Why can’t major press outlets assign reporters to beats with at least a modicum of knowledge of their subject? This is from an AP story written by Lolita C. Baldor:
For example, about six in 10 West Point soldiers who graduated in 1997 reenlisted after their sixth year. But just 53 percent of those who graduated in 2000 — and likely have spent much of the last six years rotating in and out of the war zones — have signed up for another tour.
Aside from the fact that a difference of perhaps less than 7 percent may not be that big a deal, West Point graduates are commissioned officers. They do not “enlist.” When their initial tours are over, they do not “re-enlist.” Indeed, they don’t do anything in particular. They simply don’t resign.
