Richard Tafoya
Apr 9th, 2007, 06:23 PM
AP:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070409/us-troops-iraq
The Pentagon is considering a plan to extend the tours of duty for up to 15,000 U.S. troops serving in Iraq, a defense official said Monday.
The idea is among options being considered in response to a request in the last couple of weeks by Gen. David Petraeus, U.S. commander in Iraq, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the idea has not been approved.
Because Petraeus believes the troop increase President Bush announced in January has produced some momentum in fighting violence in Iraq, Petraeus wants to maintain troops at that level past the summer, the official said.
Defense officials are looking at the idea of a maximum 120-day extension for five active duty brigades that would otherwise come home in the coming months _ four ground units and one aviation combat brigade totaling roughly 15,000 troops, the official said. The plan would have to be approved by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Other options also are on the table. The official declined to name them but others have said previously that sending some troops earlier than planned also would be considered.
There are currently some 145,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.
Also on Monday, officials said some 13,000 National Guard troops are receiving notice to prepare for possible deployment to Iraq, which would be the second tour for several thousand of them.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070409/us-troops-iraq
The Pentagon is considering a plan to extend the tours of duty for up to 15,000 U.S. troops serving in Iraq, a defense official said Monday.
The idea is among options being considered in response to a request in the last couple of weeks by Gen. David Petraeus, U.S. commander in Iraq, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the idea has not been approved.
Because Petraeus believes the troop increase President Bush announced in January has produced some momentum in fighting violence in Iraq, Petraeus wants to maintain troops at that level past the summer, the official said.
Defense officials are looking at the idea of a maximum 120-day extension for five active duty brigades that would otherwise come home in the coming months _ four ground units and one aviation combat brigade totaling roughly 15,000 troops, the official said. The plan would have to be approved by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Other options also are on the table. The official declined to name them but others have said previously that sending some troops earlier than planned also would be considered.
There are currently some 145,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.
Also on Monday, officials said some 13,000 National Guard troops are receiving notice to prepare for possible deployment to Iraq, which would be the second tour for several thousand of them.