Some sudden long-term predictability

On Wednesday SecDef Gates announced that tours of duty for members of the U.S. Army will be extended from 12 months to 15 months effective immediately. "What we're trying to do here is provide some long-term predictability to our soldiers and their families," Gates told reporters at the Pentagon.

I think all military families are grateful for Gates's offer of "long-term predictability". The fact that next week he could just as abruptly decide on 18 months doesn't enter into it at all.