The number of American troops deployed at any one time is always changing. In terms of small numbers, it changes daily. But even larger, more drastic changes can happen throughout the year.
For instance, though news of overseas conflicts has been relatively quiet lately by American standards, it’s worth noting that around 3,500 more troops were deployed at the beginning of this year. This happened after the top military leader in Iran perished in a drone strike, and there was concern that tensions would increase between the two nations.
If 3,500 additional troops sounds like a lot, it’s important to remember that the military is so massive that some reports claim that more than 80,000 people are deployed in the Middle East.
As a general trend, the numbers have been falling on a yearly basis. Back prior to 2010, there were nearly 140,000 troops in Iraq alone. That dropped down under 1,000 in 2012. As the increase in Iran shows, troops are also shifted. Numbers may fall in one area and increase in another, depending on the activity and many other factors.
When more troops are deployed, though, it does increase the odds of injuries. Remember, even soldiers who are not actively engaged with the enemy have to work around armored weaponry, hand weapons, heavy vehicles, explosives, aircraft and many other dangerous tools. Injuries can happen on base or in the field. The more soldiers in the area, the more chances for these injuries to take place.
Those who suffer serious, life-changing injuries in the military need to know what legal options they have. There are disability benefits available.
