WP,pg1: Possible Iraq Deployments Would Stretch Reserve Force: Leaders Express Concern

[DeepModem Mom]

Possible Iraq Deployments Would Stretch Reserve Force
Leaders Express Concern Over Troop Rotation Plans
By Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 5, 2006; Page A01

The Army's National Guard and Reserve are bracing for possible new and accelerated call-ups, spurred by high demand for U.S. troops in Iraq, that leaders caution could undermine the citizen-soldier force as it struggles to rebuild.

Two Army National Guard combat brigades with about 7,000 troops have been identified recently in classified rotational plans for possible special deployment to Iraq, according to senior Army and Pentagon officials, who asked that the specific units not be named. One brigade could be diverted to Iraq next year from another assignment, and the other could be sent there in 2008, a year ahead of schedule.

Next year, the number of Army Guard soldiers providing security in Iraq will surge to more than 6,000 in about 50 companies, compared with 20 companies two years ago, Guard officials said. "We thought we'd see a downturn in operational tempo, but that hasn't happened," said one official.

A more sweeping policy shift is under consideration that would allow the Pentagon to launch a new wave of involuntary mobilizations of the reserves, as a growing proportion of Guard and Reserve soldiers are nearing a 24-month limit on time deployed, they said. Army officials said no decision had been made on the politically sensitive topic but that serious deliberations will unfold in the coming months.

Senior Army leaders have made clear that without a bigger active-duty force, the only way they can maintain the intense pace of rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan is by relying more heavily on the reserves, which make up 52 percent of the Army's total manpower....Stress on soldiers and their families is mounting as active-duty combat brigades now spend only a year to 14 months home between rotations, compared with a goal of two years -- a trend that Army leaders worry is not sustainable in the long term. Reserve and Guard units are staying home on average three years, compared with a goal of four or five, Army officials said. "It goes without question that Guard brigade combat teams are going to have to deploy again to theater in less time than the . . . model originally called for," said retired Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Stephen M. Koper, president of the National Guard Association....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/04/AR2006110401160.html?nav=hcmodule

[JohnnyLib2]

1. This paired with the military Times editorial coming out Monday

should get major play but probably will be lost in the election news.
The steady drain on the entire military structure, and on the economy as a result, will be felt for decades. Very thought provoking article.

[wordpix]

4. I really think all Dem candidates should use the Jim Webb Iraq ad if they want to WIN

Webb has a dynamite ad that's brought him up in the polls. More Dems should use it. Just substitute the names and faces of the candidates, and use the exact same ad otherwise.

[Phredicles]

2. So what happens if China decides now is a good time to

settle things regarding Taiwan?

My guess would be, Sucks for the Taiwanese...

[Kagemusha]

3. Ships sink real good via missiles. Who needs infantry?

Taiwan's an island. That's a big bonus.

[meuniermr]

6. IMO, China won't go after Taiwan unti after the 2008 Olympics.

[Straight Shooter]

5. How does bush define "victory in Iraq"? When all of our troops are dead. n/t