Bush Cites 'Sustained Progress' in Iraq, Cuts New Deployments to 12 Months

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2008 - Citing improved conditions in Iraq, President Bush announced today that soldiers deploying there from tomorrow on will serve 12-month tours of duty.

Army tours in Iraq were extended from 12 to 15 months in April 2007. Pentagon civilian and military officials have expressed the intent to cut Iraq tour lengths from 15 to 12 months for some time.

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