I recently gave an update on my PCS move to 82nd Airborne. I've learned that I am definitely deploying to Iraq "sometime around November."
We're about to leave for dinner so this Diary will be short and sweet.
UPDATE: I just got back from seeing a the play Peter Pan in Raleigh. I didn't expect this to make the Rec list! Thanks, everyone for such an overwhelming show of support. And the select few who had something negative to say is no skin off my back, so no worries. I'm not leaving until around November so I'll still be around for a while. Between now and then I'll periodically be sent to various different training sites and schools.
I've also been assigned to a rather unique position. I really wish I could share it with you but, after consideration, I decided it's probably not a good idea. I'll just say that it's a huge opportunity professionally but unfortunately it takes me out of the mainstream fight with the rest of the guys. I'll still get some exposure but not in the same way.
One Soldier again echoed rumors that we "could" be diverted to Afghanistan. For now that's just a rumor and practically meaningless. When I espressed my desire for that to happen he gave me some more insight. Not too long ago he deployed there. As he explained it's much, much tougher in Afghanistan and the numbers don't lie. We have far fewer troops there and more casualties. He described the treks they have to make up huge mountains at high altitude in the freezing snow. He's seen "PT Studs" (Physical Training studs) get "broke the FVCK off." In civilian terms that means extremely exhausted.They are in dire need of troops and combat assets, like fixed wing and rotary air support.
My first PT Run with my unit showed me how out of shape recruiting made me. The run was slower than I used to run and I was dieing, dripping with sweat when we got back. But I have no doubt I'm getting better and I can't wait to be back into Paratrooper shape again. Thankfully the Sergeant Major who interviewed me understood it would be like that and nobody really rode me about it. It's still very hurtful pride-wise to fall back from the group. Every platoon has at least one or two who fall back, but you never want to be "that guy."
I picked up an issue of Army Times talking about the new GI Bill. Went to their website to post information about it and instead found this interesting article. As it turns out my desire to go to Afghanistan is fairly common.
http://www.militarytimes.com/...
GIs in Iraq: We want to fight in Afghanistan
And here's an interview the Military Times did with Barack Obama.
http://www.militarytimes.com/...
Cheers everyone!