Soldiering in Persistent Conflict: Winning Today, Staying Ready For Tomorrow

摘要

The United States has unmistakably found itself embroiled in two long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. From the Soldiers' viewpoint, these conflicts are unlike any our Country has seen in its history. Most of our previous long wars were fought by draftees who served either until the war was won or their conscriptions expired. To the present day Soldier in an all- volunteer force, going home is only a temporary condition. Many Soldiers are required to redeploy in approximately one year, either with the same unit or a new one. This revolving door deployment cycle has had major impacts on Soldiers, families, and the United States Army as an institution. This essay will examine the 'human implications', both positive and negative, of the persistent conflicts that we currently face. It will focus on the effects on Soldiers and their ability to sustain current operations. It will explain the impact on the United States Army and make recommendations on how to potentially address these issues by mitigating the negative implications and capitalizing on the positive.