Morale at Fort Drum questioned in shadow of Afghanistan fight

There’s a fascinating exchange on the blog being hosted by Fort Drum commander James Terry. In a post late last month, he asked his men and women point-blank:

“I’d like to hear your thoughts on the morale of the 10th Mountain Community.”

Some of the responses are sobering. Here’s “Disillusioned Captain” posting on November 18th:

“The Army system coupled with our total lack of honest to goodness “RESET time” is leaving soldiers disillusioned and worn out.”

Here’s “Observant NCO Wife” writing on November 14th:

“As others have said, morale is low. Other wives on here have echoed my very thoughts. I never see my husband; I feel like I am a single mom; I can’t keep needed appointments for my family; Our marriaged is strained to the point of talk of divorce… “

Last month, the London Times reported on Fort Drum troops in Afghanistan, describing them as “depressed and deeply disillusioned.”

“The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being here. They are really in a state of depression and despair and just want to get back to their families,” said Captain Jeff Masengale, of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2-87 Infantry Battalion.

“They feel they are risking their lives for progress that’s hard to discern,” said Captain Sam Rico, of the Division’s 4-25 Field Artillery Battalion. “They are tired, strained, confused and just want to get through.”

In his blog, Major General Terry describes a recent visit to his men and women in Afghanistan:

“I just visited with 3BCT Soldiers and while their OEF mission has been tough I think they are holding up very well.”

What’s clear is that the Fort Drum community is still in the middle of a very long haul.

Whatever one thinks of President Obama’s decision to escalate, the next two years will be incredibly challenging for soldiers and their families.