Inadequate equipment, health problems face Iraq, Afghanistan veterans

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Inadequate equipment, health problems face Iraq, Afghanistan veterans: poll

US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan lack proper equipment, are overstretched and face serious health problems upon their return home, according to a poll released by an advocacy group.

The poll by VoteVets.org, a political action committee made up of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, showed that nearly half (42 percent) of all veterans who served in either country felt that their equipment did not meet military standards.

It also said that 35 percent of veterans reported that their trucks had no armor protection, while 10 percent said the trucks were "up-armored" with scrap metal.

"The results of this poll should be a wake-up call to every American," said Jon Soltz, an Iraq war veteran and chairman of VoteVets, a non-partisan organization. "We are shortchanging our troops, in combat and at home."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061005/ts_afp/usiraqafghanistanconflictveterans_061004203857