The Stop Loss program of extending enlistments isn't doing the job, so now there are reports that the Army is threatening soldiers near the end of their enlistments with shipment to Iraq unless they re-enlist for another four years.

You read that right. Here are details:

Rep. Diana Degette, D-Denver called for a congressional probe into reports that Army commanders told Iraq veterans at Fort Carson, Colo., and elsewhere to re-enlist or face possible transfers to Iraq-bound units.

Army officials disavowed any coercive tactics.

At Fort Carson, commanders told [a 23-year-old gunner wounded while serving in Iraq] that if he didn't re-enlist he'd be transferred to a unit that probably would move to Iraq, said the soldier, who asked not to be named.

"Officers here said, 'I'm just getting my orders and passing them on to you,'" the soldier said. "It just felt like it was an ultimatum: re-enlist and you get $10,000. Or else, if you don't re-enlist, you'll most definitely get stationed somewhere else and you'll probably go right back to Iraq."

House Armed Services Committee members hadn't heard from Degette, but the practice she described, if widespread, is "not acceptable," said Harold Stavenas, spokesman for Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-San Diego, the committee chairman. [Congresswoman hears 're-enlist or Iraq' story 09/28/04]

What ever happened to "The Land of the Brave and the Free?" What is it they're supposed to be fighting for?

Write your Senators and House Representative and tell them what you think.

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