Are you ready to work when you serve in a contingency environment?

2017-12-29T14:22:17-05:00

It seems that between the expectation that we fall on an existing FOB (established base), or assume a regular work schedule some of the military just don’t get it.
When you serve on a deployment be prepared to put in not only the hours but more importantly the effort.
Working seven days a week is the norm, doing without your own office, parking place, and room are as well. Are you ready???

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 2:24 PM

2017-12-29T14:24:24-05:00

Been there, done that.

Response by TSgt David L. made Dec 29 at 2017 3:01 PM

2017-12-29T15:01:56-05:00

I guess it depends on what your job is as to whether you should be ready to perform your duty. For some of us, that is exactly why we are there.
Support roll or not, if you wear the uniform being on a FOB, COP or main base shouldn't matter. We are there for a reason and if you aren't ready for the mission you should either get your mind right or consider a hasty exit from the military, IMO.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-12-29T20:13:38-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member When I deployed, I worked seven days a week with no expectation of anything else. After two long operations, my company had two day R&R's at China Beach in a barb wire enclosure on the beach. This was an unexpected and welcome break. In the states, I also put in long hours with no expectation that it would be anything different. I volunteered and knew that serving my country would not be easy. Traveling life's journey over bumpy roads makes for many memories.

Response by SSgt David Marks made Dec 29 at 2017 10:19 PM

2017-12-29T22:19:38-05:00

LTC S. Ramella, you are so correct. When on the service as a USAF Security Police LE Specialist, we always had exercises pulled on us. Other members never understood why I was so focused during these exercises. It was because in my mind I treated every exercise as though it was actually happening. In one instance I was stationed at RAF Greenham Common, UK. A USAF cargo plane flew in, as soon as it touched down an ORI Exercise was initiated. When the exercise was terminated, a week later, it turned out that we were the only base throughout USAFE that had passed their ORI the first time. We took a lot of pride on that. We did our job. Believe it or not as a civilian, in 2004 I volunteered and went to Iraq to assist the US Army in their mission. Because of my training in the USAF Security Police and the mind set I had during exercises, it helped me greatly in Iraq, by helping me keep a cool head and think while driving JP-8 Fuel trucks throughout central Iraq, when on the 3 times that my convoy came under attack. On every deployment every military person should do their duty as though they are at war. Thanks LTCol.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 30 at 2017 1:46 AM

2017-12-30T01:46:40-05:00

I remember the times when a scrap of plywood was a Heaven sent shelter piece. Looking back, it was part of the good times. When average underway sailors work between 90-120 hours/week as "normal", it's hard to think of any particular entitlement. BTW, that has a lot to do with ships running into other ships lately. Then there's this age thing. No way I can do the extensive outside job in Antarctica 16 hours a day, 6 1/2 days a week. Lost weight even when packing on 5000 calories a day. The Padre did make me to hit the rack after Sunday service on occasion. Bottom line, there's a mission and whatever you have with you to get it done while staying alive. Always remembered the prize... getting to go home. Must have a major screw loose as I looked forward to going back.