How can I be heard?

Question

My husband is deployed to Afghanistan. He left with the first unit to go over for the deployment. Last month he was going to be home in three days after a year deployment, when the Army decided to extend His brigade 4 months. Then on top of that today I found out they want to send him home with the last group instead of the group he deployed with which means an extra month or two on top of the extention. I want to let people know how crapy the government is treating our soldiers. The other brigade where I am stationed only gets to stay home 10 months before deploying to Iraq again. What can I do to let people know this isn't ok? That soldiers need more time home with their familys? I know that he volunteered to do this, and I wouldn't be so upset if they didn't keep adding on time month after month. I can't keep thinking he will be home soon just to find out he won't be.

Answer 1

I served in Iraq and can understand your feelings, but realize how fortunate we are today. My grandfather was gone from early 1942 to early 1946, four years.

Answer 2

Let me start out by letting you know that I'm an army spouse who dealt with a similar situation more than once.

In one deployment my husband was extended three times... once the day before Thanksgiving, once the week before Christmas, and the third time in late January. He was on the first plane over and was on the last plane back.

I've never known a unit to come back "on time" with the exception of 4ID on their first deployment to Iraq. (They were only there 10 months.)

However, there needs to be some understanding that our country is at war. I completely agree with you that these last minute extensions (especially when people die after said extensions... that's the hardest pill to swallow) and lack of dwell time are breaking their backs and taking us along with them. Not only did our husbands volunteer, but we married them. We have a job to do, too.

The best thing to do is just recognize "the truth as you know it", but never believe it. If you're not already in that mindset, hopefully, you will be soon. It makes the deployments, if not easier, less surprising.

Good luck to you and prayers that your husband stays safe.

Take care.

Answer 3

All I can say is call your congressman. You and the other members of the FRG could ask to speak to the Rear D commander. Your husband did volunteer for this. Where are you stationed? There usually is a year off before another deployment. I know here there is, but all the soldiers are living in the field getting ready for the next one.

Answer 4

like my husband says have some water and drive on...

hey girl my husband is active duty (ARMY) also...he just got back from Afghanistan a few months ago and he was ALSO extended. his tour was supposed to be 6 months and they extended it to a year...it sucks you get all ready for the homecoming and then you get that call from FRG 2 days b4 hes due to come home letting u know they arnt coming back for another 4 or 6 months or how ever long they extend the tour..i cried right when those words came out their mouth...but that's was what we married into, we know its more than likely gonna happen...and i give you kudos for trying to speak out about this topic...but we know nothing can be done about it, the government owns our husbands... our lives are gonna be on edge 24/7 until this war in over...and from the looks of it its not ended anytime soon. so just be like the rest of us military spouses...just be there and support your man and dont cause any drama for them to have to pay for later...they do get into trouble for things that we do or say ...just remember that...if u go and complain to someone in the brigade about it...theyre gonna look down on your husband for u trying to tell them what to do...i dont know I'm just rambling on..just be strong and he'll be home soon sweety be STRONG! ARMY STRONG lol jk if u ever need to talk u can message me... god bless u and your husband...i know its hard
TAKE CARE!

Answer 5

if you take the accolade then you surely must accept the deprecation of deployment to a war zone that why we have an army think about President Bush is saying this war was started on my watch but it will end on yours jihad will not go away just because we win in Iraq this war is over ideology

Answer 6

i have a boyfriend in the army.
and im terrified for the day they decide to deploy him.
i wish there was a way to speak up and be heard. but unfortunately, i think we are too deep into this whole thing to make any changes. the whole world knows this war is getting way way way too out of hand and yet, nothing is changing.
everyone knows it isnt fair at all, yet in the end its still up to the government. and lord knows they will make their own decisions withought concerning our opinions.
the best thing you can do? pray.

Answer 7

I can understand you being upset. Just keep in mind he joined. Whatever happens, he volunteered. There are Veterans like myself who would think 4 months was a cake walk. You married a soldier, stand tall, be brave!

Answer 8

Well I heard what you say

If you practice using a webcam with a girlfriend to the point its fun you might then have pleasant videoconferences with your person prior to leave

Maybe the uniformed services could do a study on emotional well being n contact with relatives telephone or videoconference

Answer 9

The government must set timetables for soldiers being assigned in foreign countries in order that they could also be with their familes. Soldiers must be given equal periods of assignments.

Answer 10

You have been heard, and you did it without being seditious or trying to undermine our government.

You have my respect and condolences, as well as the thanks of my family and self for the sacrifices you and your family have made for our country.

Keep speaking up. Post elsewhere. Encourage others to speak up, and speak up against those who do not know the difference between sedition and legitimate protest and dissent.