Army desertion rates up 80% since invasion of Iraq in 2003

[Quo_Vadis_Petre]

Army desertion rates up 80% since invasion of Iraq in 2003

Associated Press - November 16, 2007 1:13 PM ET

PENTAGON (AP) - The Army's desertion rate has risen 80% since the invasion of Iraq four years ago.

Desertion is at its highest rate since 1980, though still far lower than when the draft was in effect during the Vietnam war.

Army statistics show about nine out of every 1,000 soldiers deserted during the past fiscal year. That's a 42% increase over 2006.

Despite the steady increase in desertions, an Associated Press examination of Pentagon figures earlier this year shows that the military does little to find those who leave their posts and rarely prosecutes the ones they get. Some are allowed to return to their units, while most are given less-than-honorable discharges.

Military leaders have acknowledged that the Army has been stretched nearly to the breaking point by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many soldiers serving repeated and lengthy tours.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7371478&nav=0Ra7CbbF

[Alfred_E_Newman]

What is the motivation for posting this?

[Quo_Vadis_Petre]

Just posting news showing one of the effects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nothing about hating the army, if that's what you're implying. Why is it that it is suspicious to post stuff like this? What possible unworthy motivation are you thinking I have?

Perhaps you miss the point that secular news, politics, etc., can be posted in here.

[Vandaler]

Well, there is certainly little surprise that desertions go up in times of war.

Why would someone desert a voluntary army in times of peace if it's not for personal reasons that have little to do with anything ?

[wolseley]

That's such good news, some people can hardly contain themselves.

[JubilateDeo]

Gee for some unknown reason I had thought this was a spiritual website, seems it is getting more political all the time.  Perhaps if we turned more things over to Jesus & prayed, we'd have less secular unrest-just a thought.

Perhaps you miss the point that secular news, politics, etc., can be posted in here.

[heliotropes4]

I just read elsewhere that there were 6,000 suicides among our vets  just last year.  They are being asked to give completely of   themselves and make the ultimate sacrifice and our politicians treat  them like dirt.  I am against the war, but I think regardless of  one's position, you have to acknowledge that our troops and vets are  being treated shamefully, so there is probably reason for the increase  in desertion rates.
 
 
 

[pander44us]

 Involuntary multiple extended tours might be one reason .The fact that most people don't give a rats behind for them might be another.Then,although this is not entirely related,I believe I heard on the news last night about members of the U.S.diplomatic corps pitching hissy fits about mandatory postings to Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries.They complained so loudly that the mandatory aspect was dropped.Service members who hear or read about this and have no such choice ( they do,but then the UCMJ kicks in,other vets should know what I mean ) are probably real impressed with that one.

[wolseley]

Perhaps if we had a mandatory military service law (such as many other countries do), our servicemembers wouldn't have to undergo multiple, extended-length overseas tours.

[CradleCatholic]

Re Wolseley, 7.08 am today

That pic sums the whole thing up,does anyone really want those fools demanding that we get "converted" to their religion? Look at them,an out of control mob,who would kill you in a second,if you gave them the chance.