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For Immediate Release
April 10, 2008 |
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Shays Hails Decision
to Limit Army Tours to 12 Months
Shays introduced H.R. 3178 to limit
the length of deployment for our servicemembers serving in
Iraq to 12 months for the Army
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Christopher Shays (CT-4)
today expressed support for the Pentagon’s decision
to reduce Army combat tours in Iraq from 15 months to 12 months.
Shays has advocated tour reductions as part of his observations
and recommendations following oversight trips to Iraq.
In July 2007, Shays introduced H.R. 3178 to limit the length
of deployment in Iraq to 12 months for the Army and Army Reserve,
and to 7 months for the Marines and Marine Reserves. In August,
Shays offered this legislation as an amendment to H.R. 3159,
the Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability
Deployment Policy Act, but unfortunately, the Majority party
did not allow debate on his amendment.
“Extending the deployment of a soldier is a serious
issue, especially in a voluntary military such as ours,”
said Shays. “The men and women of our military have
performed brilliantly overseas, but the physical and emotional
strain on them and their families is tremendous.”
“The bottom line is we do not have the force structure
to maintain the number of troops we have in Iraq now, and
certainly do not have the capacity to increase this force,”
added Shays. “It is unreasonable to ask our soldiers
to return to Iraq on third and fourth tours.”
Shays, who recently returned from his 20th trip to Iraq,
outlined nine observations and 12 recommendations in a letter
to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
In the close of this letter, Shays points out:
Timelines are essential. Some Iraqis feel we will never
leave, while others believe we will leave too soon. Establishment
of timelines will let both extremes know we will leave when
Iraq is stable and able to maintain its own security, but
not stay with such a large presence indefinitely.
Shays also renewed his recommendation of June 2007 that
the Iraq Study Group be re-engaged and have the opportunity
to present new assessments and conclusions to the American
public and the president-elect by the end of the year.
Contact: Dave Natonski , 202/225-5541
Contact:
Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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