"They originally thought that the year of service started the day they walked out the door (from home) and ended when they returned. Now it has changed so that the year began when they were 'boots on the ground' in Iraq," Bennett said.

"So if they spent six months training and another two months in transit, with the year in Iraq that means they may be activated for a year and eight months," he said.

Bennett added, "If we don't deal with that properly, we will have recruitment rates go down." Bishop said, "That could affect the long-term viability of the Guard and its ability to attract and maintain quality individuals."

Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, said, "We must acknowledge their sacrifices by doing what we can to ease their burden."

Matheson said that Duehring told the delegation that the Army is working to return people home when possible but wants to keep them in place as long as they are useful.

Nearly 3,000 Utah National Guard and Army Reserve troops are currently on active duty. "Utah has deployed more Reserve forces per capita than any other state. We do not consider this an unfair burden but a great honor," Hatch said.

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