To allow our military personel the full advantage to visit all the historic neighborhoods of Bagdad and other areas in Iraq the DoD has extended the tours there from 12 to 15 months. It seems that 12 months is not enough time to visit all the mosques, museums, historic battlefields (those more than 3 days old), castles (built by Saddam), or visit the perfectly safe Parliament building.

After long (ten minutes) and deliberate (they are doing it on purpose) consideration it was determined that 12 months was not long enough to destroy all military families and marriages. It is hoped that by adding 3 months, and letting the boys and girls go there (or that other place no one ever talks about) for multiple tours that they will all be able to see every stinking rock and sand pile the country has to offer them.

Maybe then they can appreciate what a good education can do for a person .... like giving them alternatives to joining the military.


note:
I have three family members in the military - all intended to make it their careers. Now they talk about going back to school or taking a civilian job in their particular field of expertise, and this after 10 - 15 years active duty. Then again, my son is a civilian contractor in Iraq - of course he is making a bit more than he did when he retired from the USAF; I didn't support him in this endevour but it was his choice.

Extending tours - doesnot give the soldiers and marines there much of a choice. It certainly can't do much for their family life. Also, it use to be that 13 months in a hostile fire zone was the max. Maybe we should just leave them there 'til the war on terror is concluded - like WWII - you know?