Top officer calls U.S. forces 'stressed'

[cal04]

Source: Associated Press

The military's top uniformed officer says U.S. forces are "significantly stressed" by fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan while simultaneously trying to stem the tide of violent extremism elsewhere.

"The pace of ongoing operations has prevented our forces from fully training for the full spectrum of operations and impacts our ability to be ready to counter future threats," Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in testimony prepared for delivery Wednesday.

Mullen's stern warnings are likely to become welcome political fodder for anti-war Democrats, who want legislation requiring that troops spend more time at home between combat tours. Last year's efforts to pass such a bill failed after intense lobbying by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who says it would do more harm than good and tie the hands of military commanders.

Mullen and Gates were to testify Wednesday in separate hearings of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. Copies of their prepared remarks were obtained in advance by The Associated Press.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080206/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq

[gratuitous]

1. "Political fodder for anti-war Democrats"

First, are there any anti-war Democrats? Second, why isn't this a concern for pro-war or anti-war politicians of any party? And why is this "fodder" of a "political" variety? Or is the fact of an overworked military merely one more political opinion, to be spun to the temporary political advantage of one faction or another?

Sure, it sucks to be in the military at such a time as this, but think how this will affect some political hack's standing in the polls!

[bdamomma]

2. well apparently these jerks who are the topped officials

are not as "stressed" to get our guys out. Sickening and shameful what is happening to our troops, along with the Iraqi civilians.

hey Cal04:hi:

[LynnTheDem]

3. The US military is destroyed.

Just as so many US military top brass warned would happen.

Gee, who coulda known they'd be so correct in every single thing??!

[cal04]

4. Mullen: US Troops Are Tired

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080206/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq_23

The top uniformed military officer on Wednesday described a tired U.S. military force, worn thin by operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and unlikely to come home in large numbers anytime soon.

The assessment comes as President Bush decides whether to continue troop reductions in Iraq — possibly endangering fragile security gains made in recent months — or not, and risk straining ground forces further.

"The well is deep, but it is not infinite," Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee. "We must get Army deployments down to 12 months as soon as possible. People are tired."

(snip)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Mullen's testimony "confirms our warning that the war in Iraq has seriously undermined our nation's military strength and readiness, and therefore our national security."

[Supersedeas]

6. nothing to see here -- the US television outlets have only Britney updates for ya

[saigon68]

7. I see she got out of the Hospital Club Med this AM

[CRK7376]

5. Could that be

because we have been deployed for nearly 7 years between OEF/OIF/HOA/PI, oh yeah, we still have troops in the Balkans....

[JBoy]

8. Amazes me to no end how they can treat the troops like shit

while asking nothing of the rest of the country except "keep on shopping". And showing your support by putting a decal on your SUV that sucks the oil that ensures a repeat visit to Iraq for the shit-upon soldier.

[ReformedChris]

9. The American Military Machine was built to hold off a massive Soviet Western European invasion..

NOT occupying and policing a nation for years on end. Of COURSE it's going to get strained with time and lack of progress. I think it is heinous that Bush is ALWAYS talking about leaving the decisions to the "Generals". He is placing too much responsibility for the situation on the military when in fact it was a BONEHEADED political decision by that worthless piece of $hit!

[lovuian]

10. stressed ya think

Suicides are up Desertions up
this has Vietnam written all over it