The U.S. military is under tremendous strain, and especially the army and the marines. In effect, the entire US army is in Iraq. That is because if soldiers are not in Iraq they are either preparing to go, supporting the Iraq mission, or rehabbing after a tour. Units are now going back to Iraq for second tours in 14 months. That pace may accelerate to 12 months.
Younger officers are bailing out instead of staying after their initial term of service. Enlistment rates are down at least 25 percent, and that is after standards are being reduced.
The army is too small. That is the problem, but for Rumsfeld to admit that means that Rumsfeld has failed. Instead, the army will continue to be under strain.
The divorce rates discussed below are only one measure of the problems young soldiers are facing.
There needs to be a national military (wo)manpower debate. It is crucial unless the U.S. wants a broken army.
USATODAY.com
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