Bush policy means second tours in Iraq, military says

By Julian E. Barnes
LA Times

Washington — Top U.S. military officials, expecting President Bush to order an increase in the size of the force in Iraq, have concluded that such a buildup would require them to reverse Pentagon policy and send the Army's National Guard and reserve units on lengthy second tours in Iraq, defense officials said Monday.

Under Pentagon policy, guard and reserve units have been limited to 24 months of mobilization for the Iraq war. Under that rule, most reserve units already sent to Iraq are ineligible to return.

But the Joint Chiefs of Staff have concluded that a significant buildup would require the Pentagon to overturn the policy and send Guard and reserve units for additional year-long tours.

Such an order likely would be controversial among state governors, who share authority over the Guard, and could heighten concerns in Congress over the war and Bush's plans for a troop increase.

In addition, National Guard leaders also are skeptical of calls for additional combat tours, which they fear could hurt recruiting and retention.

"If you have to sustain a surge long term, you have to use the Guard and reserve," said a defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the president has not unveiled his strategy shift.

(There is more, here.)