Troops in Iraq re-enlist on 4th of July

[ConnieB]

Troops In Iraq Reenlist On 4th of July

July 5, 2008
For around 1,215 Soldiers, Marines and Airmen in Iraq, their July 4th this year was a special one, as they took part in the largest reenlistment ceremony held. General David Petraeus administered the oath in Saddam Hussein’s former Al-Faw palace as John Phillip Sousa’s marches played in the background. Also heard were a chorus of “Freedom, Hooah and Oorah” from the men and women as they extended their service in their respective branches of the military. Some reenlisted because of enlistment bonuses, while others said that their belief in the job they’re doing in Iraq was also an important factor in their decision. For some, they were on their second and third tours in the country.

http://soldiersmind.com/2008/07/05/troops-in-iraq-reenlist-on-4th-of-july/

According to the liberals....In Iraq, the morale is low and the troops are against this war, and to some the war is already lost. No wonder why this article was not posted here...it goes against everything the democrats believe.

and for those who say my sources are not credible.....here is another site for this article.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080704/wl_mideast_afp/iraqusmilitary_080704143017

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Richard Tafoya]

On the other hand, more than 99% of U.S. troops in Iraq didn't participate in this.

There is no one opinion about the war that all the troops embrace. Of the roughly 150,000 troops in the country, 0.8% chose to ceremonially re-enlist.

At the same time, there's no shortage of troops there that do think it's time to pull the plug and end our role there. Given the volume of them supporting presidential candidates that promise to bring troops home and eager to speak to the press about morale problems, I think it's safe to say that it makes up a significant percentage of the troop population in Iraq.

[Richard Tafoya]

And let's not rule out the power of tax-free bonuses in the weak economy:
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/iraq/story/43189.html
Money was an incentive for many, but so was a belief in what they're doing more than five years into a war far away from their homes. Hundreds were in their second and third tours in the combat zone.

"There's no place I'd rather be to celebrate America's birthday than here in Iraq," said Petraeus, who described the troops as "America's new 'Greatest Generation." The troops' commitment and sacrifice, he added, have given the Iraqi people "the most precious gift...freedom."

The general compared the re-enlistees' raising of their right hands to the language on most award citations: "In keeping with the finest traditions of our military services." He said the combined total of their additional service amounted to 5,500 years.

"The millions of dollars" they receive was certainly one motive, he said, "but no bonus no matter the size can compare with the sacrifices you make in Iraq or the sacrifices your loved ones make back home."

Army reenlistment bonuses top out at $40,000, Navy at $75,000, Air Force at $60,000 and the Marines at $45,000. A bonus's size also depends on rank, military specialty, years of extension, years of service and other factors. Reenlistment bonuses signed up for in a combat zone become tax-free.

[pinky]

For those who want to re-enlist, I say great!

For those who are simply told, "Well, we know you only signed up for x number of months, but we need you to stay for y and z months as well, so you can't go," that's just wrong.