As an Iraqi Freedom veteran, I know what it’s like to be stuck out in the sand for months on end. I know what it’s like to wake up to a mortar explosion and all you have for cover is a bed frame and some body armor. I know what it’s like to sink your boot into inches of sticky mud after a rainstorm, and I know what it’s like to be in 120 degree heat. But unlike my Army counterparts, I don’t know what it’s like to serve fifteen months in the sandbox. I only served four.

I am in no way discounting what my Air Force comrades and I did while in Iraq. I felt honored to be there, but at the same time, lucky I didn’t have to stay longer than I had to. Unfortunately for many Army and Marine troops, Iraq and Middle East fifteen month deployments are becoming the norm, rather than the exception. It pains me when my Army buddies here in Colorado receive word they’re being deployed again, this time to serve in Iraq for fifteen months, and maybe longer. I’ve heard “Fuck Iraq” so many times from Army friends that it has become a normal event.

Though I agree with the reason why we’re over there and although I am happy that President Bush has not backed down to critics, I’m still concerned over the welfare of those who deploy for extended periods of time. There is only so much the people can do to support the troops, until deployments become overbearing. Too many times I’ve seen good guys get cheated on; too many times I’ve seen guys get divorced; too many times I’ve seen men come home to children they don’t know. Too many times.

The Democrats in Congress are proposing a bill that would match troops’ deployment time with rest time at home. Secretary of Defense Gates has suggested the President should veto it, as the bill would constrain the use of available forces, while further extending troop deployments. While I can see how the Dems’ bill would limit the flexibility of the Armed Forces and commanders, I have to pose the questions, “How much is enough? How many times are troops going to go back to Iraq?”

People argue that those who volunteered to serve our country are required to do their duty and shouldn’t complain. Many people argue that’s the way the military is - you follow orders and get over yourself because it’s your duty to do your job. And while I agree there is a certain responsibility of service involved and that one should consider it is their duty to protect this country, I don’t agree one should never question “why?” Even in wartime, there is a limit to the patience of our soldiers - a limit to how many times they can be deployed and a limit to their will to finish the mission, before they can’t emotionally or physically stand it anymore. And though I agree with President Bush and Secretary Gates that a bill matching rest with deployment time would be detriment to having a well equipped and prepared defense force, I have to wonder, how much is enough?

Food for thought this Monday morning.