Deployment question

[OctMtnWoods]

DH is ARNG. Works at state headquarters & no longer assigned to a unit.

Tonight, he received a letter in the mail notifiying him to "participate in Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) for potential mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan as a member of a Regional Corp Advisory Group. This action is necessary to bring units to full strength for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in xxxxx 2010."

Even though he's been in 26+ yrs, he's never been deployed before. Just month long assignments here and there for emergencies in the US. Once we went thru all the Family Preparedness for deployment out of US, but it was cancelled 2 wks before they left.

Do some soldiers go through SRP and not end up being deployed - not needed? Or is it pretty much a given that if he received this letter, he's going?

No experience here so no idea what to even think. Not surprised or upset. We figured it would be a matter of time before he eventually was called. We honestly are surprised its been this long without going.

 

[RNMOM]

I have no experience with this but just giving a friendly bump to see if anyone else can help.

 

[MelanieC]

DH is in the PANG and has been deployed many many times since 1995. His last time over was last July-Sept (meant we didn't get to go to Disney last year). The only time we had to do a family prepardness type thing was when he went to Kuwait/Iraq at the beginning of the war in 2003.

I don't think he has had to do the training you mentioned, but maybe he has. This is also his full time job too. They do training year round for this, and his full time job is technically training.

 

[lovesmurfs]

First of all, a big breath, and a This post turned out to be long...sorry!

DH was deployed for the first time after being in for almost 28 years ARNG, in November 2006. He also was not attached to a unit -- they pulled together 16 guys from all over the state to meet the needs of the ETTs (embedded training teams). He wound up working with the Afghan National Police from January 26, 2007 through January 25, 2008. It was a little more difficult from a Family Readiness Group (FRG) standpoint, because he wasn't attached to a particular unit. Our coordinator held monthly conference calls for us (minutes were donated).

DH was processed in December 2001, but was not activated, so it could happen (afraid not likely).

Take a deep breath and start making lists. Google "deployment checklist" and see what you might need. There's all sorts of paperwork you'll need to gather, including your mortgage papers and your kids' and your birth certificates. Start ordering if you don't have them. I also got a passport for myself (as a just in case).

Be sure to make an appointment to get your military ID cards. The active deployment ones are orange, not pink. You'll need it for TriCare (any prescription at all is $9.00 maximum -- it's a really great program for that).

Tell EVERYONE that your husband is being deployed. ASK for help. People want to help you, but don't know what to do. My church sent a list around for me, and at the start of the deployment I had lists of people who were ready, willing and able to help me. Militaryonesource.com is a good resource as well --register. We still have free TaxCut through the website.

PM me for whatever and whenever. People told me at the start that it would go quickly, but I didn't believe them. It really does go quickly. Plan time for yourself. After 4 months, I took the kids to an indoor waterpark for a weekend -- it was a great break for all of us (I read while they played!).

 

[OctMtnWoods]

Thank you. Yes, its his full time job also. I had a feeling it meant yes it would be going. No one stays in this long without going at least once. Its ok. Its his job. Its expected. I was just surprised. He didn't know the letter was coming either.

I was fine until you both replied. Then for some reason, my eyes teared up.

 

[WDWDancer]

HUGS to you!!! Take a deep deep breath - I asked DF about this he is in the air force and has been deployed over there twice so far. He said its more then likely a go BUT they have had a few instances where guys went throught the prep course and did not get deployed....so maybe he will end up staying.

Lovesmurfs gave a lot of great information and I completly agree with her....tell everyone he is going, ask for help and support, your DIS family is always here as a shoulder for you too!!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Oh I'm sorry. I know how difficult this can be. I don't know much about the ARNG but if it's anything like the army it's all hurry up....................and wait. The SRP is just to see who all comes out and how well they are fit for duty or deployment and many of them aren't unforunately or I guess forunately for them.

I know several times of some ARNG soldiers going through SRP and then not getting called up. If your husband is considered unit essential to his unit at home, it's possible he may not even deploy but still has to go through the process of the SRP and stuff.

I hope you get some answers you are looking for. I know that the not knowing and the worrying can be the worst part. I don't know alot about the Guard but I know a bit about deployments if you need information. I'll keep you both in my thoughts while you wade through this unknown.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

Tina, I was hoping you would respond. Thanks.
Fortunately, unfortunately, DH is fit. We are wondering just how essential they are considering him at HQ at that point in time due to earlier deployments of others. DH said if that's the case, he might end up deplayed & go later.

I'm doing ok actually. I picked up a small notebook today to keep with me to jot down any questions or ideas I think of. And to keep answers in.

I've got a long time friend from high school who I'm still close with via facebook. He just so happened to do that same mission last year, so he was able to give me an idea of what DH would be doing and in what type of setting. Time frame. That was good to hear. I can ask him questions too....until his next deployment. He's another 25+ yr career Army dude.

Now, if I can just keep my parents elder issues from taking a rapid acceleration during this time frame, I might actually keep my sanity.

I'm greatful that I just need to worry about me and kitty, and not children on top of things. I'm not super woman anymore.

 

[Thekidsmom]

Please be careful the info you put on message boards. When you give out too information as to who deploys and when they deploy and what color cards are out there it does not help the safely of our soldiers. While you might not think the info you give out is important when put together with other info from 10 other people that didn't think they gave out important info it soon becomes important for people that we don't want to have the info. Thanks for listening. You could always pm the OP with the info you want her to have.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Please be careful the info you put on message boards. When you give out too information as to who deploys and when they deploy and what color cards are out there it does not help the safely of our soldiers. While you might not think the info you give out is important when put together with other info from 10 other people that didn't think they gave out important info it soon becomes important for people that we don't want to have the info. Thanks for listening. You could always pm the OP with the info you want her to have.

I understand your concern, but the color of the ID card is not a security risk. A basic Google search could get the information.

http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/family-support/military-id-card

 

[jsmith]

there is NOTHING in this Thread that would violate OPSEC-almost anyone posting on it has been around the miiltary a LONGGGGGGGGGG time and knows better.

OP i posted a rather lenthy response to the thread that didnt save because the system logged me out when it was first posted-and im wondering what you ahve found out since
In the Guard SRP does not always mean deployment-many states do them routinely to avoid being caught with soldiers not prepared when mob time does come.