what he has to do...but it doesn't make it easier.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

D.H. — Sat, 31 May 2008 05:31:46 GMT

My first trip was 17 months, my second was only 7 months, There is a huge difference in the stress level. The army is trying to change but in a business that has around 1 million employees (just green suits) it takes a long time. It will come around. To my brothers and sisters downrange, Keep your head on a swivel and come home safe. To the rest of you, please support our troops. You may not know them but they are someone's son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father. They sacrifice their family life that you may have yours.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Barbara Martinez Clarksville Tn — Sat, 31 May 2008 05:37:47 GMT

My Husband is deployed to Iraq and Yes I take offence to what I hear alot of people say. They are there to do their Jobs just like bill collectors,reatil,fast food and everyone else. I put those people there cause I have heard alot of them get killed doing their jobs. I want my husband home but not at the cost of innocent lives.My husband says if they come home, the terror will come with them. Yes we are all passed stress but we honor our country...USA... and we understand the sacrifice.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Brenda Klaw — Sat, 31 May 2008 06:43:06 GMT

I agree with James, the first time my husband deployed he mentioned that they take all of their equipment with them. I asked, "why not just leave it there for the next people? wouldn't that save time and money?" Of, course it would he said but that was just the Army way of doing things. He did a year, then was home but constantly in the field for three weeks at a time. NTC, 12 hours days, it was almost worse than when he was gone, like he was home but I couldn't have him. Now he is about 12 months into his 15 month deployment. Can't wait to put my arms around him again. Thanks for your comments James.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Me — Sat, 31 May 2008 07:12:22 GMT

These soldiers have voluntarily enlisted in the military. The country has spent a lot of money training them to do exactly what they are doing. I’m sure it is difficult to be away from family but these are the crosses they voluntarily took on. The military has never been a social program, they train you to shoot and get shot at. We all complain about how bad we have it but in reality we wouldn’t have it any other way or we would change it.
Justa thought

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jennifer, stationed in Germany — Sat, 31 May 2008 08:01:24 GMT

How long has the war been going on and they are just NOW realizing this? If the govt would have given a second thought to the soldiers welfare, and that of their families beforehand, maybe some of those suicides would've been prevented. I am the proud wife of an army soldier who has been deployed 3 times to the middle east. He has always gone without question or complaint, but I think the government needs to step up and take care of our soldiers and their families a little bit better.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Roman — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:07:18 GMT

Military job specialty also makes a HUGE difference in stress. 15 months away from your family living on a hot base as a finance clerk or mechanic is not the same as 15 months away from your family picking up your brother's body parts and killing men as infantry or other combat arms. Fought for 27 months in Iraq and I would have given my right eye for the cushy conditions some troops enjoyed.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

andrew, yuba city, CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:49:39 GMT

i am currently seving in iraq 7 more months to go out of 15, ler me tell it really does suck, this is no place to spend 15 months, i have a 6 month old son back home, that will tell you i have been here since he was born. so until you have been here or plan on being here, keep ur opinions to your self

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

andrew, yuba city, CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:50:24 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Eileen Williams — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:49:21 GMT

I am proud of our soldiers- I too served 22 years in the military as active duty and reservist- its voluntary- and thank God we have people stepping up to the plate, this is what soldiers do- combat. This being said 15 months is too long. As far as McCain, I'm a Dem, but I'm proud that McCain served his country. He was a POW in a conflict that made no sense. I would dispute being in Iraq any lnoger than we need to (the time is now to get out) but he does understand what the trooops go thru and he understands what a sacrifice it is.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Barb Stanton, Cocoa Beach, Florida — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:05:36 GMT

God Bless the troops! But you have to remember also that these men and woman where not drafted into the army, they enlisted on there own free will. Its a job just like everything else and when this country needs protecting then they are put to work. The men and woman that make it are the ones you want protecting this country. Be proud of that.
If you can't handle your job then find another one and quite your whinning.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Paul — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:44:22 GMT

I'll tell you what a long tour is, "Duration plus six months" I think the Nips were as touch an opponent as the Islam bastards

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Renee, FLW, MO — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:12:10 GMT

Well, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that war is stressful. Just because we are proud Americans and want to be supportive of our troops doesn't mean that what they are going through shouldn't effect us. Those that are over there are soldiers, they did sign up for this. However, they are human beings. They are husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, wives. They have families that they care about and that care about them. They are missed. They are worried about. They are loved. If you have anyone you care about in this world, you can see how the people who care about these soldiers want them home. Safe. Alive.

These soldiers aren't just doing 12 months & 15 months. Some are doing even more. My fiance went for a 12 month and did 18 months instead. It happens. He was home 6 months and is already back for another year...maybe...maybe more. And this is Round 3. He is over there for all of us here. He is human. He is tired. He would like to come back back home and see his children...spend a birthday...a Christmas...a Father's Day. He doesn't complain. He just does it. But, we love him, and wish more for him. All we seem to do is wake up every morning and pray. That is not being weak...its human. Try it sometime.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

The Colonel — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:29:32 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

The Colonel — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:36:12 GMT

The above post about having a logistical footprint in theater is spot on. After 18 months in county there is no reason the Army should not be able to rotate people in and out with equipment staying in county and be replenished as needed. Moreover, I agree with the above posters that tours need to be shortened. IMO tours should not exceed 6 to 9 months. Unlike many civilians that need an inordinate amount of time to adapt to new jobs/environments, military personnel are accustomed to hitting the ground running.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Lakisha El Paso, Tx — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:52:26 GMT

My husband is currently in Qatar serving now 6 months of his 18 month tour. We have 3 children aged 10,6 and 2. My 2 year old adores his father, a typical boy he likes to jump and run and wrestle. Well, his father is his world and for the first two weeks after my husband deployed my baby would look at our family portrait and asked with his hands up and a shoulders hunched, "where daddy go?" It broke my heart because he wasn't really verbal the first time he noticed my husbands absence. But he knew enough of the english language to convey to me, he missed his Dad and he knew he had been gone a while.

Now, he won't even talk to my husband on the phone, he shouts and cries when I try to hand him the receiver during my husband 15 minute restrictive calls. We all try to say as much as possible to him within the 4.5 minutes we each divide between ourselves. My 10 year old has grown so much in the past 6 months that it is unfair to him as a child. He has taken on the responsibility of the man in the house. I never demanded this or expected this of him, he just made up his mind and it is so amazing to see that type of growth in a child that only really paid attention to books, cartoons, and gaming systems before. My 6 year old daughter, croons to her dad whenever he is on the phone. Typical daddies girl, she misses jumping on his strong back and shoulders and being able to ride all around. She says "Daddy, I miss you so much, will you be home for my birthday?" and he says, "no baby, but I will try to send you something and call you on your special day." She says, " Oh, daddy! I really do want you to call me, I miss you so much, it would make me so happy to hear your voice on my birthday!" I think to myself, "she's 6?" Me on the other hand I have to be two parents, I was never meant to be two parents so I find the job a very difficult challenge, I am typically soft spoken and attentive, a very nuturing mother. But of late, I have been yelling and short with my children, I don't want to be but six months alone with 3 children is a stressful as can be. Not to mention my husband could be killed and I am stuck at this single parent job for life. As a woman I need my husbands support and love. It is not normal or practical to say pull up the straps on your boots and dig in, you are strong this wont last forever. Bull crap. I am human, I miss the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and this is your advice? Yeah, the argument of this is a volunteer Army and young people today are babies and when I served in WWII or Vietnam we didn't have all of these amenities. Bullcrap. What does that have to do with anything?
What has that to do with the current situation? What does that have to do with families in this generation? Huh? Hypocrities all of them. They want to pretend like they didn't complain when their toes were frozen off in WWII or when they were starving or when they had incompetent leadership, like they just took it all an ran, they had to, they probably would have been shot in the head by their own command if they didn't. Vietnam vets had opium and a mileau of narcotics to numb them from the activities. Sex all over the place and yeah, it sucked to watch people get blown to pieces and maimed for nothing. But don't get on any high horses to look down on the current soldiers serving our beautiful America. Different time calls for different soldiers. Soldiers today are much smarter than those of the past, technical field abound in enlisted ranks that would have been reserved for officers. Soldiers are better fit mentally, socially, economically, emotionally than ever before. But I feel the military recognizes this and pushes beyond their limits.
Don't put down a young man or woman serving in Uniform simply because they didn't go through your particular hardships, the times have changed and still will change so a soldier in 2008 will not have the same hardships in 2038 we move forward not back.

18 month tours are the worst idea that an administration has come up with since the draft. 18 months? I have already changed. I am not the same woman my husband left 6 months ago, this has been the hardest and the worst deployment of our 11 years married together. The absolute worst. I miss him until I can hear my heart breaking. But he is a beautiful soldier, he loves his America, his country, he wears that uniform with the pride and honor it deserves. He prays that he will never have to harm or kill another human being but he knows he will not hesitate if there is a choice between his life or theirs. I pray our marraige will last this 18 month tour, but I don't think it will. I can't handle this bull anymore.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jonathon — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:19:52 GMT

I agree with Jorge. How do we win against someone who isn't afraid to die, and are willing to use their own selves as weapons?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

rooster Beloit WI — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:43:46 GMT

This is For Jack War is not Good for children & other living things.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Donna B Gallatin Mo — Sat, 31 May 2008 20:28:08 GMT

We all need to pray for all our troops, My son is leaving next friday to rejoin his unit in Iraq.this will finish his second time over. They went over last sept and he was hurt when his truck was blown up the first of Nov.by a double stack IED. It tore all the musles and nerves and everything else away from the bone. They had to put 4 anchors in to hold everything in place,and now he has 95% usage of the arm so he is going back.. He lives loves and breaths the Army and I'm very Proud of him. I'm a true Army Mom. I have yellow ribbons on my trees and things on my mail box and a light in my front window,and it will be there untill they All come home. Yes there is a lot of stress and our men and women dont get the time off they need to come apart form it before they come apart.Their mental welfare should come in to play some where. When 911 happened the troops at Ft Lee Va
went to the pentagon to recover bodies, my son was part of that job. When it was finished the troops should have had some couseling but it was not offered. They need it also when they come back form combat. I feel that they are not being taken care of they way they should be. They see a lot and have to do a lot .they need a better surport system. Please keep them in your prayers daily Thank you

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

mh tennessee — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:45:56 GMT

thanks to everyone who has ever served in the united states fine military, and may god bless you and keep you safe.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

mh tennessee — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:51:48 GMT

thanks to everyone who has ever served in the united states fine military, and may god bless you and keep you safe.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Joe — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:28:40 GMT

john mccain was a prisioner of war for god sakes!!!

what are you guys talkin about he doesnt know what the tropps are going through?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

SSG Pam Henschel Harrison, MI — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:28:43 GMT

Dear Silicon Valley Engineer: Why don't you take yourself back to whatever Al-Qaida hole you crawled out of? If you don't like OUR country and Our government, then please exercise the right to LEAVE.
Like so many others, I have spent 19 years and two wars in the US Army. I am not from TX, or any other PODUNK state, nor am I religeous. Hell, I'm not even a guy. But I am an American soldier, and while I agree that my 15 months in Iraq was a lifetime, I would never trade my time in service to my country for all the terrorist money that you have behind you.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Emerald Lauts — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:17:32 GMT

Our son has been in Iraq since 11-28-07, he joined the Army in March 07. He was told he would be on a 15 month tour, then told us they shortened it to 12 months. Now they have changed it back to 15 months. He gets on the web cam and talks to us, I cried the first time I saw him because I am his Mother, I can see the tiredness and stress on his face. We miss him as do many families. God Bless all the soldiers and their families, may he comfort us all. He will be coming home for a 17 day break in Nov (if they do not change it again). We know there are soldiers out there with no one and if I knew who they were I would sign them up for Soldier's Angels. This group checks to make sure there is really a soldier and they are very well cared for with letters and goodies they may never otherwise get.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Emerald Lauts, Atchison, KS — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:18:31 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Emerald Lauts, Atchison, KS — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:21:10 GMT

Our son has been in Iraq since 11-28-07, he joined the Army in March 07. He was told he would be on a 15 month tour, then told us they shortened it to 12 months. Now they have changed it back to 15 months. He gets on the web cam and talks to us, I cried the first time I saw him because I am his Mother, I can see the tiredness and stress on his face. We miss him as do many other families miss their child in the service. God Bless all the soldiers and their families, may he comfort us all. Our son will be coming home for a 17 day break in Nov (if they do not change it again). We know there are soldiers out there with no one and if I knew who they were I would sign them up for Soldier's Angels. This group checks to make sure there is really a soldier and they are very well cared for with letters and goodies they may never otherwise get. I cannot wait until we get our family group hug once again...I miss him so much.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

OuitPissin — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:30:00 GMT

Quit whinning people.
There are a few factor that sorteh the lenght of wsr.
Death
Destrusction
Heartbreak
and grief
If you eliminate those then war becomes easy comfortable and a thing that no longer needs to be avoided. My father fought in the Marine Corps during WWII and Korea. In WWII he was deployed for 3 and a half years. In Korea For 28 months sure he got RR but he did not come home. For a week of RR by the time he got half way home he would need to return to report. I did 3 tours of Nam first 12 months second 18 third 10. War is not fun and it should not be. Video games weekly morale calls semi-reliable mail Ims and cell phones. Crap does anyone remember WWII korea or Nam. Quit pissin and start killin.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Brenda Dupre, Lunenburg MA — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:40:32 GMT

From the bottom of my heart, a huge thank you to the men and women who serve (and have served) our country. I'm grateful that you and your families are willing to sacrifice so much for this country. Please know that you are constantly in my prayers. God Bless you and keep you safe.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ryan LaFave, Sioux City, Iowa — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:37:17 GMT

I would first like to start out by saying I spent 13 months in Afghanistan and 16 months in Iraq with the 34th Infantry Division, Iowa National Guard. I am a weekend warrior who will be honored to serve as many tours as neccessary to give the Iraqi and Afghan people a better life. I agree that if you have never served in combat you have no idea what goes on and yes long tours are terrible and now that troop levels are dropping so are deployment lenghts (this is war). I would also like to state that the national guard is over strength in many states and has to turn away men and women who would like to deploy for a second and third time.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

J. Harvey Beloit, WI — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:23:25 GMT

I support America, I suport our military men. I was raised a "Marine brat", married my husband who was in the Air Force and have an Army son in Iraq for the 3rd time. Difference? None. My Dad went to Vietnam 3 times while I was young and thankfully came home every time. Came home but a little more remote feeling each time. Maybe it was just because we were young and he was gone sooo long. My son has a 2 year old son now. His wife is also in the Army on her 1st tour. They've een seperate by deployments or training more than they've been together their married life. Result, they are devorcing when they rotate back home. I have their son with us. He is the casulty of this. He has been with me and my husband more than his parents. That was the kids choice and they will have to live with it. But I do agree that the long deployments and all the training they go thru when they are home is not helping to keep the families together and that's wrong. The soldiers may be home but they are never with their families long enough to mend anything.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Proudly Serving Army Officer; FLW, MO — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:27:59 GMT

To Amy Anderson: Yes, we joined. Yes, we raised our hand in a time of war, knowing very well that it could cost us our lives, and yes, we joined knowing the toll that it would take on our personal lives. BUT, I tell you this, knowing what the toll is does not prepare you for the toll that it takes on you and your family. As many have said on here, unless you have gone through it, sit back in your comfortable chair and shut your mouth. We have earned the right to complain, even if we chose the life.
To Network Engineer in Silicon Valley: You can say what you want about the military, many men and women have fought and died to give you that very right, and many more stand in harms way protecting you and your rights EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!!!! Remember that as you say "Do not support our troops". It is our sense of honor and duty that prevent us from succumbing to such weakness as "deserting our posts". Real soldiers stand ready all the time and DO NOT and WILL NOT desert their posts, for if they were to do just that, then it would open the door for every extremist, terrorist and enemies of the country to come in and kill everyone you know, including yourself. So remember the sacrifices of those who have served, are serving and will serve in the future before you decide to open your mouth and spout ignorant jibberish.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Lisa, Boston, MA — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:40:31 GMT

My wish is for people like "Network Engineer in Silicon Valley" to work on their perspective. I understand Network Engineer's argument for separation of church and state, but by calling our service men and women "idiots" and telling people not to support the troops, he's taking a perfectly valid point and poisoning it with his negativity. There are too many Americans who are overly eager to point fingers and play blame-games... Rosie O'Donnell... but in all honesty, as long as people continue to create this type of useless noise, we're NEVER going to pull ourselves out of the rut we've dug ourselves into. YES this war is bull, YES the economy sucks, YES this election is a joke because there's NO ONE to vote for... but if half the country would stop complaining and start being PROACTIVE we could actually get something accomplished!! Imagine what we could do if EVERYONE started looking at the big picture and not only what they want to see?! Gosh... we might even be able to fix our broken system and avoid situations like this in the first place!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ed Naillon — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:19:41 GMT

Dad of a Soldier Son.

We teach our kids as much as we can to prepare them for life. Little things really. "Stand up son, do what's right son, protect those around you."
There is a little blur of school, baseball and birthdays and my son has arrived at the threshold of manhood. He tells me that he has joined the Army. The first tour goes pretty well, your hopes that he will not have to see anything horrible seems to have been realized. Afghanistan was not so bad. I get used to the fact that after protecting him and clearing the rocks from his path all his life, I am no longer allowed this role. He protects his fellow soldiers now, and they protect him.

A second enlistment, a second tour, this time Bagdad. His little family struggles with his deployments, and things change. I hear little bits of what is happening, an IED, snipers, a fellow soldier's death. Daily patrols with a squad, driving relentlessly down hot streets. I pray for his safety and tell myself that if there was any way to help him shoulder the burden, take the pain, absorb the danger I would. He sounds a little different on the phone. More man now, with parts of him that I cannot see.

His family continues to struggle, the light of infidelity glows at home during his absence. My wife and I take his wife and kids into our home to remove some of the pressure, some of the burden from our son so his eyes can clear and he can avoid danger and protect himself and his fellow soldiers. "Step up to the plate" I tell my self, "I am doing the right thing".

His leave comes, I get to see my son. He has lost 40 pounds, his eyes look a little different. He is afraid of concrete. His wife pops bubble wrap behind his head and bolts upright, looking around for something familiar. I can only imagine that he seeks his kevlar and M-16. My son has been changed forever and tears fill my eyes.

I hear the door at 6:00 am, I know where he has been. There just isn't enough dirt for him to bury the things that haunt him, so he turns to other things. He pleads with his wife, she yells and yells at him. He has no green zone, no DMZ. He snaps and starts yelling back. I know I need to keep this from escalating so I go downstairs to calm him. It really is not going to be, he looks scared, confused and angry. He takes a first roundhouse swing, glancing off of my forearm. Here it comes, I have been waiting for this. You see, I did not teach him the words to express what he is feeling lately. He is trying to say something, a left / right combination of fear , anger and helplessness come my way and I decide to absorb his pain. I had prayed that I could take some of his pain, so I step up to the plate and take it all in. The weight of what we are asking him to do is overbearing him, the sand under his feet is shifting, and I am glad to become the wall that he is stumbling against as he tries to keep his balance. I love you son.

Ed from Oroville, Father of a US Army Soldier.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Brian — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:40:24 GMT

The Vets complain about how hard they had it and how easy the troops have it now. Times have changed, but war is war no matter when it happens. Wether it was 40 years ago or yesterday. It has to be mentally, physically and emotionally tough on everyone. Lets support our troops and stop complaining about how rough you had it 40 years ago. Bring the brave, brave soldiers home already.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ron, Alamogordo, NM — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:20:02 GMT

I served 3 years in the regular army but saw no combat. My eldest son was in the National Guard but he was lucky enough to get out well before this idiot from Crawford got into the White House. I believe in service to your country, and I do appreciate what these guys in Iraq are going through. I value them enough to feel damned angry that Bush sent them into harm's way for no valid reason. They're not in Iraq defending our country, since Iraq posed no threat to us. They are serving our country, but not defending it or defending our freedom. They're there because "God told Bush to invade Iraq" and he did. And we belittle the idiots who strap bombs to their body and yell "God is great" before they blow themselves to pieces while killing people they don't even know.

Yes, support the troops, and not just by BS talk and waving little flags, but supporting the troops doesn't mean we have to support this war criminal of a president who sent them to the meat-grinder of Iraq. Nor do we have to support the war. The best way to support our guys is to get them out of that hell-hole and promise never to sacrifice them for the aims of a religious ideologue who is Commander-in-Chief.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ron, Alamogordo, NM — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:52:04 GMT

John McCain must have gone through his own personal hell as a POW in North Vietnam. I give credit where it's due. But let's keep things in perspective. He was not a war hero who risked his life as a grunt to save some buddies. Those are the real heroes. He flew an airplane that dropped bombs and he got shot down. And his experience as a POW has nothing to do with serving in Iraq where you can get your head disintegrated by a sniper's bullet, or your lower body blown off by a roadside bomb. Let's just remember that, and don't give John "Little Bush" McCain credit he hasn't earned. He speaks glibly of staying there for 100 years, and what sane person who has compassion for our troops would make statements like that?

This was a war America never had to fight, this invasion of Iraq. And McCain supported it from the beginning. There were some 23 US Senators who voted against the Iraq initiative in Congress, and Ted Kennedy spoke for reason (not hysteria) when he said,
"This is the wrong war, at the wrong time." Now the majority of Americans are finally realizing the truth of those words. We should have finished the job in Afghanistan instead of settling a personal vendetta with Saddam Hussein with the hope of getting our own oil spigot that would never be turned off.

I once liked McCain because I thought he was a maverick, but after he supported the war in Iraq and campaigned for Bush in '04, he lost all credibility as an independent politician. He's just another right-wing political hack, and haven't we had our fill of them in the past 8 years?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ron, Alamogordo, NM — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:52:58 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Cathy, Bethany, Mo. — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:04:46 GMT

I can't begin to understand what Soldiers & their families go thru. BUT I can say that I have been raised to HONOR & RESPECT those who serve in our Country. I can offer my Prayers & I make a point to address a Soldier that I run into that I DEEPLY appreciate the sacrifices He or She makes to maintain the freedoms that we do have. I pray this war ends soon & I pray the people will pray before they vote. Things are so hard, & it helps me to remember what the Lord says, "Look up, my time draws near"..............

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Marsia A — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:04:51 GMT

I support our troops my fiance has been over there on his four tour in the special forces for 17yrs (full active duty). His tour is still current going on 15 months without any leave as of yet still pending his orderas on when that may be, very hard to hear the people you care about tired and the lack of other special forces to back up the current ones. The Army would have less stress on it's units if they went back to 12 month tours limiting the number of consecutive tours one service person has to be required to make 3 or 4 tours are too many for anyone. My hat is off to all the military soldiers and their families. Bush should learned from his father long ago about how to end a war. We used our airpower to take control of Desert Storm, that war was truly over in 3 days...Saddam did not want to push us and he knew it then. He was not the target. And if Saddam did have any nuclear weapons we gave them to him way back to keep a strong hold on Iran if we needed our so called "friend-Saddam" to call on if needed against Iran with those weapons of mass destruction we gave him back in the 80's...this is not new news people go back to Regan years and learn how and what we have given to countries that later turn on us using what we provide them...it's that what Bin Laden did he was one of our informants' gone wrong. Going back to this war more and more information is coming out and will cont. after Bush is out of office on how this war has gone wrong. We went straight into Baghdad and did not set up our forces on the outside of the country but announced we were going after Saddam so this gave them the heads up to flee to surrounding countries, then were in the middle of this country and now we are trying to gain control going from the inside out...what the hell kind of strategy is this, uniformed, political, definitely not the way to gain control of a country that is willing to send women & children to bomb our troops. General Powell told Bush he did not feel we need to go into Iraq at that time our focus and forces needed to be looking for Bin Laden, then when Bush made it clear he was going for Iraq Powell resigned. Bush felt as if we could gain oil and control of Iraq, for it's oil so that we wouldn't be limited to the Saudi's and so that we could keep a closer eye on Iran. Doesn't that mean we lost focus on Bin Laden why. Not to mention were is NATO in all of this, were are the other countries that are over there besides Britain, we are in this fight alone due to the lack of evidence we had on the "Weapons of Mass Destruction". We have lost the respect of the other countries that felt our losses on 911 and supported us in the beginning of the Iraq war but we have been left thanks to the President holding the chicken as fools. We need our allies going forward we need to regain their support we can not fight everyone's war we need to send our troops back from Iraq so that they may have a break and start our rotations with Afghanistan's US Troops so that we can weed out the one whom is responsible for 911 after all this was the agenda but has been forgot.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Marsia A, Ny — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:05:48 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ed Mahanoy city, Pennsylvania — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 06:41:54 GMT

Thank you
Mr. Bush
You took out two of the three axis of evils in our world. Mr. Hussien would not adhere to the confirmation of no weapons of mass destruction since desert storm when he took Kuwait like the chemicals he used and the world OK'd to go in cause we gave him enough rope and he hanged himself....sorry.....
We with our brilliant military will be ready to leave a more peacefull place with Iraqi and Afganistany military installed that we taught.
And the other guy came true.
Thank You Buddy

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Debra Winn, Jacksonville, FL — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 06:52:45 GMT

I see the pattern of demise and how some of the elite veiw us as "their expenditures". I have PTSD as well in domestic violence not millitary (all of which in my opinion is the same). I praise hope and many countless prayers of appritation to those that serve and thank many that gives a voice of experiance in the event. Your professionalism is astonishing and I hope in the event of all that is sacraficed is peace to all nations.

Our prayers are all the same regardless of religous status. "We all want peace and our God to be of one God for all of us" not a genocide that is iditoid/idology and irrationality system. It is my belief that a 4-6 month cycle would relive most symptoms of PTSD and at the same time give our troops the committment they need to carry out their mission with a more focused attitude toward thier mission for us and Iraq.

We went into this emotionally...all guity parties are accountable, which means all of us are in this together to win-win a situation that has over 5-6 thousand years of warring over a politisize God. I can't thank enough everyday what you men/women are doing and I am blessed of how humans can overcome through communication to solve mistakes/fortune to solve these errors "of mass" distruction.

It is my beleif that our idiology gets less political and more in focus to reality and apprication to unity and peace. The artical on the "save our children" and the abuse that is happening is a real dead liner vision of how one views in sociaty that a meals for sex is not a dateline martyingship that either of our denominations needs to idolize or scrutinize as a way of making us win (not a war) a peace agreement. To be a humanitarian you have to consider all involved. It's our world;))...not a one world mapping process of thinking.

Thank you for being the hero...thank you for thinking of someone other than yourself...thank you families that consider others as an equal and gifted society...Thank you for being my purple heart for my children who dosent understand the value of humen sacrafice because their father was a coward incapable of knowing what a sacrafice meant.

My Dad alays said that war story's (AMC holloywood) a woman was always in the movies to sham her as the caues of all wars...I think differently, we'er the reason to end all wars.

Good luck boys and girls...keep it simple to stay focused and please don't consturde the peaples mission.

You guys and gals are wounderful...eps of your mission to freedom which cost "T" dollors.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Debra Winn, Jacksonville, FL — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 07:00:14 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

GTC, Ft Hood, TX — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:13:20 GMT

You know, it really doesn't matter what anyone's view of the current situation is. The only way anything will change is by taking ACTION. No complaining, whining, or playing the "I have it worse" game. If the proper decision are not being made at the highest levels, this situation will continue for a long time. Start writing your congressmen/women, Senators, and Congress leaders to bring all your issues to them. Complaining to a news blog isn't going to bear much fruit.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ben Adams, Charlotte, NC — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:19:19 GMT

I am a contractor attached to the 1 MEF in Anbar Praovince, recently re- assigned to Fallujah. I left behind a lucrative position to do something for my country AFTER serving in the Marine Corps over fifteen years ago. I work side by side with these young Marines, and lucky for me and every other contractor here they do not gripe and moan the way we hear so many arm chair warriors back home. Actually they display a sense of pride in their job and yes they do get tired and fed up with the heat and dust, they STILL don't whine like you safe folks.
The Dems talk about the numbers we have lost here. How many have we lost on the streets in the last four years due to senseless violence. And if the Dems do succeed in putting an end to this and leave this country in chaos, what do they propose to do with the hundreds of thousands of contractors who left good jobs and those jobs or others are now hard to find?
If you don't stand behind our troops then stand in front of them!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Tommy G, Fort Polk, La — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:37:35 GMT

"did they find those WMD's yet?"

LOL...talk about irrelevant. just what we need as Soldiers is the same tired ass rhetoric from people who whine about politicians using it too much. and for your information you mindless turd: we liberated a country from genocide. saddam just did a better job of hiding it. grow a sack and get in 2008, it might help you get past tardism.

Just to remind you all, we signed up for it, and it sucks, but long deployments are what they are. War is war, so stop kidding yourselves. to those whove never been and see these people on here crying about "oh, they work every day for six weeks...etc," keep in mind that the "majority" of people forward deployed would rather work than be bored and start thinking about the obvious things you would think about in a war zone.

As far as making it smarter, yes, there are plenty of people i think should get together and work at it, but in the meantime, i have to deal with how it is, because i chose the hard lifestyle i find myself in. sorry, but thats the simple truth of it.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Tommy G, Fort Polk, La — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:07:37 GMT

"I'm not telling this story as an "I told you so" moment. I'm just trying to get some of you arrogant posters on here to stop with the "YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THERE SO SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" comments. It's tiresome, divisive, and really not necessary to illustrate whatever point you want to share with the rest of us. Yeah, I haven't been there"

Right...i think the word you're looking for is abrasive. And let me tell you something you ARROGANT P.O.S...i dont care if youve never been there. I dont even care that you dont like it...the point is that those of us who have EARNED THE RIGHT to have an opinion, and whether you realize it or not, to express that opinion, dont like the ones who equate the mistakes of the administration with Soldiers' problems and mistakes. these are long deployments and hard times, whethere youve been there or not. We have lots who care for us and miss us who havent been, but have been affected.

we particularly will take offense to those who continue to say "you invaded" "occupation" and other such propogandic conjecture because theyre too GD weak to actually HAVE an opinion, and simply re-gurgitate others' ideas and beleifs.

and the haditha incident and the rape incident(s), etc are a biproduct of flawed human nature, not the Army's ineptitude. you, my friend, are an example of this generation's failure to take personal responsibility for one's actions. not that YOU raped anybody, but understand that its people LIKE you that continue to fuel the "pass the buck" philosophy of alot of America.

BTW everybody: Youre in a 110 story building. there's a twin building next to you burning from the top down when you see a jet-liner screaming toward's you. what political party do you belong to now?

thats my point

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jym Allyn, Atlanta, GA — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:01:25 GMT

God Bless our Troops.

God D*mn Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld for their "misrepresentations" that got us into an unnecessary war that is bleeding our country financially dry and has us paying for BOTH sides of this war with Islamist oil and Islamist heroin.

The only thing worse than the 4,000+ American soldiers who have needlessly died so far on Iraq are the 28,000 who died because of Lyndon Johnson's "misrepresentations" of and the 28,000 who died because of Richard Nixon's "misrepresentations" about Vietnam.

Intentional stupidity by our government is NOT an excuse. We are supposed to be better than that.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Diane Rositano Albemarle, NC — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:05:00 GMT

I have read the above comments with interest and a whole lot of curiosity. I will never understand why a 12 or 15 month tour of duty NOW is too much, too stressful etc. etc. My husband served in Mike Force in Vietnam, tours of 12 months, and you never heard complaints from the soldiers back then about tours being too long and too stressful. They did their tours of duty with pride and loyalty. My father also fought in World War II where tours were such that he never even saw my oldest sister for the first time until she was three years old!!

They all got through it, probably better men because of it, so just keep your chin up, do your duty and then return home to your families.

Is it easy? Not by any means and yes, I also know how tough it is to be an Army wife and do everything on your own because your husband is never there. I did it all for over 25 years-volunteered, worked, did the housework and laundry and yard work, paid the bills and raised our two daughters, but I never complained about it then and won't now. It's the way it is, just that, when you are a military wife.

And believe it or not, you all don't realize how very lucky you are now. We didn't have cell phones and computers and email during Vietnam, so on a day to day basis, I never knew if my husband was alive or dead and letters sometimes took as long as 2 or 3 months to reach me.

You signed up so you obviously knew what you were getting into since this is an all volunteer military now, so as I said, do your duty and then come home and come home well and safely.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

CG Rice, Houston, TX — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:06:21 GMT

Mr. Rutherford,
What is your definition of a long tour?
Twelve months? Fifteen months?
Ask any WWII veteran what a long deployment is. For many, it was FOUR YEARS. With no R & R. No leaves.
What a bunch of sissies we have complaining on this blog. Or are they just un-American?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Frank Kopich Cincinnati, Ohio — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:26:21 GMT

It is time to bring back the draft. We are sacrificing the few for the benefit of the many.Every citizen under the age of 25 should be obligated to give at least one year to their country.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Captain Brooks, Portland, Oregon — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:18:20 GMT

Been there, done that! Nothing we do or say can make it right. McCain was there too, Its a shame he can't remember the name of the country.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Remember 9/11 — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:44:01 GMT

After reading all the posts that everyone has been bickering about over numerous lengthy deployments I feel it is very nessessary to post a small input myself. I served 12 month tour in Iraq in 2003 we were the first national guard unit across the boarder during the invasion with being the 3rd battallion in country. After almost 5 years of being home I volenteered to go again and came accross a writing that a guy did that sums up what everyone that has served is telling the ones that haven't.

It is the Soldier

Its is the Soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech.

It is the Solder, not the campus organizer, Who had given us freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Solder, not the Lawyer Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag,Who serves under the flag and Whose coffin is draped by the flag and Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

By Charles M. Province

So all you that have no more time than to sit and gripe about how much time you get deployed, how much money your not making... and what you are missing. Remember we joined because we love our country and we saw over 2000 inocent women, childern and men laying in the middle of New York city dead isn't enough for you to serve then you need to sit down and think about what your values are and how hard it is to go to another country and see what we have that they fight every day just to eat a piece of fresh meat and find a glass full of clean water.

It really amazes me that I see fellow americans that stood up when president bush in 2001 stood on rubble from the twin tower and said " we will go after any country harboring terrorist and will defeat the evils of the world" and we all said lets roll.... 5 years later we a requestioning what we thought was right....why do we need another 2,000 people dead on US soil again.

give it up... and lets pull together and defeat what we set out to defeat.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Rebeccah, Gulf Breeze Florida — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:49:25 GMT

I would like to respond to Teresa Smith's comments about how we need to 'give the Air Force and the Marines their six months a piece which would be a year without the help of the Army'. As an Air Force wife whose husband is on his second tour in Iraq (the first one was 6 months and then he was sent back again, this time for 15 months), I think that all the services are doing their part. I agree that deployments are hard on families, but we all need to understand that shortening deployments just means more frequent impacts on more people. The job has to be done and I am very proud to be married to a man who is willing to do his part. I understand that it is frustrating to have them away (I have three children), but our spouses pick up on our negativity and resentment when they are gone. They are powerless to do anything to fix it and it just puts them under more stress. As far as the "don't talk to an officer's wife, they are groomed just like their husbands" remark, that is a vast overstatement that has a negative implication. Yes, there are some wives who wear their husband's rank, but the majority do not. Regardless of whether your husband wears stripes or stars, the pain of being separted is the same. Instead of throwing stones at any one group of people, perhaps we would all be best served by coming alongside each other during deployments. Finally, every time I speak to my husband, he excitedly shares with me how the Iraqi officials they are working with are being more proactive and taking charge of more and more projects with diminishing American support. Please don't fall prey to the media propaganda.....we are making a difference and there is an end in sight. Premature withdrawal would negate all the work that has been done to this point.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ann, Houston TX — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:01:43 GMT

To all the people who think that our government is lead by idots: Instead of investing so much time and energy in hating our govenment and the military, perhaps you should just be grateful that there are people who are willing to lay down their lives to defend your right to say such ridiculous things.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

David A La Flair, Johannesburg, MI — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:32:24 GMT

First of all let me also say THANKS to each and every man and woman who has or is defending our Freedom. It dose not come at a non Price and it's about time that all our leaders of government know that and quit talking about doing something for our service men and women and actually start really doing what they promise and say they will or are doing and really start doing it. There are so many service men and women who have already served that cannot get the benefits and entitlements that have been promised that its not funny, and yet they still want others to serve and not pay also. They all complain what our disabilities cost now!!!!!!! NEWS FLASH They are tripling right now in front of your eyes and you still will not do anything to correct the problems but talk and promise. Wake up Americans quit complaining on these talk pages and start complaining to the leaders (each and every state and the top ones to) and let them know how unhappy you are about the situation. THEY are not hearing the real public out cry. Also even if you are just the public, if your not prepared to defend yourself then do not complain when others are defending you.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

O, Baghdad — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:46:34 GMT

Oh, so officers wives don't suffer the stress of trying to raise kids, keep a home, and maybe even work all while trying to volunteer with the Family Support Groups? That's a mean-spirited and selfish thing to say--EVERYONE suffers while deployed, and if you don't think officers are running the same risks that enlisted Soldiers do, you should check the casualty rolls. Divisiveness among the ranks and especially among the ranks of spouses left behind only leads to worse morale in the field. I hope someone does listen to ALL the spouses, and I hope whoever takes office makes a decision in the best interest of our country, our Armed Forces, and our families.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

O, Baghdad — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:13:07 GMT

Days in Baghdad: 180
Number of Patrols: 192
Days off: 0
Friends killed: Too many
Bullets fired at Bad Guys: Not enough

Don't tell me we're selfish and spoiled; it's a different war and unless you've been here in this place at this time, you're not qualified to make that statement. These men live among the enemy and patrol every single day against an enemy that won't stand up and fight, that uses hidden bombs to kill and maim. These men fight like hell one day then build a clinic the next...sound familiar? Thanks for your service in Vietnam--you're a better American than most, but don't call us spoiled.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

TS, Camp Zama, Japan — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:26:04 GMT

The only way these longer tours are going to change is when the top "leadership" is forced to put up with them as well. That means stop lossing all the higher ranking (O-5 and above) officers instead of just the poor enlisted guys. That means not letting them go to their special schools or cush Pentagon jobs as long as their units are "in the cycle". I guarantee you the tours and conditions would change once officer lives start getting affected. If you REALLY want to see change, make Congressmen and Senators deploy as well and make it mandatory that their family members have to deploy. Right now, they don't care because they're not directly affected. It's easy to talk about patriotism and sacrifice when you're not the one making it happen and your loved ones are safe at home. The Army "leadership" in particular is in need of a swift butt kicking. How many times in the last few years have we heard about a total lack of regard for their troops (ie deplorable conditions at hospitals and barracks, making wounded soldiers pay back enlistment/bonus money because they're too injured to continue serving, piss poor condition/lack of equipment, total lack of acceptance of responsibility at Abu Ghraib, failure to stand up to Rumsfeld, etc.)? Simply put, Army brass doesn't care about their people, they only care about their next promotion.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Terry Reeves Benson, AZ — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:14:32 GMT

I have read with interest some of the comments made by people who think that the military people should be seen and not heard and that they have no right to speak their minds. I applaud the men and women of the military who have spoken out agains this irresponsible war in Iraq. We shuld never have allowed the Bush Administration to get us into a war that has no end in sight and was a military blunder from the get go. The American men and women in uniform and being played as pawns to George Bush's plan. The military is for defense of our country not to be used as pawns for the so called allies such as Saudi Arabia.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

m miller — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:35:39 GMT

IKe was a good han, but youse are more like nazis to this world
What are you fighting for?
Could it be a cabal of Dallas Merchants (JFK '63)?
Still !?
Oh, this is why your men are tired, they have been badly used (eg Vietnam, again)
Ike's men saved quite a few Countries in the SW Pacific, Coral Sea, Guadalcanal and everything South including the White Lands
Now we ARE TO LOSE THEM FOR bUSH AND THE cia(/NWO)
May you remember the immortal words of CO/E/2/506 PIR
"Situation Normal, we are surrounded"
go out and act accordingly as directed by Christ
"let your works shine as the Sun"
Not War on innocents for Dallas Oil and War (& Drugs)

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:43:30 GMT

Someone asked if we have found the WMD yet. Yes, we did. The WMD are the people we are fighting. The suicide bombers, the ones who kill our soldiers, those are the WMD. I was a Navy wife for 18 years. Non of those deployments could compare to the deployments my son has had in IRAQ, there is no way to say all deployments are stressful. Those Navy deployments were a cake walk in comparison to the days and nights of constant worry, and the many tears shed for my son. And if this war continues, we will do it again. God bless all our Soldiers, and the families they leave behind to wait... and worry.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

m miller — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:44:59 GMT

Tiredness is related to the Cause for which you are fighting, remember thee, Spirit of 76
Freedom from Opression, the Tyranny of Kings
and like Bush Gang , Dynastic Rulers
and their Secret Police
Their Fouche to your RobesPierre
is
Cheney to the Pope , like Catholic-Nazi escape networks in 1940's
So they assassinate Kennedy, (some of you apparently dancing in the Aisles) and the War on Poverty becomes the War on Vietnam
Karma, AmeriKa !
You may lose the Expeditionary Force

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:48:33 GMT

WOW THIS IS WORTH POSTING AGAIN!!!!! Thank you for your service SGT D, Fort Belvoir, VA For sure, along with my own son, you are my hero.

I am an active duty Soldier. I agree 15 month roations are too long. 12 Months are acceptable. However I also agree with the current administrations views on the war. I speak with civilians all the time on their views of the war. A lot of misconception is out there. There are Military personel that agree with being in Iraq. Most Soldiers on their third tour have re-enlisted. It takes a special person to be able to commit to our country like that. But with that commitment also comes the Pride and visible changes on the ground in Iraq. I have two 12 month tours as of now with the 3rd ACR and have seen first hand how we are helping the people of Iraq. A lot of people fail to realize that this is a third world country in a lot of its areas. There is a very extensive level of poverty, sickness, and lack of education. I will be deploying again and have supported Bush from the begining. I believe that the voices of support are not being put out there enough becuase were the ones too busy taking care of bussiness while some others sit on the sidelines and complain. I joined the Army after September 11th and couldn't be more satisfied with the route I have chosen. I have a loving wife with three children at home who are just as much a part of the war on terrorism as I and my Brothers and Sisters in arms. You all have slept safely for seven years now due to the current government in place through Bi-Partisan checks and balances. I don't believe there is a perfect War or a perfect solution to the current conflict. However I know being over there is the right thing.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:55:09 GMT

Network Engineer in Silicon Valley WROTE THIS
Army guys are idiots. That's why they all come from TX and podunk religious "conservative" states.
All of you idiots who join the military are just supporting this fascist regime in this country.
And those of you religious military guys reading your damn bibles over there, separation of CHURCH AND STATE. WE ARE NOT FUNDING YOUR RELIGIOUS AND OIL WARS.

DO NOT SUPPORT THE TROOPS. IT IS UP TO THEM TO DESERT THEIR POSTS AND FORCE THE END OF THIS WAR.

My son is fighting for your right to write this about our Brave Soldiers. I am just sorry you choose to use your freedom of speech in such a vile manner. But, enjoy your freedom. Or you could move to Iran and enjoy the freedom there. Speak against the soldiers there... freedom of speech there? Yeah, right.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

OEF Vet — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:09:50 GMT

I have read every blog on this- both pages. The Logistical issue is sound in theory, but the problem with that is the same equipment they take with them is the same they train with back home. The outgoing unit that leaves their equipment will not have it when they get home-- unless they can ship the current units equipment to the home base of the returning units? It would be a logistical musical cake-walk, especially if the incoming is from FL and the outgoing is from WA. Another option would be to fund upgraded equipment that is meant to stay over there-- BUT then we will be getting into the political aspect of perm. equipment/basing... which is not what our government is trying to do and the fledging Iraqi government would not tolerate that move. Ask the Journalist.. I am sure they would LOVE to spin a story about having perm. equipment over there!! They would not see it as help for our troops, but instead would spin it as the "never leaving" scenario. You journalists have a way of not helping the situation.

The whole "unless you have been there" aspect: I have been there. I worked with the best group... and talked with a lot of the Army specialty guys as well (not my group). The tour lengths vary depending on what you are doing over there. I was there for 6 months.. which was 2 months longer than what the normal rotation is for the group I was with. It is a good length to be over there. The guys I talked with who were on 15 month tours- they are outstanding and dedicated. The humor goes a long way on getting through the tour lengths. When you are there, you are working. I NEVER had a day off in the 6mo's I was there. And I was okay with that- what else was I going to do anyway? Go to the MWR concerts meant for those support and coalition groups??? lol.. the most common thing that happens with a day off is we sleep!! Gotta love the sleep. That is, of course, if you can sleep after just watching stuff that the normal public would never want to see. SO, most of the time, it is just jump into work and stay in the work.

On Family: the family at home who is the most supportive, needs to be able to trust their soldier over there- and have faith that they will stay as whole as possible. It may not always be safe... it's a war.. but I can guarantee that your soldier (or sailor/airman/marine) has been well trained to be in those situations and survive them if they can. For those of you who understand that, and are supportive of that and can convey that to your loved one- Bravo Zulu ((mil-speak for job well done)).

For those of you who are not quite there: please take that to heart. The hardest thing for us to go through is the conflict from home. ((Personal note to help that Latisha gal from Texas: Qatar is the Hilton of assignments overseas- not a risk factor at all.. unless he gets hurt on the job or skins his knee. I am not discounting your emotions... but the concept that he is in danger may be hampering your own capability for handling all that you have to handle while he is away.. he is not in immediate danger if he is in Qatar)). That strong family support makes all of the difference in the world.
I am Female- with two children: a girl who turned 13 while I was away, and a boy who is 5. My fiancé had the toughest job out of all-- keeping the family safe while I was away. I assure you… those of you left behind to do that while we are away WILL have the harder job if there are teens involved!! Yes, we have to see bad things, do bad things, and be in situations that are not… normal (war never is), but that is what we EXPECT. That is what we train for. If you military families can find it in your heart to keep us informed, but have a solution before you talk to us about it!! Tell us the issue, and what you did to fix it!! Do not expect us to fix it all from 8000 miles away. This is a generalization, of course and I cannot speak for everyone.. but I know how it is being over there and still being expected to handle everything at home too ((my guy, though doing a great job on handling things, didn't do so well this first time on that aspect of venting to me and telling me off a few times for not being there to handle it.. things will be better next time.. but this is our lessons learned that may help some other family... the support you guys can give most is knowing that even though it may not always seem like it, we are 110% behind you guys as well.. we just want to get our job done and get home in one piece and it’s harder to do that if we have to think of all the things we do over there to be safe and have to be the rock of the family back home!! We really do count on you to be strong so we can stay strong)). 15 months is a long time: but so is 6 months, so is 4 months, so is 12 months when we have to leave our families. But what we are going there for is more than worth it. Which leads me to:
... 15 months is stressful?? If we come home, they will follow us. How much more stressful would that be... a 9/11 happening on a regular basis?? No thanks. I will gladly spend 4,6,12,15,18 months over there to stop that from happening. I spent 8mos total away so far for OEF... and will be going back in the next year for a 12 month tour with OIF. By the way, I am a reservist. SO, add even more stigma to that when you are still going through the same things that Active duty goes through, but half of the time, you are not even welcomed by your own at first.
Yeah, war is stressful. But some things are worth it.
-Dedicated to those who serve or have served; those who want to serve and cannot; those who support… Keeping America safe. If it takes me going over there to keep my children-my loved ones-my parents-my neighbors- from experiencing terrorism first hand, then so be it.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Richard Swann , Kona , Hawaii — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:07:58 GMT

If Iraq is so "improved" lately , then why is the State Dept. having to twist arms to get diplomats to go to Iraq and sit on their butts in an airconditioned office in the green zone ? The government spin machine is lieing to us and our US media is just feeding us Bush press releases as truth. Again ! Time to impeach the creeps at the top.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

MD, Beverly Hills, FL — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:00:16 GMT

http://eiswert.family.tripod.com/

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Proud Sgts' Wife — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:01:02 GMT

I love my soldier and I pray for his safe return everyday..right now it's a guessing game as to when he will be able to come home...7 months and counting; no mid tour r&r...it breaks my heart to have to answer my childrens' questions of 'when is daddy coming home?', and hearing them wake up in the middle of the night calling out to him. I just know that he is there because he has a job to do, despite what I may or may not agree with, politically speaking. How can someone honestly say that they don't care about our troops? When someone says that, it's no longer a political statement- it's just all out hatred for someone doing their job..and by saying to not support the troops, it's like telling me and the thousands of other military family members that all the sacrifice and heartache that they go through is nonsense. Shame on you- if you don't support the war, then that's fine- but don't you dare say that my husband or any other soldier isn't doing a honorable job serving the country that gives you and others the right to speak freely. My children know that their daddy is somewhere doing a job that obviously you will never have the courage to stand up and do...and that, of course, is my freedom of speech hard at work. So I say thank you to all of the men and women both near and far, here and gone, because you are the true meaning of what it is to be brave. God bless you.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Marcus Stone, Afghanistan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:08:19 GMT

While I agree that long rotations are stressfull one must weight the effects on the individual agaisnt the effects on the grand plan. The Army mission has entirely different requierments than that of other branches. The army provides over all leadership and continuity for all of those other branches which are free to bounce in and out performing their relativly specific and easily defined missions.
It generaly takes an incoming brigade 2 or 3 months to truely find its footing and the last 2 or 3 months of the rotation the soldiers are simply counting days until they go home. A shorter rotation would mean less time at full effectivness.
I do agree that the army system has problems but I dont think that shorter rotations are the answer. I think that longer dwel time to offset the deployed time would be much more effective. 12 to 15 months deployed followed by 24 to 30 months home would work wonders as long as the army would keep its promises and not extend deployments and cut home time as a standard of opperation.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Pat Milwaukee, WI — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:12:51 GMT

I've been deployed in support of OIF while I was in the National Guard and it was a very stressful time for me. My relationship with my girlfriend ended and I about lost my mind over there. I don't know if what we are doing is making the world a better place, but I truly feel for all those that chose to stay in the Army. I just didn't believe in this war like I used to, but I do believe we need to finish it and I am a conservative. I am voting for Mccain and I hope that he finishes what we started and we manage to make Iraq a friend. This world is a really messed up place and I thank God that we are the ones with the military might and not Iran, Syria, or North Korea. Despite it all Americans have good intent and sometimes we make mistakes. All this hate speech is bad for everyone. We need to come together and not demonize each other. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS. HOOAH

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

jr newport news,va — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:25:18 GMT

c'mon people..its 2008..do we really need to spend 4000 lives to get anything done these days..im ex army and I remember after the first life was lost, I thought we're gonna make sure that dosent happen again.right.
..AND lets not forget the injured.
They say it looks bad to pull out..I say it looks bad to not change ones strategy. Thoes damn Ied's..im sorry folks..I'd go awol before I'd go to battle unprepared and for criminal reasons.
This is not like wars of old.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

William S. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:06:15 GMT

It only took 7+ years of prolonged war for this story to trickle out in the mainstream. I am currently serving my 5th combat tour and have served on active duty for 14 years. My unit only deploys 7-8 months a year. However, we do this every year (since OIF I). The Army has two problems. First, according to a recent study, there are over 30,000 active duty Soldiers that have yet to deploy. The Army Human Resource Center (HRC) is doing little to move Soldiers with multiple combat tours to units that have little to no deployments. Second, the Army fails to move to the future when it comes to split-based operations. The Air Force has the best model for split-ops, however, Army leadership trends toward the old addage, "if I can't see them, then how do I know they are working." Kind of backwards for a force so focused on the cutting edge.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

megan whittington woodstock, va — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:54:53 GMT

I just think its really sad these guys have to stay away for so long i totally agree with winning the war but give these brave men some time away

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ole Gunny — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:44:41 GMT

Long tours my rear; tours in my war were duration plus six. No one repeat no one was rotated home without being wounded from 1941 to 1945. That is what a long tour is - my buddies could have done 15 months standing on their heads.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ole Gunny, Outland, CA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:55:11 GMT

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Ole Gunny, Dallas, TX — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:05:48 GMT

After studying many of the messages on this forum I conclude the nation is doomed. Most of you are not willing to serve the country, some fools are talking about the war for oil and as for WMDs, the entire world thought they were present in Iraq. God what a worthless group of people this nation has become. When you think if your buddies rotting in coral of some unknown atoll or in the clammy soil of France you have to grieve that their loss only produced the freedom for you cowardly people to destroy the nation they fought for.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Abby, Portsmouth, Virginia — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:26:48 GMT

My brother is 19 and an Army Infantryman serving his 8th month of a 15 month tour in Iraq. It's been a living nightmare him being gone. To anyone who says that only those who are deployed know, in a way, you are right, but at the same time, don't forget the families. My brother skips showers, sleeping, and eating to call us, true, but my mother and I literally stay glued to our cell phones in case he calls at any odd hour. On the rare occasion we miss his phone call, we are heartbroken. Military families listen to their soldiers recount horrors such as their first confirmed kill, the first time they are shot at, the first time their humvee or MWRAP gets hit by an IED, and we are HELPLESS. The gut-wrenching feeling of hearing a soldier has been killed in your soldier's area of operation and not knowing if it is YOUR soldier is one that the soldiers will never quite understand, just as we will never quite understand what the soldiers have gone through. I think people highly underestimate what an impact these extended tours have on soldiers and their families - we are just his sister and mother, I can't imagine what it would be like for spouses and children.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

A dumb soldier in Afghanistan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:24:42 GMT

To: Network Engineer in Silicon Valley

People like you are the reason we are in Iraq today. You really should get your nose off the coke line and get in the history books. Oliver North warned congress of the danger in the middle east and that it will come to bite us in the rear if we did not act. Your buddy that "invented the internet" and thank God lost the election against Bush voted against taking any action. Great call.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Proud Army wife and momma of 4, Fort Eustis, VA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:29:47 GMT

To the lady who says John McCain has no idea what the guys in Iraq are going through being away from their families for 12-15 months: Go read a paper, lady. John McCain was a prisoner of war for over 5 years. THat's living in a hot, humid jungle climate, wearing the same ratty clothes, sleeping in a rat infested room on a concrete floor, being given rotten garbage to eat. Many, though not all, of the guys in Iraq live in a trailer with air conditioning and a real bed, have a mess hall with salad bar and steak (albeit boiled) and crab legs once a month all prepared by KBR civilians, a place to do their laundry in a washer/dryer each week, get 15 days leave midtour, get 2 weekend passes to the Recreation Facilities at Quatar, and care packages galore from people all over the country. Its still rough, though. They still have long patrols, some live in tents or crubling buildings sleeping on cots or the floor. One doesn't easily adjust to or get over being shot at, dodging suspicious spots in the road where there could be an IED, or a suspicious car that could be a car bomb, or being jolted out of bed by incoming mortars. Its tough being away from family, missing an anniversary, birthdays, graduations, births of babies, etc. Its tough for them to not be there to help their wives and kids when there is a problems or crisis. It all weighs together. My husband is on his 3rd tour in 5 years, this one being 15 months, and its been tough on him and on me. But I would never, even compare it to the 5 years that John McCain spent in as a POW in VietNam.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Christina Boise, ID — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:16:58 GMT

Wehn it comes to a deployment there are many factors that come into play, i've been in almost 20 years and can relate to all the comments. Basically Soldiers become chess pieces on a huge board and really have no say, sure speaking your mind is something that needs to be done more, but those that sit up at the top aren't listening. I also find it disturbing the amount of divorces that result from long deployments and the lack of protection that those that serve come to expect. As a Soldier you don't have the rights that you thought you had to protect against a spouse sitting stateside from taking everything you own, cleaning out your bank account and returning to nothing. Our country and President need to make the laws more specific and not allow these things to happen, it's harder being away and fighting a war and even harder to return and fight another. I understand that this has happened and continues to happen to the point that Soldiers aren't able to have their children returned to them because the system, in all it's infinate wisdom, has the nerve to say "you've been gone too long", well that's absurd that this is held against the Soldier. My suggestions to those who've never served and may be coming upon deployment, protect yourself, don't trust everything to a spouse who may take it all because in the end the Soldier does pay the price.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

us army retiree — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:57:47 GMT

it was that right hand that each and every service member raised to commit and serve for our country. Asides to being stressed we back home are as stressed as with the economy as well.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

us army retiree — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:08:59 GMT

it was that right hand that each and every service member raised to commit and serve for our country. Asides to being stressed we back home are as stressed as with the economy as well.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Dave — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:38:10 GMT

This conflict is BS. I did 2 tours in that waste of what some americans say is defending freedom.If the United States saw to conflicting with every government that was deemed a threat to our way of life than believe me we would complain about things far worse than a 15-12 month tours oversee's. Yes,we are a superpower but that doesn't mean we walk about and knock other countries around cause we feel it's the right thing to do. We face many complex issues in the world abroad, it is not our duty to pick up were other contries leave off, they have the right to live as they please and it is our right not to butt our bussiness in their's, we have our own skeletons in the closet, can we police oursleves first before we go about telling other countries their living wrong???

Has anyone checked their local gas stations prices??????and we're supposedly fighting for oil???? I suppose we would start taxing the air in the next war for water.......

Look, this conflict is causeing grief, stress, heart ache,division, agony within our nation. It is pure poison injected into our society, anyone can say that. Why isn't anyone doing something about it????? and I don't mean the big wigs in D.C. eating lobster in Maryland while we suck sand in the box.Whatever happend to government for the people by the people????? We all want to complain at the gas tank, at the sight of how many lives have died in vain for this "global circus on terror", at why our housing market is going down the drain,at the sight of our wallets getting thinner while people with money laugh at the bank.The problem is people are not getting fed up about it to the point our society did back in our last f@*$@# up war.Did we not learn anything from vietnam???. Yhea i know about vietnam, my father's ocassional flashback tell's a lot about what went down overthere.

Every citizen has the right to free speech, thats something I and many more have fought for, so to those of you saying you can't or shouldn't say if you havent' been get off the high horse......

To veterans that want to chant about who's war was harder, or of a just cause...can we all put the swords away and agree that we all as veterans have had our share of heartaches. Today yes we have e-mail and ipod's but trust me if that exsisted way back when you know you would have had one there while you laid in your bunk, besides you guy's had drugs and beer,porn and lot's of r&r in exotic places where you probly procreated and left your DNA.

Talk is cheap, DO SOMETHING!!!!! I have no problem living in a third world country, I did it for two and a half years in a combat zone.The way things look in the United States we might not be the powerfull nation we once were, call me unpatriotic but i'll live anywhere even if it means in a bunker with dried foods and lot's of guns.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Elena, Tucson, AZ — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:47:45 GMT

My husband is in Iraq right now and will be until sometime this fall. We have 5 1/2 month old twin girls, and it's likely they won't even remember who Daddy is by the time he gets home.

I support my husband and all of the troops over there. But, I do not support us being over there. I was in the Air Force myself when this whole thing kicked off. I was there during shock and awe.

We are in a war that cannot be won. Like so many others have said on here, "You can't understand until you've been there."

All I know right now is that my little girls, like so many other children right now, don't have their Daddy here to see them learn to crawl or say their first words.

My next door neighbor's husband left 6 weeks after their son was born. He's almost 8 months old now.

The sacrifice made by our troops is far greater than anyone realizes.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Just One Army Wife, Fort Polk, LA. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:08:23 GMT

There are 300 million American citizens in this nation, yet less than 2 million are serving in the military. That means that less that ten percent of our population is standing in service to defend this country. Of course the stress will be great for those that do, they're performing a stressful job during a great crisis with purely limited numbers of people! That means more time they have to devote to the task, because they just don't have enough people to back them up! It's easy to say "bring them home" but that disservices the measure they've given to the task already. So give them the means to finish the job, rather. Give them the manpower they need. You know...put on a uniform of your own, even. But for goodness' sakes, don't complain what they're doing is worthless, because that doesn't help them in the least.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

will diaz atlanta ga — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:46:39 GMT

Come on people wake up and smell the coffee. I spent 8 years and 4 combat tours from 87-95. The politicians don't have a damn clue. You cannot put democracy in an area of the world where there has never been or will be. This is nothing more than profiteering for the contractors now, at the expense of our soldiers. The iraqi government is a joke and corrupt all the way through. The USA is paying for the war NOT THE IRAQI OIL, bush is letting the iraqis keep all the loot. The troops wouldn't have long tours if they were allowed to shoot the people with guns. If they are on the street with a weapon they are a target. Find the most powerfull cleric and let him be the dictator, thats what the iraqi's understand. Take back the oil money and pay the USA for the war. Until we speak out as a nation we can continue to sit back and watch the war on CNN for the next 10+ years. Honor amoung brothers whoo yaa.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

m .mobley — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:55:55 GMT

I was in the army years ago,and got smart and left after four years of service. I can understand their pain even though I have'nt went to war. I just feel sorry for those who signed up to fight for the phantom cause.Bush said he would stay a Hundred years if he had to. what would be the reason after the first fifty years ? no more bin laden thats for sure!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

John, Omaha, NE — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:19 GMT

To: Amy Anderson (Phoenix AZ)
Do you need assistance in locating your local Army Recruiting Station or have you determined that your best efforts to support this country are to 'go shopping'?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

mtrcycleboB — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:36:41 GMT

"Bless our Soldiers", Those of you that don`t see beyound your nose! How long has conflicts which lead to "WARS" been on EARTH? Long before the United States began settlement! and in the 21st. Centry with world advances in Agriculture, to Technology, "Terrorism" is a fact! I Volenteered in 1965 for Vietnam. 1125 Combat days Spec.Ops. discharged in 8/1968. I do agree long tours can affect Soldiers. I requested my 3+ year and was in "Denial" after discharge for years! I`m luckier to survived after the war. admittance to health care of the V.A. would of been a "Benifit to Rehabilation" of the "HIDDEN WOUND" "P.T.S.D.". Every person handles every situation the best they can during that instant, and no 2 instants are the same. You live a 24/7 life of not knowing if the next "Second" wheather you`ll still be "ALIVE" or just "NO LIGHTS"! I firmly believe "DRAFT" cause it sure straightenes out much of our people that need some "RESPECT" ! and learn to serve your country so you may remain a "FREE COUNTRY" "BACK OUR TROOPS" Bless them all! Respects, "DISABLED VETERAN"

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Bob — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:50:43 GMT

Wow, there are some ignorant people on these message boards. Keep watching Fox News and swallowing the propaganda if that is what it takes to allow you to sleep at night. The war in Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. It has made things in the Middle East so much worse then they were before and only offered legitimacy and upped the recruiting for AQ. In the meantime, I will head there for my third time while all the morons in the US elect McCain because if not, the Gays will marry, they'll teach evolution, and it will be mandatory abortions for all....or at least that is what they will tell you as they take money from your pocketbook and hand it over to the non-bid military contractors, all the while espousing their notion of "small Government", and you will eat it up. Besides, haven't you heard...Obama is a "secret Muslim" who "won't say the pledge", blah, blah, blah. The American public is filled with a bunch of sheep. The funniest and most ironic part is that the people who get screwed the most by the Republican policies tend to be the ones that come out and vote for them in droves...the working class...as they submit to the politics of fear that the Republicans have mastered.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Bobby — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:52:27 GMT

Tommy G,

Keep buying what they are selling you and watching Fox News. If that narrow world view allows you to sleep at night, then go with it. And FYI, I am on active duty and have done multiple tours over there so don't even start.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Bob — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:55:07 GMT

To Just One Army Wife,

What do they need to finish the job and how long do they need it? I am in the military and if you can explain to me what victory over there is and what it will look like, it would be a lot easier but even the Generals can't! I am tired of fattening Cheney's former company's pocketbook and ready for this to be over.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jon, Savannah — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:16:24 GMT

The ignorance of the American people amazes me!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Two-Tour Tony — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:23:50 GMT

Hey Network Engineer in the Silicon Valley are you still protesting Nam? You are the complete idiot. Your opionion does NOT matter, jaded little men like you offer nothing to this world. You just sit in your cubicle and piss and moan. Have you offered anything, or dare I say sacrifice anything at all. IDIOT!!!!!!!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

josett,tampa ,fl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:26:37 GMT

Tod Bentley has never claimed to heal anyone, he doesn't have that power.However he is a vessel that is willing to be used and God is using him mightly.It is amazing how we can believe any kind of junk but when God shows up we become skeptics.God is still God and He is moving, you can believe whatever you want that doesn't change who he is or what he can do.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

JOHN DICK, WINCHESTER,Va. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:40:13 GMT

College profs teach in a liberal environment. Problem is that they don't have a grasp on reality in the real world. I love the questioning.Shows people are seeking something spiritual and untangible. But when the tangible comes they can't seem to handle it. Like the biker said,"This is the real deal!!" Too bad people don't get some when it comes thru the TV. Tell the woman that was 30 yrs. blind that I prayed for that she doesn't really see and you can experience someone laughing you out of the room. Come Get Some and then Some More. I did!
But then I did believe what Jesus said and it works for me!

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Carolyn J> Havelock,, NC — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:04:51 GMT

I am a 59 year old female retired from the military
and I have been in living hell and despair watching
my son served a secound tour in Iraq a war with no end
in sight, How long will mothers of this great country have to suffer and endure for freedom sake we
were free before we invaded Iraq.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Officer in Iraq — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:00:49 GMT

In regards to the post by Teresa smith (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:37 PM).

LMAO at your limited view on Officer Spouses. I am sure my wife would agree with 99% of what you say, except that not everyone is "programed". If you have issues with an officer's spouse in your husband's unit, then handle it like an adult and face the person. Don't hide behind rank, (as the CIVILIAN spouses don't HAVE rank). If your husband is worried about repercussions if you confront the officers spouse, then he needs to check into regulations stating otherwise. Again, Don't hide behind rank and don't use your husband's lack of rank to explain away your basic unwillingness to confront an antagonist. In layman's terms...."Put up or Shut up"

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

kim — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:20:49 GMT

this has got to be the @@@@ up headline i ever read, STRESS IN A WAR? who would of thought?

GET our familys home...

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

kim ak juneau — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:29:11 GMT

lets set up a web page just for the men over seas to tell us how they feel and whats going on,
they could stay unknow or know,
i want to hear as we all do...
what the hell they think after one or three tours..

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

A soldier, Miami,Florida — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:54:02 GMT

To all those ignorant civilians that have a degree or non-college degree stop lowering the veterans and our american troops,They are not dumb /stupid or illeterate,crazy or "He was overthere, becareful or look at you like an alien" Its called PTSD and TBI it involves anxiety and Self awareness in addition taking care of ourselves cause we were trained on how to react situation of danger around us and we troops in combat arms got hurt and keeps going from Vietnam and all wars , we have similar if not same injuries and more and cant get jobs cause the govt is a two-face how about paying taxes for school,improvements and vets who earned the privilege of improving their daily lifes instead of paying taxes to all this low-lifes citizens that comit a crime,rapes and steal or kill or live free in wellfare, sent them to the war and let them earn their govt checks and let predators and criminals pay their price for jail time in War . All im saying us soldiers when we come home want move on and build from scratch our lives and work , also improve our education and still serve proudly in the civilian worlds however this so called supporters or college educate need training and educated on people relation skills. Proud to volunteer, Will stay if it wouldnt been for politics that kills what you do with your heart, soldiers of all branches we do is help Iraq build schools,feed the kids and protect them from terrorists Ive seen them with my own eyes and improve their commuting systems and give them ideas on how to implement new technologies for themselves, I give you one they are third world country however there lot smarters then half of the Idiots we have here who appreciate us been there and appreciate a piece of bread and water then some who takes it here for granted and treat our brothes and sisters and neighbors like crap when we all have to work together and be more educated then them , Its sad to see that we need to improve on education and how to respect each other and not kill each other here in our hometown ,we got freedom and lots more so why not use it wisely and enjoy it for better future for our kids and families and our community.For all this , I think and approve 100% The draft so they can appreciate and become more educated and improve our living in our Country . Go Army , Marines , Navy and the royal Misfits= Airforce.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Bill, Phoenix Arizona — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:01:11 GMT

Before this all started I had to ask how the VA was going to handle this. We saw the result. The next question was, what sickness, illness, injury will come from this conflict. We saw that too. What's next? What have five plus years and multiple deployments done to the already delicate balance of a military family? Who is tracking the fall out of dependents, wives and children?

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

ONE TICKED OFF SOLDIER — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:48:47 GMT

I want to know who the Douschbag Network Engineer in Silicon Valley is so I can put my size 7 tan army boot up his pansy tight @22!! Why even say something so idiotic. Its individuals like him that need to be rounded up and thrown on a plane and push them out the back of the plane as it flies over Iraq. Even if there is skepticism as to whether there is a direct threat to America by insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is still a need for America to be there. The people from these countries need our help. As a three time combat veteran who has a purple heart and the meritorious service medal with V device I am proud to be there and serve my country and serve those who cant help themselves. So I end with this Silicon Valley Douschbag if you cant truly understand the meaning of being an American, then you need to take your sorry @22 to Canada and go hump a polar bear! HOOOAH

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

callie, Burlington Kansas — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:04:13 GMT

I served in iraq for four months and was medically discharged. I know what its like over there for low ranking soldiers and also for the n.c.o's who have to struggle to keep them motivated even though they have a hard time just trying to keep themselves motivated.

I worked with a single mother of three struggle-but at the same time unselfishly be one of the first people to help other soldiers out with their problems.

Everytime we received mail or a package-it was like christmas time.

15 months is way to long. Like the other comments that I've read on here- Army should not be the only ones to serve that long. Just like we learned in basic-everyone is bascially the same. We fight as a team-you cant survive without your battle buddies. Same thing with all the branches. America needs all of us to help fight the war.

And as far as soldiers having it easier than those in previous wars...times have changed. Yeah we have many things that those who served before us didnt have. But same goes for them. Each generation is different-and see things in different ways. Thats not going to change.

Hands down to our men and woman serving in Iraq and dealing with the daily stressors and all that goes along with living in a war zone. Its by far easy.

When I was over there my battle would have "mock" bbqs. Take a grill- bbq meat over it and drink non-alcoholic beer and pretend they were home. Fun as it was-just wasnt the same.

I support my fellow soliders in every way!!!and if you dont-than you should take a good look at yourself b/c theyre the ones that provides that freedom that you so enjoy.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

The Stratman, Small Town, Illinois — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:06:45 GMT

I guess we've all done our part haven't we? I did a year in Vietnam in 70-71, and when we came back a lot of us got down and kissed the ground. I have a ton of respect for our troops in Iraq, but enough is enough. We've already lost over 4,000 of our troops over there plus all those that are wounded and scarred for life. I think its time we bring our troops home. Lets not have another Vietnam.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jack Marcus, missouri — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:05:33 GMT

Will someone explain too me why in gods name we are even in Iraq. I really have tried too understand this whole mess that our president force us into too,I just cant seem too separate his lies and have truths from the real truth.Sad,that once again our government forced us into anyother war based on lies. And making things worse,he will never admit that he lied

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

James Stevens, Morgantown, WV — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:37:48 GMT

Funny. When we had 12-month tours over there, they were routinely being extended to 16. When we went to 15-mont tours, I didn't see so much of that. So what's gonna change? Joe Soldier is gonna stay a month longer now, while the brass get to bragg that they cut 20% off his tour there. It doesn't matter when a 20-something kid comes home to divorce #2...

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

G-MAN, Glendale, CA — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:04:55 GMT

I was deployed before the war, and there was stress. Just imagine the stress of being deployed for 12 - 15 months. Being away from your family, now add the stress of combat. Not just combat but the notion that you could get injured or worse get killed doing your job. But the fact is, its been 5 long years since our forces stepped foot into Iraq to liberate and instill the American way of life in a Muslin nation. The reason for being there was to disarm and locate WMD. Five years into the so called war, where are these WMD? We have removed Saddam Hussin from power, check.
WMD - still a dud. The 9-11 commission has stated that Saddam was not part of the group responsible for the 9-11 attack. So the question is "What in the world are we doing in Iraq?"

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Proud to live in the US, 34th Redbull Division — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:52:30 GMT

I returned last summer from a 22 consecutive month deployment from Iraq. We did 6 months of Infantry tasks in Camp Shelby, MS and 16 months in Iraq after being extended for 4 months. It was stressful being away and every time I hopped in my gun turret to escort fuel tanks was nerve wrecking but by no means did we have it rough compared to the boys who fought in previous wars. I was not in Vietnam or WWII but im pretty sure our living conditions make us spoiled rotten besides not having any booze over there.

Suicide was always the topic of conversation in my unit. While no one committed it in our unit we definetly didn't care half the time if we died (i.e.-hood surfing, loaded 9mils to the face, stomping dirt piles to see if they blow up, etc.) especially after we got extended. We lost all hope of ever getting to go back home but eventually they did have to send us home. Anyways I am proud to serve and am glad I am home. Support the troops.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

another soldier's mom, grand rapids, Mi — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:49:24 GMT

Thank you Sheila Himmerick for your posting, I am another Soldier's Mom, I have been through some major rough times in my life, this one just might take the cake. So many can tell you they understand, but they really don't totally, God Bless them for trying. These days computers, phones, etc., are not safe which really adds additional pressures on. This concern is non ending, however, through this God indeed is holding on to me and recently I have found on You Tube of all places a strong support system. Although Very Few know I have a son over "there". This Country is really headed down hill and daily appears that the entire world is in worse shape. However, we must take into account the communicatioN now, more media coverage, more details, more violence is allowed in front of our faces, it seems constant, this does not help these stressful times. So therefore I have been attempting to get more into God's Word, prayer with others regarding the world's situation, at times realistically it just becomes overwhelming and that is the time I must just get quiet, walk, pray, etc.. May God Bless our military and all the people on this earth that are indeed suffering so much.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Linda Hines, Lyndon Illinois — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:08:54 GMT

I can't believe anyone would read any article on the the war and then make stupid comments about it like they chose to be in the military. yes they did and look what they are doing for our country because they did choose that path. your sons would be drafted if not for those brave men and women in the armed forces how risk there lives everyday for your children to be home with you!! ungratful that is what you are!!! GOD BLESS THE TROOPS and bring them all home safe to there families. Don't waist your time reading this kind of article if you only want to bash those that serve that is so disrespectful.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Timothy Okey, Colorado Springs, CO — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:31:32 GMT

Cheer up guys and gals in uniform. As military "some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you". Concentrate on your mission and staying alive. MOST of the pin headed comments you read come from clueless zombies back here in "the world". They are only thinking about their own "alpha sierra sierra". They are ranting because their tax dollars are not being spent directly on them. They feel left out but don't have the gonads to get involved. You are todays warrior and I for one love you for that fact. Suck it up and "continue to march". When you come home, inspite of what you hear, you will remember some of the bad times but by far mostly the good. Trust me on this, there are some good times involved also. I am a retired US Army 1SG (Airborne!} who was involved in warfare many years ago and understands the pains you are feeling but the good times also. When you get Stateside that first ice cold Bud and real hamburger will be wonderful. Top

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

M Baghdad — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:10:41 GMT

I completely forgot. The American Public only believes what is on the news. Such a tragedy. Yes the tours are long however, if they weren't the progress that is there now would not be there. You fail or just don't know that their culture relies on trust and length of knowing a person. Also, for you who stated that McCain in ignorant you need to look in the mirror. He is the one who visits the service members who are there all of the time. He knows what is going on. If you look at Obama, he still has not gone. Let's think about this one. Why would you consider someone who is not in support of the troops regardless of the Chief and someone who is going to make the US more vulnerable to attacks? There is no US military background for this particular candidate nor patriotism. Yea we are in trouble.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Big Holmes Charlotte NC — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:02:13 GMT

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to all of our brave people that take up arms for our country.
We are free to complain and offer our ignorant blogs because you choose to protect us.
GOD BLESS YOU

An Army Dad, and very proud of it.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jared, Georgetown, Texas — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:13:55 GMT

Sheila,
I appreciate the what you are going through with your son being deployed. I just got back last year, and I will be leaving again this December. But you cannot truthfully say that Mccain has no idea what these kids are going through. John Mccain was a POW for about seven years. These kids have no idea what HE went through. I think everyone should remember that before they jump on him and call him ignorant.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Jason — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:16:00 GMT

How in the hell could McCain not know what these guys are going through? He spent five years in a tiger cage in Hanoi. What a ridiculous statement. On top of that, his enlisted Marine son has served in Iraq. So yes, he knows what they're going through.

He just believes in the mission. If you don't, that's fine, but don't question whether or not he "understands". He does.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

KKE, CA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:08:39 GMT

I have a son that served three tours in Iraq with the Marines. The toll on families is intense. I can't even imagine what it was like before the net, etc. My thoughts and prayers go out to every soldier deployed and their loved ones. May this all end the way it should. But please let us support our troops now and after they come home.

Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Nicole,bronx new york — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:06:06 GMT

my fiancee is in the army and when he got back from iraq from being out there so long and seeing loved ones lost yes he is very stressed and different...im not sure why if possible the army doesnt limit deployments to six months tops and then return soldiers back and deploy the next group of soldiers and keep it rotating that way if need be. 12-15 months is too much time away from home by itself then to add all the dangers and adapting to foreign countries add even more stress. God Bless the soldiers and their families