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Plea to soldiers

Mar- 8-2004 » Filed Under: General Military

[Link to Full Article]
"When you leave Iraq, don't leave Army, too"
Jeannie Piper, Web Producer

BALAD, Iraq (AP) - Talking to soldiers leaving Iraq after a year of tough duty, Gen. John Abizaid made a plea: Please don't leave the Army, too. It needs you and your combat experience in the global war on terror.

Abizaid, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, made a point during a recent visit at Balad and other American outposts in Iraq first to thank departing soldiers -- and then to urge them to stay in uniform.

"My point to them is really not out of concern that we're going to have an exodus as much as I want to keep the experience that has been gained," the general said.

The Pentagon says statistics thus far offer no hint that soldiers are leaving the services at higher-than-usual rates. Officials say long deployments and the casualties in Iraq -- at least 552 killed and more than 3,100 wounded so far -- have not deterred recruitment of new soldiers.

Abizaid, however, suggests the true impact on the Army has yet to be felt.

(Thanks to Katy for the link)


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