Rumsfeld announces Iraq tour extensions for thousands of US soldiers

It's only gonna take about 30 years.




Rumsfeld announces Iraq tour extensions for thousands of US soldiers
By Robert Burns, Associated Press, 4/15/2004 14:51



WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon said Thursday it is extending by three months the tours of some 20,000 American troops in Iraq, giving commanders the extra firepower they believe necessary to confront an insurgency that is taking a mounting toll on the U.S.-led coalition.

The decision, announced by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, breaks a promise to soldiers who were assured when they arrived in Iraq that they would stay no more than one year. By extending their tours of duty by three months, the Pentagon is acknowledging that the insurgency has ruined its plans to reduce the size of the U.S. military presence this spring.

The troops had expected to return home this month after completing 12 months in Iraq.

''We regret having to extend those individuals,'' Rumsfeld said, adding that the American public is grateful for their sacrifices. ''What they're doing is important. It's noble work, and in the end it will be successful.''

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/106/wash/Rumsfeld_announces_Iraq_tour_e:.shtml

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