What cures the deployment itch?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:15:11 -0400

When watching the news and realizing we could be heading back to war. I feel a sense of excitement and start to become eager to redeploy. I could choose to stay at home with my wife and beautiful daughter in our newly purchased home; but no I secretly want the military to say... SGT Jenkins back to Iraq you go. When will I feel enough is enough and it's the next mans turn?

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 2 at 2015 3:30 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:30:58 -0400

When you retire or get out. I too felt the same way always wanting a shot at "the big time" - even when I was at Bargam, that wasn't enough - I wanted to go outside the wire (and I did). Even after I got what I asked for, I wanted more! You and I are likely wired the same - strange to some, but understandable by many of our warfighter brothers and sisters. Don't worry about it - it's a good thing while you are still "in".

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 2 at 2015 3:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:41:46 -0400

I believe many people become adrenalin junkies on deployments. The excitement is not here upon redeployment. I would be remiss if I did not say this. I am a firm believer too much adrenalin over a sustained period of time is not good for you.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 2 at 2015 3:43 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:43:26 -0400

Time, Age and Wisdom but I understand the Longing and Romanticism (And plenty of ego) "I could do this, I want to do this". LOL! Probably would be better if they let Grandpas like me slug it out but Fortunately or Unfortunately War is a Young Mans Game and all we Elders can do is hopefully cool their heels.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 4:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:07:18 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, I'm going to say this forcefully.
Your wife and daughter need you. They are your highest calling.
When Uncle Sam needs you, he will call.

I understand the siren's call of wanting to destroy villiany and evil where it lives, doing the job you were trained for.
Your time will come. Be ready for it when it does.
In the meantime, give your wife a hug, tell her you love her, and take her somewhere nice "just because". You may need to trade in some of that equity someday.

Response by SGT LeTerrence Johnson made Jun 2 at 2015 4:13 PM

SGT LeTerrence Johnson — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:13:02 -0400

I know exactly how you feel. I do not know the answer to this question though. I recently begged my unit to redeploy for a 3rd time but they had no mission for me. Can you say disappointed?

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 2 at 2015 5:15 PM

1LT William Clardy — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:15:57 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, this is one of the ways in which soldiers are like the fire horses of old, eager to hear that klang of the bell which meant it was time to hitch up and go racing through the streets to the heart of the action.

And even more so the older horses, the ones who still perk up when they hear that bell, hoping to get one more wild run full of noise and excitement and purpose.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made Jun 2 at 2015 6:12 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:12:45 -0400

I don't know that the "itch" ever really goes away. What makes sense logically doesn't always coincide with what is in your heart/gut.

Some fill the void with joining various law enforcement agencies, or firefighter/paramedic's, some become contractors and "redeploy" that way, and others find various jobs/adventures to fill the void, and of course some never do.

Eventually you will have to come to terms with it and reconcile with yourself that you did what you could when you had the chance.

I have taken my drive to provide "good medicine in bad places" to taking care of Veterans/soon to be Veterans.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 3 at 2015 7:42 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:42:47 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member What you do is buy a bag of plastic Army men. Set them up like a company. You can be the commander. Tell them they are getting deployed. Set up a miniature SRP site, shipping container layout and load outs. Put them on an aircraft and off you go from one couch to your bed room. When they are boots on ground, start classes and briefings. Put them on a shinook and send them to their FOB. You might have to set one up by the way. When they hit ground have them rip for a week. After that, start key leader engagements. When they bed down for the night, the FOB will be mortared. They will need to react accordingly. After that send them on missions to go find ISIS. Now you will be on your make believe deployment.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 7:44 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:44:03 -0400

I had what most people would call a "bad deployment" and I would beg borrow and steal for another go-round. I really don't think there is a cure.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jun 3 at 2015 7:57 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:57:43 -0400

Old age.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 9:10 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:10:24 -0400

Sergeant. Enough is enough, Its my turn.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 10:22 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:22:21 -0400

Channel that thirst for danger and adversity in recreational activities? Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, camping, or rock climbing. Volunteer firefighting might also give you that adrenaline fix you miss.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 3 at 2015 1:04 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:04:09 -0400

I was in PTSD group therapy and half the group said they want to deploy.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 3 at 2015 10:42 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 22:42:35 -0400

Actually getting deployed. Then you spend the next 365 saying WTF was I thinking?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 8:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 20:49:06 -0400

I thought getting to go would take it away for me, but it certainly didn't.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 11 at 2015 12:19 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 12:19:13 -0400

You sir are an adrenaline junkie. I think no lesser of you, that is just who you are now.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 11 at 2015 3:34 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 15:34:09 -0400

When you are dead and buried. It is normal to feel that way. Don't read too much into it. Just don't try to replace the thrills of combat with dangerous acts trying to recreate the rush. You can never drink enough, fight enough, drive fast enough, or gamble enough to get that life or death feeling back. Give it time.