As an Army Reserve officer with nearly 30 years of service, I completely understand the WHY of stop-loss.

But, it's a policy which engenders concern not only for the future of the military in general, but of the Reserves and National Guard specifically. It's bad enough that the "civilan warrier" (now being called the "Warrior Civilian," by the way) must wrestle with military commitments far, far more demanding than they were a decade ago. Now, he/she has to face almost certain, repeated tours of duty which interrupt his/her civilian employment career and his/her home life.

I am increasingly worried, frankly, about the future strength and stability of our Total Force, not just the Reserves and National Guard. I believe that a draft will eventually indeed return, and that the increasing dependency upon our "home" forces, will contribute adversely to our at-home peacefulness.

Hate being so pessimistic, but there it is!



SWR