Stretched Army Sends Troops Back to Iraq

Marine Maj. Jim Lively, left, studies a map and radios fellow American units during a gunfight on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, in Ramadi, Iraq, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad. The operation began with a house-to-house sweep through what American forces said was one of this city's last insurgent strongholds. It ended with rooftop gunfights, airstrikes and dead guerrillas on the streets. Commanders hope the troops will be able to keep out insurgents, but "unfortunately as always it will be a challenge," said Lively, who was part of a seven-man American team that worked with an Iraqi army company to help clear the area. "It's so easy for them to put down their weapons, walk away" and blend in with civilians, he said of the insurgents. (AP Photo/Todd Pitman) (Todd Pitman - AP)

Military leaders say the 12 months are needed so the units can rest and then become adequately trained and equipped to go back.

Throughout the war, some smaller, more specialized units have had to deploy without 12 months rest. The Pentagon is currently developing a policy that would provide additional pay to units that don't get the year break.

Other deployments announced Monday include:

_ The 18th Airborne Corps Headquarters unit, based at Fort Bragg, N.C., will go to Iraq in November

_ The 1st Armored Division Headquarters, based in Wiesbaden, Germany, will go in August

In addition to the 7,000 newly announced deployments, Whitman said about 2,000 military police have gotten their orders to go to Iraq. Gates announced last month that commanders requested about 2,200 military police. About 200 were already there and had their tours extended to meet the request, according to the Army.

Also, the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, which is currently in Iraq, will serve a full year there and return home in January 2008 rather than in September as originally planned.

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