In the news–38 troops checked out in July before their enlistments were up causing great consternation among the war planners at the Puzzle Palace. A spokesman for Fort Fumble was heard to mumble something off microphone to the effect that these troops had no idea what they were doing to morale or they never would have committed suicide. What wasn’t apparent before is that this represents just the Army numbers. The Marines, Air Force and Coasties are holding their cards higher and not revealing their losses.

Military planners are assessing the effect of what will happen if this continues. Apparently it may affect unit cohesion, troop levels, and whether anyone will want to sign up for military service in coming years. Morale is reputed to be in the tank over this among many who see our mission in Afstan as untenable. News and film at eleven.