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Waiting is the hardest part for troops in limbo in Iraq

Apr-11-2007 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

The following article is one of many recently speculating on the possibility of an extension of the 3/2 SBCT's deployment. If that happens I hope the Pentagon handles the situation much differently than it did with the 172nd SBCT.

By Sharon Behn, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

BAGHDAD -- As heavy rain turned the paths of their Baghdad base to inch-thick mud yesterday, soldiers of the Stryker Brigade waited for the bad news.

For weeks now, all they have thought about is whether they will have to stay in Iraq an extra three or four months, stretching their deployment into almost 16 months of nonstop combat.

"The big worry is not knowing when we are going back home," said Capt. Tom Rychecky. Like the rest of his unit, Capt. Rychecky has worked in Baghdad since the military surge began last month.

"However, if they feel we need to be here longer to help the situation, well, that's what we signed up to do," he said, ignoring the mud building up across the plywood floor of his office at Camp Stryker.

The Pentagon confirmed Monday it is reviewing a request by Army Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, to extend the tours by a maximum of 120 days for about 15,000 troops serving in Iraq. But rumors of an extension have been circulating here for weeks.

Soldiers are reluctant to speak on the record about how they feel. But beneath all their jokes, and their strength, there is a lot of talk about wives and children they have not seen in months or years, and the terrible uncertainty of not knowing when they will see their loved ones again.

"If you are going to do it, just come out and tell us," said Sgt. 1st Class Rolston F. Williams, who is looking forward to returning to his wife, Jan, and his three daughters and one son at Fort Lewis in Washington state.

The constant talk in Washington of extending their deployments, and their daily 12- to 15-hour patrols, all for an objective that is elusive and success that is hard to see, is difficult for some to accept.

Related Article:

Soldiers may be in Iraq longer - The News Tribune


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