R&R canceled for some in Baghdad

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BAGHDAD, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- A two-week rest and recuperation period for those under the command of Brig. Gen. Martin Dempsey in Baghdad has been canceled for the next two months.

The decision affects some 47,000 soldiers in Baghdad.

"We did make a command decision, that would be me, that we couldn't do any more environmental leave, R&R, after Jan. 31," said Dempsey, commander of the Wiesbaden, Germany-based 1st Armored Division. "We did that principally because we have a mission to accomplish in transitioning the city of Baghdad over to the unit following us."

In a media briefing in Baghdad Monday Dempsey said the 1st Armored Division would be leaving "over the next 90 days," Stars and Stripes reported.

R&R continues for other troops in Iraq, U.S. Central Command spokesman Maj. Pete Mitchell said.