More Troops

The Pentagon is saying that this is part of a normal rotation which will result in fewer troops ultimately. I don't believe them:

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is preparing to alert eight National Guard units that they should be ready to go to Iraq or Afghanistan beginning late next summer, The Associated Press learned Wednesday.

The U.S. military is reaching out to more Guard units in an effort to maintain needed troop levels, ease some of the strain on the active duty Army and provide security for ports, convoys and other installations.

According to defense officials, seven of the units would deploy to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the orders had not yet been signed and the announcement is not expected until the end of this week.

These new troops are being used as part of a plan to cover southern Iraq where the Brits are leaving. We will have more troops covering less area by the time they are deployed. Does anyone really believe that when the time comes for others to come home that 1) there'll be less violence or 2) the Iraqi's will be ready to take over? If you believe that, I've got this bridge ......