Forced into Iraq/War Zones

Facing a possible staffing crisis the government is warning U.S. diplomats that they may have to serve up to another year in Iraq or Afganistan. They are currently searching for prime candidates and volunteers now. If the diplomats refuse to serve in either of these countries and do not have serious health issues they will be dismissed from their positions.
Now I find this to be ridiculous. You cannot force people who are not in the U.S. military to actively serve in a war zone (whether it's declared or not). These people are going to have to serve in places like Baghdad and other areas where they face imminent danger. Last year when the U.S. were trying to do the same thing a diplomat stood up in front of Secretary of State Rice and told her that this was like a possible death sentence.
Why are we doing this to our own people?

Dakota R Dunn