How long does it take for a soldier to arrive home for R&R from say Iraq?

Question

From their duty station to home what is the usual turn around time? Do they have to go through many procedures? Is it unusual not to hear from them until they are actually in the U.S or longer? I am a military wife going through a first time deployment any help to ease my mind would be greatly appreciated.

I big thanks to all that answered. It really put my mind at ease. Just wanted to know what to expect. I am not sure how the process works. I plan on having his favorite meal waiting for him whenever he gets to come home and I definitely want him to get the most out of his time off. Again, thank you for your informative answers. All the best!

Answer 1

It is not unusual to not hear from them while they are traveling, it is not anything to worry about though. Just remember that your Husband is concentrated on getting home to you so he is not ignoring you. I have been thought this processes twice already, and getting ready to go through it a third time. I have talked to soldiers from my unit who have already came and gone home already, they said it takes between 48 and 72 hours once they leave Iraq. Just remember that they also have to stop in Kuwait and some Country in Europe while enroute to the US, then there is a Layover between flights unless you are going to meet him in Dallas or Atlanta. Then you will see them when they land.
But most important have a good time while;e he is home and let him Rest also he works alot over here.

Answer 2

wow, its a tough question.

If you are near a base i would suggest contacting your Enlisted wives club, or officers wives club.

The flight is maybe 12 hours at the most to the east coast. but processing can take several days.

Is the entire unit redeploying, then there's more of a delay for debriefings etc.

sorry I can't be more specific but I retired 14 years ago and not up totally on how smooth things may or may not be going these days

Answer 3

There is no pat answer.

Planes dont' always keep to scheules, cargo may take priority, or different passengers (like medical evacuations), weather can be a problem.

I sat in a depot for three days waiting for a flight and then a two day layover at the next stop.

It can be two days. it can be more than a week.

Rest your mind, though. It its anything more than routine delays keeping him, you will be notified.

He'll be able to contact you for sure when he gets into Atlanta or Dallas.

Answer 4

Usually the whole traveling back home from Iraq is pretty fast paced, and I know I didnt get too many chances to call my wife to let her know where I was. Of course there was a nice family that let me and a buddy call our family from their cell phone. It took me about 2 days to from Kuwait to home

Answer 5

Depends where they are.
If they are in Iraq (depending where) they tend to send people to Kuwait then back to the US. Afganistan takes longer. Chances are you wont hear from him until he's hit american soil. He's being transfered to much in about those 48 hrs. that he wont have much access to a phone.
Good Luck to you and hubby, and give him a break, he'll see the world a little differently, let him adjust a "smidge".

Answer 6

Mine caught a plane out of Kuwait, shot up to Germany. Stopped for a layover long enough for him to get some shirts, have a beer, and pee. Then he landed in Texas, jumped another plane for home.

All told---it was a 2-3 days' journey. I got 2 calls: one in Germany and one at home airport.........seems I went to the wrong end of the terminal. ;)

Answer 7

It took my husband 3 days from Iraq to Atlanta Ga. Then once he arrived in Atlanta he called and told me his flight # and when he would be home. This our 1st deployment to. Good Luck Sweetie and be strong for him.

Answer 8

I can't answer that without endangering that soldier's life, so I'll refrain.