Do you think it's fair that the deployment time was extended to 15 months?

Question

I put this question on because my husband is on his 3rd tour. We both got back from Afghanistan last year, we are a blended family with 5 children the youngest is 6 months. He leaves when she is 9 months and wont be back till the month she turns 2 years old. I got out and he changed duty stations to FT. Irwin thinking he would have at least 2 years home, but we were wrong. He found out on the radio that his unit was one of the first to be affected with the new tour time. For those of you who say The pay is good have no idea what really goes on in the military. A lot of **** is taken for that so called good pay. When I joined it was because I was young and just divorced with 2 babies and was on welfare, I need benifits and a job fast, something they could be proud of. I knew there was a possibility f deployment, but I didn't expect being in the sandbox 8 months after joining. My unit was already there. That unit deploys every other year, when would I see my kids? When will I see him?

Answer 1

No, it's not fair. Personally, I'm for the draft ! These people have been asked to do far too much for their country while dead enders do nothing. Granted, a lot of the current rotation of troops do it for the money, so you can't blame them for signing up for new deployment, but that doesn't account for the family men who just want it over.

Far too many families are forced to sacrifice their future because the military complex does not have enough troops to go around. Not only is this poor management, it is detrimental to the safety and security of our country.

This is not a cry for ending the war, because the war is not over and won't be until Iran and Syria are shut down militarily. It is a cry for sensible management of our human resources. The US has three hundred million people within it's borders. That is one hell of a labor pool to choose from, once the Pentagon makes up it's mind to lean on Congress !

Answer 2

As for what I think, the idea of extending the deployment is not about being fair. In the Army the Mission comes first, I am not sure about the other services. I believe that it is up to that individual soldier if they feel that military service is not for them then they can choose another career. I know it is a struggle to get out before you commitment is up. The choice is a hard one to make. I was fortunate that we were not extended and I have chosen to move on now that I am home. But I loved my service and hope every soldier comes home safe. The military can be a challenging and rewarding. Missions can sometimes be extended making it tough to decide to stay in. Soldiers do not have an easy job and everyone should appreciate the sacrifices that our soldiers make for their country. The family members also make great sacrifices. Iraq is not an easy tour. There are a lot of disagreements about the situation. One thing that everyone can agree on is that our soldiers are doing their job to the best of their ability. I am proud to have served along side of some of the greatest Americans, their professionalism made our time there more bearable. Each soldier deserves the best we can give them and some of us in the states are fighting hard to make sure that the soldiers will be taken care when they come home. God bless and keep you safe from harm and come home safe.

SGT Hammons
Veteran, US Army

Answer 3

No, I don't. I read that some Marine units are headed over for their 3rd and even 4th tour...unbeliveable. I was in VietNam with the 101st for just over 10 months in a combat situation and remember how I felt...if they would have extended my tour I would have ummm, went nuts, fortunately I was medevaced out, so my tour was done. But I cannot even fathom the idea of doing a combat tour for 15 months let alone 3 or 4 tours...I'm wondering what these guys are feeling, or how they are feeling, how they are dealing with the stress and more importantly being away from their families.
I just think it is so wrong. Just my opinion.
Good question BTW!

Answer 4

regrettably, while a soldier indications a settlement with the army, they in actuality sign over all administration of thier lives for the subsequent 8 years to the army. So the respond is sure, they are able to and particular will boost excursions to 18 or perhaps 24 months. in my view i think of it extremely is FUBAR that the army is taking nearly all of the burden of this war. Marines (meant to be the 1st ones in and the final ones out...) purely have 7-8 month deployments and don't even get me began on the army and Air tension. seems to me they might a minimum of share most of the burden placed on our squaddies. yet, it extremely is merely general.

Answer 5

None of them are draftees, and they all knew there was a possibility of war. Things change.

Now ask yourself: How can people claim the military isn't close to the breaking point if the Pentagon needs to add 25% to the tour length?

The question isn't "is it fair?" The question is "does it show competent leadership?"

Answer 6

Fair..........hhhmm.....it is the military they do what they need to do to cover the forces needed for the job. My husband re-enlisted afer being out for YEARS, in the Gaurds, when he heard they needed MP's to be able to go relieve the ones that where there. Now was that fair........yes........his service allows others to come home. I hope that when the times comes for him to come home there are others that are willing to go to replace him. His tour started as 18 months and now is at 2yrs maybe more so fair..........not to me maybe but i know he wants to do it and i am proud of him for his choices. I hope when his time is up that there are others that are ready to go even if we dont think it is fair, it is the military way.

Answer 7

Interesting question.

The Military is not a democracy. Is it fair? If anyone ever expected the military to be fair, they are badly mistaken. They have a job to do and anyone that joins has to accept the challenge. The focus is the Mission. Not fairness to the soldiers etc.

Answer 8

Government makes no sense to me!!! The troops are getting beat up with all these deployments having to go so often and yet they are still reducing the force!! I dont get it!!! I am in the Air Force and this fiscal year we are giving voluntary seperations to over 10,000 troops. Really takes a hit on Morale.

Answer 9

it depends... is time at home longer for those who are on cycles? some soldiers are on cycles: a year here, a year in theater, a year here, a year in theater. if that means the go for 15 months and have 15 months here and then gone for 15 months... then it's fair. i guess.
i used to be in the national guard. i think that a year makes soldiers crazy enough... desensitizes them and makes them forget about normal human things like driving in traffic and grocery shopping.
so i guess 15 months SUCKS BIG TIME!

Answer 10

Nope, but the word fair is used to freely.. Nothing is fair ask my kids they seem to say that alot, but as a parent I am tring to teach them life is not fair.. and tring to tell them in the same sentence the reason Daddy is going to be gone 3 more months is not fair.. but no it is not really, but when you join the Army you join to fight for our Country.. and I am glad he dont use the words "this ain't fair" when doing so..