[TUAN_JIM]

Just active. This is really not a big deal because the active duty either spends the 3 months here or there but either way they’re still active duty.

Not a big deal? How many tours in Iraq have you done? I've done 2, but since I'm a Marine mine were only 7 months. I can't imagine 15 months in a row. Not to mention, many of these guys will be on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th tour.

[tobyhill]

It’s a big deal if you want to make it a big deal. Maybe it can become such a big deal that we should go back to the draft? I actually believe that every able person in America should be required to serve at least 2 years. Persian Gulf War. I pray for all troops to return safely but I do not believe that very short extensions should become issue over mission. My best friend is doing his stint as a Marine Recruiter after his 2nd tour of Iraq and he told me that every recruit is told that there is a possibility of early deployments and extensions and all understand it going in. Three month extension to him would be a blessing instead of the possibility of a lot more than that.

[leadpenny]

Thanks for you service and thanks for the reality gut check.