BAGHDAD — Top U.S. military commanders say that morale among troops in Iraq
remains good.
Officials said American combat units have not been significantly
affected by the widespread calls in the United States for a withdrawal from
Iraq. They said enlistment of combat units remains high, with many of them
returning for second or third tours.
Over the weekend, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said combat troops
represented the highest reenlistment rates in the military, Middle East Newsline reported. He told soldiers
at the Balad air force base that despite the domestic debate over Iraq,
Americans support the work of the military.
"If they didn't think what they were doing was important, then they
wouldn't reenlist," Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer, commander of Multinational
Force West, said.
On Dec. 9, Zilmer, a Marine officer, said retention among Marines
based in Iraq was more than 140 percent of the goal. He said many of the
Marines and soldiers in the Anbar province have been on their second or
third tour.
"They come out here and decide they will make a difference," Zilmer
said. "And they do. Every day."
Many soldiers and airmen at Balad said they have not lost the conviction
that the war in Iraq could be won. They said the American people must retain
similar faith.
"This is my second year-long tour," a convoy commander at Anaconda
Logistics Area said. "Why am I more patient than someone sitting at home in
'Fort Livingroom?'"
