U.S. soldiers face longer tours in Iraq: Pentagon
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. soldiers will serve up to 15 months in Iraq and Afghanistan instead of one year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday, the latest sign of the strain the wars have placed on the U.S. military.
Gates: Army tours extended by three months
About 15,000 more troops are expected to be deployed to Iraq in coming months to support the efforts to pacify Baghdad and other provinces.
The Marines, whose members serve seven months deployed, are unaffected by Wednesday’s order, said Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Troops now held beyond 12 months are paid an additional $1,000 a month. That policy will continue, Gates said.
Also, the Army has struggled to entice soldiers and Marines not to leave the service. The campaign to retain soldiers has reached $1 billion, with bonuses soaring nearly sixfold since 2003. (Read full story)