3 chapters across the catalog
An anecdote describes a 22-year-old soldier whose body was returned from Germany following a suspected suicide. This leads to a discussion on the high rate of suicides among service members and the psychological toll of multiple deployments. A host recounts a personal experience in Iraq where a young Marine broke down emotionally, questioning the purpose of the war and the killing of civilians.
US Marine Deployment, Australia Rotational Deployment
The United States is beginning a "rotational deployment" of Marines to Darwin, Australia, a move characterized by some as a strategic vacation spot. Military analyst Rod Adams explains that rotational deployments are used when troops will stay for less than two years, avoiding the expense of moving families. The deployment is seen as a way to maintain a presence in the region while providing troops with a desirable location.
President Obama addressed the stress of multiple combat tours on troops, emphasizing the need for mental health counseling and increased rest between deployments. The administration claims the troop surge in Afghanistan was partly intended to provide relief for active-duty units, though critics question the timing of these troop drawdowns.
