WASHINGTON, Oct.

As security improves in Iraq, pressure is building to reverse one of the most onerous decisions Defense Secretary Robert Gates made to enable President Bush's troop buildup to go forward this year: extending the tours of active-duty soldiers from 12 months to 15 months.

US-based Pinnacle Airlines has announced that it is promoting two industry veterans to key positions at its operating units, and another to its corporate team. Clive Seal becomes the vice president and general manager of Pinnacle Airlines.

The Army's top general said Tuesday that lengthening U.S. tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan beyond the current 15 months would be too stressful and risky for troops.

The Army will offer incentives to keep midlevel officers as it faces another decade or so in combat around the world, its chief of staff said Friday.