My son is on the Iraq-Syrian border (marine), and doesn't tell me anything that would worry me, how do I find

Question

out about any military or insergent movement in that area?

the reason I ask, is also because I do not watch the news, it never matches what little he does tell me, anyway. But thank you all so, so much.

Answer 1

Most of the other answerers have given you correct information. He's not telling you much about what he's doing on a day-to-day basis (mission-wise), because he's literally not allowed to, and because even if he could, he doesn't want to worry you. OPSEC (operational security) mandates that soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors keep information about their specific missions, unit movements/numbers, enemy activities, and other sensitive information confidential. Some of it may even be classified depending on how sensitive it is. That said, try your best not to worry about him--and yes, I am fully aware of how hard it is to tell a military mom that. My own mom went through it when I was deployed to Baghdad. If it's any comfort, the Marines definitely know how to handle themselves. The enemies he's fighting have far, far more to worry about from your son than your son has to worry about from them, trust me.

I'd recommend steering clear of American news networks and American media in general; they rarely, if ever, accurately portray what's going on there. Most servicemembers who have been there will tell you that. Also, try to avoid other military moms and spouses who are prone to idle gossip. Family members who gossip about what they think will happen or "what they heard" in relation to their unit's deployment cause some of the worst worry and grief for other family members, more than most folks realize. Stick with the non-gossipy types.

Answer 2

The best ways have already been stated-put a notice on the yahoo news that you'd like news related to that area. Something to keep in mind that little or no news from that area is probably a good thing since the news concentrates n "where the action is" and bad news. I was in Vietnam for three months before my mother found out I wasn't in Japan so from experience-he really is just trying to keep you from worrying too much. The lack of news/information from him might just be because it is calm and he has nothing to tell you. Semper Fi

Answer 3

if you add an alert on the area to your yahoo, it will popup anything showing up in the news pretty much anywhere, i also do searches daily for the area i want to know about, or a specific thing i may want to watch for within Iraq, i get a lot of info you do see on TV here that way, also, I do NOT watch the regular stations, i research for a reason, they seem to be telling us what they want us to know and no more. ALSO, if he is not telling,please remember to stay positive! Sgt doesnt tell me things, and because of the missions is NOT allowed a lot of times, so keep that in mind as well. again, stay positive! Please tell your son thank you for his service for me, and thank you as well, being Mom isn't easy either!

Answer 4

you know, i wasnt gonna try to answer this but here goes.

believe me you dont wanna know. i have been deployed 4 times and i have told my family some of what happened but certainly not all. and i never told them about anything current while it was happening. i did that for two reasons, first to communicate that kind of info over a non secure method would comprimise security. but most importantly for me was i didnt think that my family should be exposed to such things. i thought it was enough that i was and prayed every night that the events of the next day would never have to be experienced by anyone else, especially my family. but im sure that if the time came and my daughter could/would enlist and defend this AWESOME country.

im sure he will disclose what he wants to tell you when he returns. and when he does thank him for me for doing such and outstanding job, and if i ever get to see him in iraq or afghanistan i would love to shake his hand.

Answer 5

In general you shouldn't be able to find out much, at lest not unless it's after the fact.

Forget about the mainstream media. Even Fox doesn't really cover the stories.

List of good sources below

Answer 6

He doesn't tell you things because he doesn't want you to worry (even though you will anyway) If he knows you're worrying, he'll be worrying, and THAT could distract him. That's why he doesn't let you know all the details. Good luck to you, and I pray he comes back soon, safe and sound.

Answer 7

I wouldn't worry too much. Syria doesn't want to mess with Marines and a good majority of insurgent activity is in or near Baghdad.
Thank you to your family for his service!
I hope he comes home safe and soon.

Answer 8

I guess the national news services would have the most information.

I hope military people also answer and give you sources.

God bless your son, and you, and the whole family!

Answer 9

that information falls under OPSEC and you are putting your son in danger by asking him to provide that information.. not only from the bad guys, but his superiors as well.

Answer 10

http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/
http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/
These two provide news on Marines. The media will not tell anything unless it is bad news, so lack of news is good.