Army and Marines in particular have always had trouble with their retention rates; especially when the going gets tough (iraq pre-surge,) and I expect a drop in land combat forces after this policy is enacted and after the summer surge by taliban forces. Our land forces are suffering in morale and I continue to see it drop especially with the ridiculous ROE, and our lack of initiative to take the fight to the enemy in Pakistan.
“Our land forces are suffering in morale”
I don’t see that. In my neighborhood the National Guard guys are doing just fine. All have an SUV and a new truck in the driveway. Many can afford stay at home wives and are working on U. of Phoenix masters. As long as times are tough these guys will be happy to continue cashing those NG checks no matter how many rump rangers sign up.