WASHINGTON -- Iraq is about to become an unusual common ground for the presidential candidates, despite its divisiveness as a campaign issue. Sons of both vice presidential nominees are expected to arrive there soon to join the fighting. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's eldest son, Track, will perform security duties for his brigade's top officers.

"He's just like any other infantry soldier here," said Army Col. Burt Thompson, who heads the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. "He tries to remain as anonymous as he possibly can."

Which is harder than it sounds.

When Sen. John McCain selected Track's mother to be his running mate, the Alaska governor's family moved into the international spotlight. She has made no secret that Track Palin and his unit are leaving soon for duty in Iraq, repeating the news during her acceptance speech this week at the Republican political convention. Track, in a dress suit, was in the audience.

The presidential campaigns remain deeply divided over how to end the contentious war -- an issue that had front-burner status during the primary season but has not been quite so prominent recently. The deployments of Track Palin and Beau Biden, son of Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, make the subject an intensely personal one, nevertheless, for their families.

"They're going to take a very keen interest in how that war is run," said retired Army brigadier general David Grange. "It will affect their decision-making. No doubt about it."