Skelton Asks 'Where Does This End?' On Iraq

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), concerned about the state of the U.S. Army as it faces extended deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, wrote to Defense Secretary Robert Gates today to question Pentagon plans to send 12,000 more National Guard troops to Iraq later this year.

Skelton also wants to know whether there is any truth to the rumor that General David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, wants to extend the deployments of some 15,000 currently serving in Iraq. The United States currently has roughly 145,000 troops serving in Iraq.

Here's a copy of the letter that Skelton sent to Gates today:

"Dear Mr. Secretary:
 
As you know, I am very concerned about Army readiness. Testimony before the House Armed Services Committee has confirmed that the Army is under enormous stress and strain because of frequent deployments to Iraq. Our non-deployed forces are facing serious readiness challenges as well.  
 
Yesterday, the Department of Defense announced that four National Guard brigade combat teams consisting of over 12,000 soldiers would deploy in December 2007 as replacement forces for formations currently operating in Iraq. Thus, I ask the following questions:  What is the Department doing to ensure that these National Guard brigade combat teams are fully trained for the full range of missions they will be asked to perform, especially counter-insurgency tasks, and what is the Department doing to ensure that these forces have all the equipment required for force protection and other mission essential tasks? 

Recent news reports also indicate that you are considering a request from General Petraeus, the Commander in Iraq, to extend by four months the deployments of five brigades that are currently scheduled to return home later this summer. If these reports are accurate, I want to express my concerns about the effect these proposed deployment extensions will have on overall Army readiness and morale, as well as the morale of our service members' families. 
 
I write this letter to you with the highest respect and affection for the American soldier.  This is a sentiment that I know you share.  But I must ask you, Mr. Secretary, where does this end?"