Troop Extension for Iraq May be Looming Closer

A decision could be issued by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other officials in the coming days, according to a defense official who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

U.S. soldier in Iraq Photo: DoD

(SALEM) - MSNBC is reporting that the Pentagon may extend the tour of duty for active-duty Army units in Iraq from 12-months to 15-months. Officials say this can help in managing the conflict there.

On Monday, officials said approximately 13,000 National Guard troops were receiving orders alerting them to prepare for a possible Iraq deployment. For several thousand this will be their second tour.

A decision could be issued by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other officials in the coming days, according to a defense official who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because no plan is approved yet.

Sources say it is the third option brought forth in recent days in a flow of unsettling information for the U.S. military, struggling in its fifth year of fight wars on multiple fronts.

At this time, there are approximately 145,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, a current build up of forces should lead to 160,000 in country by May.