Other senior enlisted leaders at the briefings echoed Metheny, stating that the chance to deploy overseas in the nation‘s defense is a motivating factor for those who join.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said troops in Afghanistan are committed to bringing stability to a region in turmoil, even after 18 years of war. „They‘re still executing the mission they‘ve been given,“ he said.