Independence Day Reenlistments in Baghdad

There was a huge ceremony in Baghdad today in which the American military celebrated Independence Day by reenlisting. Read about it below and see photos and a video.

Independence Day Reenlistments

You know things are better in Baghdad when soldiers who are current deployed choose to reenlist. When the reenlistment ceremony consist of 1,215 soldiers, then its a pretty good guess that things are a whole lot better.

Historically, when soldiers are deployed they tend to gripe and complain. That’s the nature of the beast. Its not that they don’t agree with the reasons we are at war. Its not that they wish they hadn’t joined the military. Its just that they gripe and complain. I’ve often heard that its when they aren’t griping and complaining that you need to worry about morale. I imagine that the men of Roman Legions griped their way across Europe. The Vikings probably griped and complained the entire trip across the sea on their way to pillage England and spread their DNA throughout Europe. Its just the way it is. The fact that so many soldiers chose to reenlist while they are deployed … a phenomenon that is not that common … tells us that morale is pretty good. Usually, they think about reenlisting once they are back home and comfortable again and able to look back on their experience at war with a clearer perspective.

Well, that’s what happened today in Baghdad. The enlistment ceremony was held at Al Faw Palace rotunda at Camp Victory, Baghdad and was performed by General David Petraeus.

You and your comrades here have been described as Americas new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description. It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.

HOOAH!!!!