Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement regarding the Pentagon’s decision to extend Army deployments to 15 months:

            “I received a phone call earlier today from the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Richard Cody, informing me of the decision to extend Army deployments from 12 months to 15 months.  

            This new policy will be an additional burden to an already overstretched Army.  I think this will have a chilling effect on recruiting, retention, and readiness.  We also must not underestimate the enormous negative impact this will have on Army families.

            I have the greatest respect and admiration for our men and women in uniform, and I know that they will continue to do their duty as members of the U.S. military.  I am so proud of them.”  

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