Those who have died were relatively young, with the majority under the age of 25. They came more from rural areas than urban ones. Recently released data reflects that the top 20 Army recruiting counties are below the poverty level, and less qualified candidates are being accepted. The number of recruits that scored at the bottom of the aptitude test tripled last month. Twelve percent scored between 19 and 30 out of a possible score of 99.

Forty-four percent of the new recruits have been from rural areas, and only 14 percent from urban centers. Forty percent of the new recruits have come from the South, and 24 percent from the West. Two-thirds of the new recruits are from households below the U.S. median household income. The Martinsville, Va., area has the highest recruitment in proportion to population than any other area. The poverty level there greatly exceeds the national average. This does appear to be the proverbial “rich man’s war and poor man’s fight.”

Black recruits have fallen off significantly, from 22.3 percent to 14.5 percent. Female recruitment is also down significantly. To keep the force up, there is a combination of incentives to re-enlist and the involuntary extension of enlistment contracts. Many Marines (especially) and soldiers also believe it is their duty to return to help out their comrades, thus in a number of combat units, for this reason, re-enlistment has been well above the targets.

Trends are that officers and special operations personnel are leaving the military to take more lucrative jobs — many in Iraq or Afghanistan — in the private sector. Corporate and personal security has become a lucrative career option for many with these skill sets.

With the current enlistment situation, the U.S. will not be able to maintain its current level of forces in Iraq. Thus, something will have to give, sooner than later. It is remote that a draft will be reinstituted, given the widespread opposition and the president’s pledge.

The National Guard and Reserves are having difficulty meeting their recruitment goals, given the reliance on these forces in Iraq. It creates a long-term disruption in their careers and the risk-reward has decidedly tilted toward the former — too much risk for the financial and training rewards.

There was a significant reduction in the Army divisions under President Clinton, with more of an emphasis on air power and technological weapons. We weren’t prepared for a sustained ground war requiring 130,000 to 150,000 to be continually deployed in a forward combat mode for three years. Approximately 1 million military personnel have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, through rotation. In the context of other wars, the percentage of those killed in OIF is low compared to the number who have served in the conflict, and the actual casualties are far below the initial projections of 10,000 to 30,000 at the outset of the war, but that is not much of a consolation.

The vast majority of soldiers and Marines believe that they have made a difference, with two successful votes, including a new constitution in Iraq. However, they are frustrated at being a perpetual target and not knowing who intends them harm, and they feel they are all but forgotten at home, overshadowed by other events — including sporting events in the U.S. They feel they are the only ones who are making a sacrifice. They feel that their accomplishments go unreported. The ultimate fate of Lt. Col. Nate Sassaman (google Nathan Sassaman and New York Times Magazine) underscores the frustration of having their hands tied.

There are countless heroic and selfless acts that go unreported and unheralded. Do any of the readers know how many Silver and Bronze stars have been awarded in OIF? I assume most don’t, because the media does not want to glorify war.

In addition to the deaths, more than 15,500 have been wounded or injured. Many were maimed, losing one or more limbs, or suffered serious head wounds. Far more survive serious wounds than in past wars. Then there are those with the resultant emotional and psychiatric problems.

This is indeed a costly war, and one that we soon need to find an end to — very soon. Just my opinion, but well grounded in the accompanying numbers.

We removed Saddam Hussein, the country elected a provisional government, wrote and ratified a constitution, and after the elections of a government in early December, it would seem our work is done. It has been a success; thus, let’s get out of there. If more training is necessary, let other countries do it. If more security forces are necessary, let the U.N. do it.

We have done enough; or at least our brave soldiers and Marines have. It is a job well done.

(Lee Shelton lives in Maggie Valley and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)