What can I expect if I ever deploy to Egypt?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:33:11 -0500

Im just wondering what to expect if i ever deploy for the MFO mission

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 9:35 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:35:27 -0500

Sand, lots of sand.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 9:55 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:55:31 -0500

Threat is high in the Area. Very fucking high. AQ and IS are very active.

As far as your MFO goes- if the person doesn't bleed red, white, and blue, position yourself to shoot them in the face at a moments notice.

Keep your head on a swivel and do not (or let other around you) get complacent in the mission routine. You may not be in a combat zone or a combat mission set but global war on terror isn't over. I know the politicians declared GWOT over, word just takes a bit to trickle down to the gentlemen (or gentlewomen!- new army) who are going to be there trying to kill some Americans for propaganda.

Make sure you enjoy the local food, it's fucking delicious.

And utilize your level 1 terps correctly. In a pinch you can send them out to the local bazar for stuff if you get sick of MRE

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 09:04:45 -0500

I was in south camp from 04-05 and I know then that was a MWR deployment.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:05 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 09:05:32 -0500

Are you in a line troop or HHT? What's your job? Things look really different depending on your role.

Response by SPC Chris Villalobos made Feb 16 at 2016 2:52 PM

SPC Chris Villalobos — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:52:16 -0500

Just a bunch of do this and do that, a lot of wait time , dealing with boredom, fatigue, and homesickness. Dont be lead to believe that it's very dangerous, most soldiers talk out of their asses, youre more likely to be killed in a car accident stateside. Confirm your target before pulling your trigger, I imagine you'll be surrounded by friendlies all around you.
Last thing you want is coming home feeling you've fucked up by shooting someone accidentally. All in all, it's a ride you'll remember more than any experience in your life. Enjoy the adventure.

Response by SGT Matt Schiess made Feb 16 at 2016 6:30 PM

SGT Matt Schiess — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 18:30:43 -0500

I was part of MFO 54 in 2010-2011, and it was a year long vacation for me. Times are different now, though. I don't know what the THREATCON is there but if it's anything like it was when I was there, it's very lax and you should have fun. I was stationed at South Camp, and it's a good place. Bars on post, your own beach, (watch out for the fire coral) and decent food. The best OP to be at is OP 3-2. Great views (can see 4 countries from the tower) and you are far enough away from the flagpole that you aren't bothered too much. The access road to that OP is long and winding so you can go for some awesome runs in the morning or evening. It'll be fun for you if the THREATCON isn't too high.

Response by SPC Gabriel Reed made Feb 16 at 2016 9:28 PM

SPC Gabriel Reed — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:28:28 -0500

That is an awesome assignment. Stay safe out there.

Response by PVT Ryan P. Quirk made Feb 17 at 2016 1:37 AM

PVT Ryan P. Quirk — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 01:37:09 -0500

Well all I can say is.. Remember to pack a poncho liner. You never know when you may need it. If you have two. One in your gear and one in you day pack. You will be fine. Good luck and enjoy your deployment :)

Response by PVT Ryan P. Quirk made Feb 17 at 2016 1:58 AM

PVT Ryan P. Quirk — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 01:58:05 -0500

Oh and besides all your standard gear. Keep a good combat knife on your web gear and a good folding knife in your pants pocket. I can go into other areas. But think ahead and keep is simple. Don't over think things. For example.when I was on the teams and then over the fence. I carried four knives. One on my web gear, folding one in my pocket, a machete style on the outside of my ruck where I could reach back with one hand to deploy it quickly for hand to hand, and finally a very small one hidden in or near my boot (escape knife in case of capture). I also had a spare dog tag in my boot for identification. I had my blood type on my vest and one taped to each boots. This was S.O.P. on my team. Most the time we went in sterile. No I.D. But we always put our blood type on our gear.

You of course do not have to go to this level. It is all personal and what your mission may dictate.

Final thought.. Always trust your hinky feeling. If your gut is telling you some things wrong but you cant put your finger on it. It USUALLY is WRONG. Trust your gut. It will save your life. Be safe..

Response by SPC Wade Griffiths made Feb 24 at 2016 6:24 PM

SPC Wade Griffiths — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:24:22 -0500

It was a joke of a vacation when I went!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 9:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 21:50:30 -0500

I was part of 2010-2011 MFO& it was more of a MWR!! Being a female didn't help since we could only stay on base and not go to the OPs like the males! At the end of our tour though was when things started to escalate a little! Just be aware of your surroundings! If they still have the tours to go for RR make sure you take advantage and go. Great experience!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2016 10:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 10:57:44 -0500

The assignment is pretty easy for the Romeo. You will do more of Tango work on the Muscot dogs and be ready to travel around, Israel and Cairo. You will have a wonderful time there.