How to explain deployments with the current wars "ending" to new Privates?

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.