Brother deploying to Baghdad more than a month early (and without desert training)

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Ugh. It's happened. My husband no sooner got out of the military than my brother joined. He is a part of the 4th Brigade, Second Infantry division (Strykers). They were supposed to be deploying in mid May and have been moved up to mid-April. Moreover, they will not have their desert training time in 29 Palms, which was supposed to begin in the next few weeks.

I just feel so...helpless? We're sending care package after care package to DH's friends from school, etc., and were sent to Baghdad on IA billets (Navy).

We knew with my brother that he'd be in Afghanistan, Iraq, or South Korea. We just never expected everyone else we know to be there to. I just feel like I can't swallow it for much longer. All becuase of this new surge...

 

[lovemygoofy]

I'll pray for you and your family. It's never easy to get through but you all can make it. Unfournately this is going to be the norm for many many families around the country and it's something we just have to handle. Good luck to your brother.

 

[4nana]

I feel your pain . Please know that many of us sympathize with you sweetie and know exactally how you feel. Altho it is not easy, we try to keep the faith and stay strong. I send my positive thoughts and prayers for you, your brother and family. May Godspeed his every step!

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Thank you both.

It's not as though we didn't know it was coming... I just wasn't expecting it this quickly (although I've seen my own husband's deployments changed 72 hours beforehand). I think it's the fact that it's everyone we know is in Baghdad right now. It's like that one piece of stability- family- is going to be there now, too.

Tina- I have always admired your tenacity and stick-to-it attitude. You're a trooper and a wonderful military wife.

 

[texasthree]

I will keep your brother in my prayers. Its wonderful of you to send care packages to friends in Iraq. I am sure they appreciate being thought of.

My husband is a Navy pilot and is getting an IA Billet to Iraq to be on the ground doing soldier work that he doesnt know how to do. The IA billets are getting crazy around here. Everyone we know if heading to Iraq or just returning on an IA billet. We are hoping in taking one voluntarily that we wont get one forced on us in the future but who knows!

 

[princessdisneybelle]

Sorry to hear that. My Dad just returned from Baghdad (sp?) and I know I'm not looking forward to him returning next year. I will keep your family in my prayers.

 

[SplshMtn99]

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

My husband is a Navy pilot and is getting an IA Billet to Iraq to be on the ground doing soldier work that he doesnt know how to do. The IA billets are getting crazy around here. Everyone we know if heading to Iraq or just returning on an IA billet. We are hoping in taking one voluntarily that we wont get one forced on us in the future but who knows!

DH got out on that pilot (as in "new" not as in aviator ) program about two years ago when they wanted 2 JOs from every ship on the waterfront to volunteer for an early discharge. DH thought long and hard on it and finally decided that was the best decision for us. Corporate America has treated us well. However, even in the IRR, the IA billet is constantly in the back of our minds. He had a muster last summer and, soon after, we heard from a reliable military source that they haven't ruled out sucking the IRR dry of 002 designators for the IA billets. Everything we've heard is that, "They don't need us here. I am just bidding my time and twidling my thumbs."

We counted it last night, and right now and we've got 14 people in Baghdad on IA billets. And let me tell you, it's starting to get expensive We are the ones who get the grocery lists and requests as many of them are single (thankfully).

I hope your husband stays safe Any idea when he's looking to deploy?

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

I know all too well how you feel!! The first time my brother was sent over, to Fallujah in 2005 he was newly out of boot camp and his infantry training school. He was placed into a battalion that was being deployed shortly thereafter - they had already come back from 29 plams so my brother did not get that training either. I personally dont think that is right, they need that training!!

I will keep your brother in my thoughts and prayers, if you need anything or just want to vent/talk feel free to PM or email me.

Take care

Christine