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Issa Favors Longer U.S. Soldier Tours, But Says Iraqis Must Step Up

The Defense Secretary says all active-duty Army soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan will serve 15-month tours -- three months longer than the usual standard. San Diego Congressman Darrell Issa supports t

Issa Favors Longer U.S. Soldier Tours, But Says Iraqis Must Step Up

The Defense Secretary says all active-duty Army soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan will serve 15-month tours -- three months longer than the usual standard. San Diego Congressman Darrell Issa supports the change. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The Vista Republican says the extended tour makes for smoother transitions when troops are replaced.

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Issa : But when you look at combat troops on the ground -- special forces and others -- a continuity actually makes them more effective. Well, in fact, if they go back less often, that would be better.

Issa says Congress should not set a timetable to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq.

Issa : We need to be in fact, getting to a point where the Iraqis and the Afghans, are doing more for themselves. The Iraqi Army has not yet begun to do the kind of job that they should do, could do and must be encouraged to do.

In Afghanistan, Issa says NATO forces need to step up to reinforce and replace U.S. troops.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.