WASHINGTON - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday he would recommend to President George W. Bush increasing the Army and Marine Corps by 92,000 troops over the next five years for the long-term fight against terrorism. “The emphasis will be on increasing combat capability,” Gates said at a White House news conference to detail Bush’s plan for changing course in the Iraq war.In unveiling his strategy on Wednesday night to send more than 21,000 more troops to fight in Iraq, Bush said a permanent increase was needed for the two services. Gates proposed increasing the Army by 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines.
The Army, which has had
| I do think we should have increased both services back in 2002, but this is good now. |