You are probably right SaSless. Do you have any statistics showing recruitment and retention rates? Is it true that US passed emergency legislation preventing military personnel leaving under certain circumstances, after they had served their time?
I think US Govt approached this war in a different way to UK Gov. In many ways US were more honest with reasons to invade. I am not surprised if US motivations are different. Still, important to look at all the figures, not just desertion. It does not take the brains of a rocket scientist to realise that this war is unpopular amongst civilians and that it was only a matter of time before some Mil personnel started feeling the same way. (Take a look at Bush's poll ratings now). However it's a bare faced lie for UK Govt to pretend that all is OK within the ranks. Labour is getting nervous. I wonder if they can remember a very uncomfortable time in the 1970's?