Posted on Aug 21, 2021
How to explain deployments with the current wars "ending" to new Privates?
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There was an ASU layout and a few shiny privates had seen some of our racks and wanted to know about the GWOT related ribbons (GWOT Service, GWOT Expeditionary, Afghanistan, Iraq, Inherent Resolve, NATO) and of course the patches. They asked about peoples deployments, and if they would would get the opportunity to earn them too.
Best I could think of on the spot was to tell them that their turn might come sooner or later, just be patient and volunteer if the opportunity presents itself if you really want to go.
Afterwards a few of us couldn't help but think, with the draw down this might be it for the new Joe's. If that's the case how much longer until they officially call it and no more fire watch ribbons either, a "peace time" military.
I'm sure there will be opportunities to go to Europe, Korea, or some partner nation for training but that's not what they're asking about. Deployments look like they're gone, at least for the immediate future.
There's bound to be problems down the road, because there always will be. So I guess the best we can tell them is just train and be patient.
Best I could think of on the spot was to tell them that their turn might come sooner or later, just be patient and volunteer if the opportunity presents itself if you really want to go.
Afterwards a few of us couldn't help but think, with the draw down this might be it for the new Joe's. If that's the case how much longer until they officially call it and no more fire watch ribbons either, a "peace time" military.
I'm sure there will be opportunities to go to Europe, Korea, or some partner nation for training but that's not what they're asking about. Deployments look like they're gone, at least for the immediate future.
There's bound to be problems down the road, because there always will be. So I guess the best we can tell them is just train and be patient.
Posted in these groups: 
Deployment
GWOT
Deployment GWOT
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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When I joined the Army in the 90s the only people with combat patches were a handful of 82d from Panama and Desert Storm, a smudge of 10th MTB from Somalia, and a few Rangers from Grenada, Somalia, and Panama. We're talking about a handful of small engagements over a 20 year period.
The Army will eventually go back to a peace time Army and every new private will join looking to fight. My old Squad Leader in the 75th used to say, "Pray for war men. Pray for war every night!"
Soon enough being deployed will be an anomoly
The Army will eventually go back to a peace time Army and every new private will join looking to fight. My old Squad Leader in the 75th used to say, "Pray for war men. Pray for war every night!"
Soon enough being deployed will be an anomoly
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LTC Jason Mackay
SSG Edward Tilton Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for Wartime Service, which is what a combat patch is actually called in AR670-1 and AR600-8-22
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SPC (Join to see) Train for War and pray that peace lasts. War is hell and not something to be wished for.
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SSG (Join to see)
I didn't realize this until my first trip to Afghanistan when my PSG had a talk with me when I asked why our PLT couldn't go on any of the missions or at least run security for the LSTs
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SFC Charles W. Robinson
I had a doctor tell me one time, that I was not deployable, I threw all my combat patches on the same shoulder and sternly said, don't tell me that I can't deploy...Lol! I deployed. Thank for your service. :-)
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Tell them the truth "Who knows, in my career there was 2 wars, and 2 invasions and 7-9 Humanitarian missions.
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