Let's look at the numbers, which offer a different picture of patriotism than the editorial pages do.
* Every one of the Army's 10 divisions — its key combat organizations — has exceeded its re-enlistment goal for the year to date. Those with the most intense experience in Iraq have the best rates. The 1st Cavalry Division is at 136 percent of its target, the 3rd Infantry Division at 117 percent.
Among separate combat brigades, the figures are even more startling, with the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division at 178 percent of its goal and the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Mech right behind at 174 percent of its re-enlistment target.
* What about first-time enlistment rates, since that was the issue last spring? The Army is running at 108 percent of its needs. Guess not every young American despises his or her country and our president.
* The Army Reserve is a tougher sell, given that it takes men and women away from their families and careers on short notice. Well, Reserve recruitment stands at 102 percent of requirements.
* And then there's the Army National Guard. We've been told for two years that the Guard was in free-fall. Really? Guard recruitment and retention comes out to 106 percent of its requirements as of June 30.
Nig ol buddy,
The article you linked to states 135 Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) folks had been activated. What the article does not tell you is each one of them were volunteers and returned by request not be involuntary orders.
Stop Loss has occurred in peace time as well as war time when situations dictated that be done. It is part of the contract you sign upon enlistment. There is a clause that states: "The needs of the government shall be the determining factor."
Civilian employers change their minds about follow-on postings too. In the helicopter industry, Nigeria is not called the "Whiteman's Grave" for health reasons alone.
Last edited by SASless; 29th May 2006 at 20:04.