Our men and women in uniform are still paying the ultimate price in Afghanistan and Iraq because of the mistakes and incompetence of our leaders.
As reported by the Associated Press, the Pentagon just announced the tour of 2200 Marines in Afghanistan has been extended an additional 30 days after insisting for months the unit would come home on time. The 24th MEU is involved in combat operations in the volatile south in Helmond Province.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates had repeatedly said he did not intend to extend the Marines in Afghanistan. In fact when he was asked about an extension in early May, Gates said he would "be loathe to do that." The Pentagon Press Secretary said commanders on the ground asked for the extension. Being extended in the time of war is nothing new to the troops. It has happened in many of our past wars, but happened for different reasons. The extensions of tours for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are a direct result of the incompetence of our Commander in Chief who committed our country to a war and occupation in Iraq over WMD that did not exist, an unnecessary war that depleted our ready troops and reserve levels and as a result short changed our troops in Afghanistan where the real war on terror is located.
Our men and women in uniform will continue to serve their country with the highest honor despite their hardships and this setback. It is hard to comprehend how our leaders have learned nothing from their sacrifice. After all, the war in Afghanistan has been going on for over six years.
