Regardless of the medical studies which show a negative impact on our troops, the Pentagon has changed the policy on deployments. This is a first time since World War II that the United States Soldier must stay longer in combat zone than they can spend at home in a twenty-four month period. The Army has required that Soldiers deploy to combat for fifteen month tours with only a twelve month dwell time. The question is; how much longer can U.S. Soldiers manage this kind of pressure? Where is a breaking point?

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.