Troops' 1-month breaks blocked-Psychologists cite mental health risk

[babylonsister]

There they go, supporting the troops again.:sarcasm:

http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20070619/1a_lede19.art.htm

Troops' 1-month breaks blocked
Psychologists cite mental health risk

By Gregg Zoroya
USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — U.S. commanders in Iraq are rejecting a recommendation by Army mental health experts that troops receive a one-month break for every three months in a combat zone, despite unprecedented levels of continuous fighting and worsening risks of mental stress.

Instead, commanders are trying to give troops two to three days inside heavily fortified bases after about eight days in the field, said Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, chief aide to the ground forces commander in Iraq, Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno.

"We would never get the job done … if we went out for three months and came back" for one, Anderson said.

U.S. forces in Iraq spend more time in combat without a break than those who fought in Vietnam or World War II, according to Army psychologists who studied troops in Iraq.

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[annabanana]

1. Someone tell me THIS treatment of the troops isn't torture. . . .

Being dragged back into hostilities at the last moment, forcing them back in the line of fire over and over again?

[babylonsister]

2. Sure sounds like torture to me, and going against the advice of

the military (mental health experts).

[Bozita]

5. The Bushies listen only to their own. Precious few combat vets in that group!

[annabanana]

3. noon kick. . . . .n/t

[uppityperson]

4. "We would never get the job done", so that's what's holding us up, troop vacations.

Dang those troops. The Job would've been done if they'd just suck up and quit demanding vacations. :sarcasm: k&r