The Defense Department takes every report of low military morale seriously, and DoD leaders said today they must remain attentive to the needs of service members and their families.
...The question arose from a nonscientific poll of service members in Iraq conducted by The Stars and Stripes newspaper. The survey indicated that roughly a third of the troops in Iraq classified their morale as low and said they would not re-enlist.
..."They are just enormously important to our country, these young men and women who are doing such a terrific job around the world," Rumsfeld said
...Myers said he understands what U.S. service members are going through in Iraq. "I don't think we can ignore how tough conditions are in Iraq," he said
..."I always worry as a four-star (general that) somebody is bringing us the happy folks," Myers said. "(That) I want to see the folks who have the complaints and they won't let them near me." Rumsfeld said service members recognize the importance of their tasks, and the survey holds that up. Fully two-thirds of those surveyed said they understand why they are in Iraq, and what the United States is attempting to do there.
FYI from the top brass who care about the troops (and can handle) the truth.
Can the press?
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As an ex-military guy, I have to say that about 1/3 "low morale" is pretty decent rating...
I'll bet a similar poll would have found numbers in excess of 3/4 or so "low morale" during Carter's administration.