By BRADLEY BROOKS and RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press Writers
BAGHDAD - When American soldiers get off duty in Iraq, the men usually return to their quarters, the women to theirs. But Staff Sgt. Marvin Frazier gets to go back to a small trailer with two pushed-together single beds that he shares with his wife.
In a historic but little-noticed change in policy, the Army is allowing scores of husband-and-wife soldiers to live and sleep together in the war zone — a move aimed at preserving marriages, boosting morale and perhaps bolstering re-enlistment rates at a time when the military is struggling to fill its ranks five years into the fighting.
For the rest of the article, please go to the following link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080401/ap_on_re_us/combat_marriages
I think it's a wonderful idea! It has to be so difficult and challenging for those that are in the service and married, while at war. I would think that it is definitely in the best interest of their soldiers that the military allow married couples to live together. At least they have continued support from each other while at war. I'm curious as to how you all feel about it.
3 comments on What Are Your Thoughts?
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I think that it is about time our military took the emotional lives of the servicemen seriously. If a husband and wife are both in the military, I think it is great that they be stationed together and share living accomodations. Thanks for posting this informative article . And thank you for being so supportive of our family.
Love & (((hugs)) Annie :o)
You are very welcome!!
I tend to agree, as well. I believe, though, the reason for separation in the past was because they felt that the military was weakened if they weren't fully focused on why they were there and what they were there for. Separation of the sexes was to reduce temptation and urges for "you know what" and controlled the actual "you know what" until on leave. That when visits into town, into clubs would take place but, once back on base, it was business as usual. There are still some military experts, including veterans, who agree that our military has been weakened by relaxed rules and changes over the years. There may be some truth in their way of thinking (and they are more expert at this than I am), but I think morale has a lot to do with strength, stamina, and successful results in a war situation.