"Mullen is openly voicing concerns that professionalism and ethical standards across the armed forces are being severely challenged by the longest period of sustained combat in the nation's history" ( The New York Times, Jan. Again notice the date: This assessment was made nine months before Obama's escalation. military may not be able to respond quickly and fully to new crises, a classified Pentagon assessment has concluded" (Associated Press online, Feb. foreign policy deserves to be taken seriously if it fails to begin and end with the facts of what we are doing to our troops. Set that beside this: "About 18 veterans commit suicide on an average day" ( The New York Times, May 19, 2011, p.A26). Look again at the number: 17,538 not in therapy but hospitalized. The Pentagon blamed 'prolonged exposure to combat,' resulting from soldiers' multiple deployments in nine straight years of war" ( The Week, May 28, 2010, p.18). troops were hospitalized for mental health disorders last year (17,538) than for battle wounds or other injuries (11,156). Set that beside this: "In a historical first, more U.S. Please note that date four months before President Obama announced the so-called surge, his escalation of the Afghan war. Admiral Mullen asks the soldier to step forward to shake his hand" ( The New York Times, July 22, 2009, p.A23). 'Fourth deployment?' A good dozen hands go up. 'Third deployment?' Still lots of hands are raised. The scene is Afghanistan: "'Let me see a show of hands,' says Admiral Mullen, 'how many of you are on your first deployment?' A couple dozen hands go up.
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