The Longest Tour

The First Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division just may hold the longevity badge for deployment in Iraq:

A National Guard that includes more than 2,000 Minnesotans could become the longest-serving National Guard unit in the Iraq war.

The Commander of the First Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division says his troops could remain in Iraq until August 1. That would result in a 22-month tour for the unit.

The unit was due to come home in March.

I've been hawkish through this war against terror, but I am becoming more and more frustrated with how the war is being navigated, and how the troops are being worn thin. This has to call into question our readiness at home and abroad.

The President has said he will turn over security of Iraq to the Iraqi people in November. I plan on holding him to that and then I expect to see a redeployment plan. More and more war proponents are expecting to see a change soon. I am becoming one of those who may expect something sooner, rather than later.

Flash