Oklahoma congressman say US needs to expand military commitment in Iraq

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole says the United States needs to expand its military to cope with what will be a long-term commitment in Iraq. <br/><br/>The Moore Republican made the

Friday, August 27th 2004, 6:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole says the United States needs to expand its military to cope with what will be a long-term commitment in Iraq.

The Moore Republican made the comments following a week-long trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Cole compared the war in Iraq to the Cold War and says US troops could be stationed in the Middle East for decades.

Cole met with troops on aircraft carriers at see and in desert camps in the Horn of Africa and in Iraq. He says more troops are needed so existing military members aren't overburdened.

Cole says he doesn't support reinstituting the draft, but wants to expand benefits and incentives to beef up the ranks and keep enlisted members in longer.