Gen. Stanley McChrystal will soon hear word on 40,000 reinforcements for Afghanistan. But how have his predecessors fared? When they've asked for more troops, have they gotten them? And has fulfilling their requests made a difference? A look back:
Revolutionary War Washington called on the Continental Congress to beef up his army. But it had to rely on the states, which raised far fewer than the 88 battalions promised.
War of 1812 Generals were hesitant to attack the British in Canada without an influx of troops. More were OK'd, but logistics prevented ambitious operations, leading to a draw.
Mexican-American War Gen. Zachary Taylor had 7,000 men at the start of the war; President Polk got him 50,000 volunteers. Taylor's victory propelled him to the presidency.
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