Posted on Aug 1, 2015
How many of you have participated in an ODT (Overseas Deployment Training) exercise and what was your best part of the experience?
21.7K
93
88
11
11
0
Training
Overseas
Responses: 27
1
1
0
During my service in the National Guard, I participated in a ODT, I had the opportunity to go to Egpyt. The excersis was an eye opener.
(1)
(0)
1SG Jeffrey Grice
Was the exercise Bright Star SFC (Join to see) ? I have heard great things about that exercise.
(0)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Yes it was, not only did we work with the Egpytion but also with other participating countries. Plus the opportunity to see the pyramids.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I participated in Team Spirit 84 with B 1/35 th infantry. I enjoyed walking through the countryside and interacting with the locals.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Greetings.
Performed ODT-like tours in support of US CENTCOM, and later ARCENT/TUSA, as Command Linguist/LNO during BRIGHT START JCETs in 1981 and 1985. Performed most of those tours in Egypt and Sudan (multiple times in both). I was assigned IMA to DIA (Defense Attache System), and was 'loaned' to those commands.
One of the most-interesting episodes was standing on the edge of a DZ near Khartoum on a pitch-black night to observe (or more accurately, to hear) the approach and parachute insertion of USSF (5SFGA) and Sudanese Airborne Forces in a joint airborne operation.
Hope this adds to this thread. Today is Tuesday, 4 August 2015.
Regards,
Stephen H. Franke
San Pedro, California
Performed ODT-like tours in support of US CENTCOM, and later ARCENT/TUSA, as Command Linguist/LNO during BRIGHT START JCETs in 1981 and 1985. Performed most of those tours in Egypt and Sudan (multiple times in both). I was assigned IMA to DIA (Defense Attache System), and was 'loaned' to those commands.
One of the most-interesting episodes was standing on the edge of a DZ near Khartoum on a pitch-black night to observe (or more accurately, to hear) the approach and parachute insertion of USSF (5SFGA) and Sudanese Airborne Forces in a joint airborne operation.
Hope this adds to this thread. Today is Tuesday, 4 August 2015.
Regards,
Stephen H. Franke
San Pedro, California
(1)
(0)
1SG Jeffrey Grice
As if being on the edge of a DZ isn't enough LTC Stephen Franke , you were actually there on a night with something happening.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
1SG (Join to see)
I know, right?!?! Between getting promoted and the fact that my ODT manager is incompetent compared to my old one, it's problematic!
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
In the Marine Corps I participated in a 3 year Cultural Emergence Program with the Royal Thai Marine Corps. It was the best three years of my military career. I absolutely enjoyed the Marines themselves along with exchanging tactics, techniques and tricks of the trade. I even took the time to learn Thai and teach English skills to the Thai Marines. I had an absolute blast. Would love to do it again.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
My best quasi ODT was leading a group of cadets on a CULP mission to Paraguay. CULP is a USACC program for cadets to provide a basic introduction to foreign nations, cultures, and militaries. CULP actually sends cadets to Europe, Asia, South American, and Africa. Too bad I couldn't do this duty every year!
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
When I got back after 2,800 days in Iraq the best thing was awareness of a PTSD and the changes that were muscle memory for me while in the deepest abnormal feeling that I had I gave me a edge on the what was wrong was me and help me in my integrity to ask for help you need to understand I was 24-7 in combat zones and never thought it could happen to me I just god I am alive and able to function not like a lot of my brothers whom committed suicide across the nations.
(0)
(0)
1SG Jeffrey Grice
SGT Reyes Molina , hopefully you are fully involved with the VA, that's a lot of deployment time!
(0)
(0)
SGT Reyes Molina
Yes I am and well when I first got back I got into a lot of trouble but kept my integrity it was very hurtful to see and hear of friends that were not as strong and well are in another world now but for me. I live in a community that hate and well this 4th of July they lite fireworks in my front yard and hit the side of my house my daughter is getting annoyed I never seen so much hate since I have been back but I am dealing with that on a personal level and still engaged with the VA but I am along way from being home I just wish I didn't have to deal with these haters over here. I had bible study at my house when they started now the group will not come over any more. I still am encouraged to work on me. The VA is very stead fast apparently they lost my health records and have to a agreement that I am telling the truth with two bronze stars and a V device but still at 60%. I am hanging in there I just wish I could have finished my full 20 years just could give 24 with the guard on active duty I had to take myself out of the game do to PTSD and have been struggling with minimal income but god work in mysterious ways and I pray he is working on me...
(0)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
SGT Molina. You are not alone. If you are having problems with the VA, Join the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They will fight for you. Get any and all paper work that you have and find a rep. But first, be true to yourself You served your Country and followed orders. You will never forget your experiences, but you can control your thoughts and memories. Put them away in in an imaginary box in your mind and let them lay. Be proud of your service and fight for your right's and benefits. The DAV can and will help. If your neighbors are a problem, then for your self and your daughters sake, move if you can. Try to understand that your neighbors have no idea of what you went through. Request a copy of all your military records from the personnel command (you'll have to Google it under request for military records. As far as veterans are concerned, 99.9% have some degree of PTSD. But in any case, don't give up or give in to what your mind is i trying to over power you. I know it is very hard to hear some one else to say, but let it go. You are alive and have a daughter to look after. Be there for her and yourself. Be proud, be strong and our prayers are with you.
(0)
(0)
SGT Reyes Molina
MSG (Join to see) - Thank you and I have stared to work on just that but I wish this community was part of my PTSD to people have already called the police but they are stitched into the fabrication of community. I will continue to work on me.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google