“Is the glass half full, or half empty? It depends on whether you're pouring, or drinking.”
- Bill Cosby
This month marks the half-way point of our 13 month deployment, so I'd like to take this opportunity to reflect a little. I think it is impossible for most people to comprehend the immense sacrifice involved in such a long deployment. Many young couples may cry at a single weekend or week apart, and perhaps those that are older may take for granted the decades they have enjoyed together. Including our dating period, Jocelyn and I have lived in the same proximity for one out of the past 3 years. This is not a pity party, but rather reality. I entered West Point with a duty to fulfill a 5-year obligation at a minimum (plus 2 for Aviation). Jocelyn and I committed to each other and our marriage knowing full well that the Navy and the Army are not compatible, expecting this deployment for myself and possibly a short tour for her.
Even among military folks, the Navy and Marines think 7-8 month deployments are a hardship. I still hear Air Force personnel complaining about the change from 90-day to 6-month deployments for critical positions. Yet the Army considers 12 month deployments as a guideline (with 13-15 being the norm) and then promises only one year at home before the next trip overseas. This is incredibly frustrating to Soldiers, who really have no choice but to grin and bear it. Many in my company have been deployed for 3-4 out of the last 8-9 years our nation has been in Afghanistan and Iraq, not to mention time away from families on year-long excursions to Korea and month-long training exercises in garrison. Most of these are consequently divorced, some more than once, and a significant number suffer from psychological effects such as PTSD and insomnia. It is my opinion that one year is entirely too long to devote to ANY cause if it takes someone away from their family. Most people's memory cannot even span one year, as they forget about those deployed or make comments about how quickly the time is passing. Try telling that to an Army wife!
So, with approximately 6 months remaining I'm not sure if I even have 1/2 a tank of gas left. Thankfully I'm still entitled to 2 weeks of Rest & Relaxation in August which should help recharge the batteries. But the path will not get any easier from here as we prepare to redeploy and reintegrate. The weather is getting hotter, the enemy is more active then ever, Bagram is increasingly crowded, my Soldiers are getting complacent, and my previous optimism is gradually fading. Our company is seeing an increased head count at the Dining Facility (30% more than last year), more vehicles to fix, and more patients to treat than ever before.
- Bill Cosby
This month marks the half-way point of our 13 month deployment, so I'd like to take this opportunity to reflect a little. I think it is impossible for most people to comprehend the immense sacrifice involved in such a long deployment. Many young couples may cry at a single weekend or week apart, and perhaps those that are older may take for granted the decades they have enjoyed together. Including our dating period, Jocelyn and I have lived in the same proximity for one out of the past 3 years. This is not a pity party, but rather reality. I entered West Point with a duty to fulfill a 5-year obligation at a minimum (plus 2 for Aviation). Jocelyn and I committed to each other and our marriage knowing full well that the Navy and the Army are not compatible, expecting this deployment for myself and possibly a short tour for her.
Even among military folks, the Navy and Marines think 7-8 month deployments are a hardship. I still hear Air Force personnel complaining about the change from 90-day to 6-month deployments for critical positions. Yet the Army considers 12 month deployments as a guideline (with 13-15 being the norm) and then promises only one year at home before the next trip overseas. This is incredibly frustrating to Soldiers, who really have no choice but to grin and bear it. Many in my company have been deployed for 3-4 out of the last 8-9 years our nation has been in Afghanistan and Iraq, not to mention time away from families on year-long excursions to Korea and month-long training exercises in garrison. Most of these are consequently divorced, some more than once, and a significant number suffer from psychological effects such as PTSD and insomnia. It is my opinion that one year is entirely too long to devote to ANY cause if it takes someone away from their family. Most people's memory cannot even span one year, as they forget about those deployed or make comments about how quickly the time is passing. Try telling that to an Army wife!
So, with approximately 6 months remaining I'm not sure if I even have 1/2 a tank of gas left. Thankfully I'm still entitled to 2 weeks of Rest & Relaxation in August which should help recharge the batteries. But the path will not get any easier from here as we prepare to redeploy and reintegrate. The weather is getting hotter, the enemy is more active then ever, Bagram is increasingly crowded, my Soldiers are getting complacent, and my previous optimism is gradually fading. Our company is seeing an increased head count at the Dining Facility (30% more than last year), more vehicles to fix, and more patients to treat than ever before.
I realize that 6 months may seem like forever from my myopic perspective, but trust that in a few years this will all be a bittersweet memory. If anything this year has once again reminded me not to rely upon myself, even though 240 Soldiers are counting on me for guidance and wise decisions. My source of strength, grace, and peace must come from the Lord. Left to my own abilities and intuitions I have and will fail.
Thank you for your prayers to get us over this hump. God-willing I'll be home by Thanksgiving!
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