WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- At least 346 active or former military members had signed on by Wednesday to a Web site asking Congress to withdraw American troops from Iraq, organizers said.
"The Appeal for Redress" was started by active duty service members based in the Norfolk, Va., area and by Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace, and Military Families Speak Out. The Web site went live Monday.
Military servicemembers are prohibited from speaking out against their chain of command in uniform, but they are allowed to ask Congress to redress grievances against actions taken by their chain of command.
Military members are also protected by the Military Whistleblowers Act, which allows protected communications with Congress.
The servicemembers signed onto a request that states: "As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq. Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home."
As of the morning of Oct. 25, 195 self-professed servicemembers had signed up, including at least 98 who had served in Iraq. The total included 11 veterans, including a veteran of the Korean war.
Eighty soldiers, 55 seamen, 21 Marines, 14 airmen and three Coast Guard members were on the list. A breakdown of the 346 as of Wednesday afternoon was not available.
Service members are prohibited from making political protests while on duty, in uniform, or on base.
