172nd Stryker Brigade

[Pongo]

Man, was just reading about the extension of the tour for the 172nd Stryker Brigade in Iraq.
As a former infanteer. THAT MUST SUCK.
Canada could face a simular situation in Afganistan now that they are taking a bigger role. If more troops are required we cant go to the states for them, they are busy. Have to extend the troops there and bring in more.(and we dont have many)
Marines are now calling back people(1400) that have finished their 4 year stints but still less then the 8 year. Man that would suck even worse!
Salute to the poor buggers.

[RTR]

Smarten up Pongo...

yeah.....disregard...dont even reply unless you have a history.

RTR

[AquaShrimp]

I think if soldiers and marines have to extend their tours, they should be placed in an instructing role.  For example:

If one unit has just finished its tour, but it becomes extended for another year, then they should become instructors for a fresh unit coming over.  They should teach them how to patrol, how to spot IEDs, etc.  But more importantly, they could teach them the finer points, points that are geographically specific "Watch this tall building on the corner, snipers frequently hide there" or "this intersection has been hit with IEDs 3 times so far".