Redstate

By Darin H Posted in National Security — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Earlier, Mark Kilmer pointed us to a story from ABC "News" in which the "journalist" couldn't find one Soldier who didn't want to go home (or vote for someone who would bring them home quicker). Maybe they should try for facts instead of anecdotes:

The 3rd Infantry Division, headquartered at Fort Stewart, Ga., completed its fiscal year 2008 retention goal in less than six months, which most view as a phenomenal act.

This is unprecedented according to the division's retention sergeant major. "I've been in this career field for 16 years, and I've never known of a division to meet its goal in such a short time," said Sgt. Maj. Kelvin Raibon, the 3rd Infantry Division Retention sergeant major.

This is the division's third deployment to Iraq since 2003, but its high operational tempo did not stop 4,000 Soldiers from re-enlisting. Even more troops will follow their lead, and by the end of March one battalion with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, out of Fort Benning, Ga., will have met its retention goal twice.

The 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment is four Soldiers away from retaining 200 percent of its goal.

(emphasis mine)

Those are pretty impressive numbers there. Less than half the year? 200 percent?

Soldiers are re-enlisting at record rates. While each Soldier has their own reason for staying or going, they, by and large, are saying that they believe the surge is working, they are succeeding in their mission and want to see it completed. I believe that General Petraeus' counter insurgent strategy (including the surge) and its success is a big reason we are seeing these re-enlistments.

Who are the Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division? Hat tip to Greyhawk, who gives us the answer:

In case that wasn't clear, I'll explain: the 3ID - the Division that took Baghdad in 2003, did a second tour in Iraq in 2005, and then bore the brunt of the surge in 2007, exceeded it's re-enlistment goal for FY2008 half way through the year.

If the media and the Democrats (but I repeat myself) would only stand together with us as one America, it would make it much easier for our troops to complete their mission in Iraq. It would end the hostilities quicker and bring them home sooner. As victors.