thedrifter
01-11-07, 10:44 AM
Gates ups troop numbers for Bush Iraq plan
Posted on : 2007-01-11 | Author : World News Editor
News Category : World
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates responded to President George Bush's call for more troops in Iraq Thursday by increasing Army and Marine recruiting targets.At a White House news conference, Gates announced the Army will seek out 65,000 more soldiers, and the Marines will increase in strength by 27,000, the American Forces Press Service reported.We should recognize that while it may take some time for these new troops to become available for deployment, it is important that our men and women in uniform know that additional manpower and resources are on the way, Gates said. The Army has a current strength of 512,400, and the Marines have 180,000. Under Gates' proposal, the Army's end-strength will grow to 547,000 and the Marines to 202,000.Bush said Wednesday night he would send 21,500 more troops to imbed with Iraqi troops in and around Baghdad to put down sectarian fighting between Shiite and Sunni Muslims that has the city in near-lawlessness.
Ellie
Posted on : 2007-01-11 | Author : World News Editor
News Category : World
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates responded to President George Bush's call for more troops in Iraq Thursday by increasing Army and Marine recruiting targets.At a White House news conference, Gates announced the Army will seek out 65,000 more soldiers, and the Marines will increase in strength by 27,000, the American Forces Press Service reported.We should recognize that while it may take some time for these new troops to become available for deployment, it is important that our men and women in uniform know that additional manpower and resources are on the way, Gates said. The Army has a current strength of 512,400, and the Marines have 180,000. Under Gates' proposal, the Army's end-strength will grow to 547,000 and the Marines to 202,000.Bush said Wednesday night he would send 21,500 more troops to imbed with Iraqi troops in and around Baghdad to put down sectarian fighting between Shiite and Sunni Muslims that has the city in near-lawlessness.
Ellie