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Iraq commanders say no to breaks in combat

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 health problems.


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.

Huge U.S. force attacking in Diyala

BAGHDAD — A force of 10,000 U.S. soldiers firing artillery and using Stryker and Bradley Fighting Vehicles fought their way through western Baqubah and other al-Qaida sanctuaries in Diyala province Tuesday. U.S. helicopters and jet fighters flew cover.


Also on Tuesday, a truck bomber attacked a revered Shiite shrine in the heart of Baghdad, killing at least 78 people and wounding more than 200 in a resumption of Iraq’s relentless sectarian slaughter. The mosque’s turquoise dome survived, but the blast buried some worshippers and badly burned others.

Army May Have To Extend Iraq Tours

Spokesman says ‘it would be the last option on the list’
[San Diego Union-Tribune, June 20, 2007]

The Army is considering whether it will have to extend the combat tours of troops in Iraq if President Bush opts to maintain the recent buildup of force through spring 2008.