Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

EDITORIAL: Increased Iraq redeployment disrupts lives
Staff Editorial
The University Star (Texas State U.-San Marcos)
10/09/2007

(U-WIRE) SAN MARCOS, Texas — Deployment. Every gung-ho soldier waters at the mouth in anticipation of hearing this word when they sign up. Soldiers are best defined as the brave souls who selflessly decide to sign contracts with the U.S. government and subject themselves to the mortal dangers of warfare. It is of utmost importance to remember today's armed forces is all-volunteer. Every person in a military uniform decided to be a part of one of the world's largest-standing armed forces. But what happens when they do their duty, serve their time and return home? That is, those fortunate enough to return home alive.

Redeployment is not a new revelation or practice. Six years into the War on Terror, military volunteers should realize the high probability of being recalled for service after their so-called contracts are fulfilled. This recall to active duty is logical, considering the nature of war, but it is unfair to ask someone to return to the fray after miniscule time off.

In the Oct. 3 issue of The University Star, an article outlined the plights of student-veterans. Justin McNutt, a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, was faced with a dilemma: what to do about being recalled for active service. McNutt had already served two tours in Iraq, and knew the letter he was ordered to pick up contained information detailing a prospective third trip. Thankfully, in his case, a high GPA and beaming letters of recommendation prevented a tertiary outing to the desert. The Star cannot help but side with the returning soldiers. What kind of thanks are we extending by congratulating and thanking these gallant warriors and then almost immediately telling them to return to action? It is almost criminal to ask someone who continually risked his or her life to return to action in order to fulfill the plans of politicians, who return home to warm beds and showers daily.

What kind of message does that send to the troops? "Thanks for coming home and visiting with everyone, but you should go back to war." The job description of military careers requires an extreme deviation from the U.S. ideal family life. Moving from place to place and planning trips and relationship milestones far in advance are just a few of the sacrifices soldiers must deal with. Asking them to return to active service disrupts any semblance of a normal life and arguably eradicates it.

How does one plan a family when the uncertainty of returning to war is such an issue? The Star believes soldiers should not be forced to return to service after fulfilling the terms of the contracts they sign. It is not only unfair to ask troops to return to war, but un-American.

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