US Troop Rotation in Iraq

[Mr Manifesto]

Was having a look at this (http://www.interventionmag.com/cms/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=668) article and was wondering if the troop rotation will lead to increased casualites. Does anyone know what precentage of the replacing forces are reserves, and if the reserves aren't trained as much as the regulars, as the article implies? Anyone want to play amateur Nostradamus and predict what impact this rotation may have?

[Jon_in_london]

I cant speak for US forces but I do know that British reserves and TA undertake around 6-8 weeks of 'continuation training' to bring thier fitness and profciency up to scratch. People from my ex-unit who were mobilised were given plenty of training in peace-keeping and other relevant skills.

Dont underestimate what can be achieved with 'weekend warriors', from what I have heard from others who volunteered for mobilisation in various places, including Kosovo and Bosnia, they fitted in pretty well seamlessly with the regular army although they were made to feel like 'second class citizens' on occaision.

The effect of compulsory mobilisation en masse on moral is something else entirely though.