Reply #37: Iraq conflict takes its toll on recruiters' health, careers

[Judi Lynn]

March 26, 2005, 10:29PM

Iraq conflict takes its toll on recruiters' health, careers
By DAMIEN CAVE
New York Times

NEW YORK - Some Army recruiters charged with recruiting an all-volunteer force during an extended period of conflict say the demands are taking a toll.

A recruiter in New York said pressure from the Army to meet his recruiting goals during a time of war has given him stomach problems and searing back pain. Suffering from bouts of depression, he said he had considered suicide.

Another, in Texas, said he had volunteered many times to go to Iraq rather than face ridicule, rejection and the Army's wrath.

"The recruiter is stuck in the situation where you're not going to make mission, it just won't happen," the New York recruiter said. "And you're getting chewed out every day for it. It's horrible."
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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/3104043
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