Why the last minute chain jerk for the 172nd? What was it, two or three months ago the prime minister put umpteen thousand Iraqi police and military on the streets of Baghdad. It hasn't worked out the way they expected for at least two months. I don't understand the last minute thing.
While seeing my son off last week I was able to talk to a number of company grade officers. Two things struck me. Experienced E5 and 6s are bailing, especially after 2nd tours. And, Captains are leaving in droves. So much so the Major promotion rate is running 96-97%. Not scientific, I know, but I did sense some problems in the retention of some good folks.
Captains leaving in droves. Well, that is true, but I will also add that all along this has been the case whether it is peace or war time. CPTs meet their obligations and get out. Other's have not prepared their spouses properly for the unique stresses of military life, missed dinners, FTX, working weekends, deployments. The women now days just want their hubbys by their side in a 9 to 5 job with weekends off. It's hard running a house, taking care of kids, and all of the other things our mother's did without their husbands help, because they were out making a living. Priorities change, motives change, and a lot of these departing CPTs will regret their departure.
E5/6 getting out? See above comment.