'Defense Official': Pentagon considering extending deployments 120 days for 15,000 more

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is considering a plan to extend the tours of duty for up to 15,000 U.S. troops serving in Iraq, a defense official said Monday.

The idea is among options being considered in response to a request in the last couple of weeks by Gen. David Petraeus, U.S. commander in Iraq, the Associated Press reports, quoting an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the idea has not been approved...

Defense officials are looking at the idea of a maximum 120-day extension for five active duty brigades that would otherwise come home in the coming months - four ground units and one aviation combat brigade totaling roughly 15,000 troops, the official said. The plan would have to be approved by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Read the rest at the St. Petersberg Times

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