Why is an 8 mo. tour of duty better?
An 8 month tour would be too short. It will mean more tours for everyone that means less time at home. Also you have to think about the logistical work behind that. It takes a month to get to Iraq and a month to get out, that leaves 6 months to get work done. Not enough time when you have to work with the locals, earn their trust and to help them out.