War's strain wearing on Army
troops, tools- written by Dave Moniz, Matt Kelley and Steven Komarow of USA Today looked at the similarities of the war in Iraq, and some of the
problems being faced there, with the war in Vietnam.
Military recruiting is below force sustainable levels and
equipment is being
used more quickly than is able to be replaced. Crucial equipment (trucks, helicopters, etc...) are being used at several times their peacetime use. Because of recruiting problems, military officials have resorted to increasing bonuses to keep military personnel in highly skilled fields; such as military police, bomb disposal squads, and special operations
units. Military
entrance standards are also being lowered with a percentage of Army recruits scoring in the lowest category on military entrance exams in crucial areas-math, word knowledge, and science. Even with the problems facing the troops, specifically the ground troops, morale is still said to be high and the Army has no plans of giving in. The problem with fighting essentially two wars, Afghanistan and Iraq, are numerous; however, the Army has come to rely on it's reserve and National Guard units as an indispensable, dedicated resource. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are not the only troops to be affected by equipment shortage. It is claimed that the response to Hurricane Katrina was hindered by the lack of reliable equipment to aid in the rescue and recovery effort. Opinions on the war by top politicians is also divided with some demanding immediate withdrawal of US military forces and others calling for a more measured approach. One thing is certain, however, and that is the effect on the future efficacy of the United States military. The war is wearing both the men and women in uniform thin and resources are being used too quickly to be replaced. If this problem is not rectified it may leave the US open for future attack.
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