Would you ever go back to where you were deployed to visit or live?

2014-03-23T10:56:39-04:00

Whether Vietnam, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or Afghanistan, would you return? With family and/or friends, or alone? Why or why not?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 23 at 2014 11:12 AM

2014-03-23T11:12:30-04:00

If the country stabilized and was able to rebuild, I would go back to visit Baghdad. I would love to explore the city and take in the historical and cultural sites that I was only slightly able to see while there in '03, Samarra yeah not so much...as for living there not no but hell no!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 23 at 2014 11:59 AM

2014-03-23T11:59:26-04:00

I'd love to take my family on a tour of the Babylon ruins...

Response by SGT James Elphick made Mar 23 at 2014 1:19 PM

2014-03-23T13:19:08-04:00

Absolutely and I fully intend to if at all possible. Iraq has a rich cultural history that I would love to be able to calmly walk through and take the time to explore. Afghanistan I more want to go back to for healing reasons and the area is remote so it would be difficult but if at all possible I hope to return some day

Response by SPC Steven M. made Mar 23 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-03-23T14:04:58-04:00

i would return to afghanistan to really explore the country not from a war zone/ soldier point of view and just as sgt elphuck said for healing purposes as well

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 2:17 PM

2014-03-23T14:17:45-04:00

I would definitely go back to the region of Afghanistan I was in to see the COB I was on see how much it has changed but I wouldn't dare take my family there

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 3:25 PM

2014-03-23T15:25:50-04:00

I would return to visit any of the places I've deployed and live in any of them except Iraq. Belize would be my first choice.

Response by SSG Robert Blum made Mar 23 at 2014 4:54 PM

2014-03-23T16:54:18-04:00

Visit, Yes. Iraq and Afghanistan, to me if one day its safe enough for me to return, then all the scarfices my brothers and sister have made with Blood, and all the hard work we have all put into those countries, Was not in Vain, and would tell me that we were truly sucessfull.

Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 23 at 2014 9:29 PM

2014-03-23T21:29:38-04:00

I would love to visit both Bosnia and Kosovo again as they are both rich in culture and beautiful country, Iraq has great cultural aspects, but I think it has been overly tainted by western culture and intervention that much of what was the finest has been lost through war and terrorism, the 'Stan is just as torn up as Iraq, but it still has very much beautiful cultural aspects that would be nice to view and learn if the country was more stable and safe.

Response by SFC Charles W. Robinson made Mar 24 at 2014 10:37 AM

2014-03-24T10:37:53-04:00

I would love to take my kids back overseas to visit!  Traveling was one of my favorite things in the Military and I grew up with that experience since my Father also had a 20 year career in the Army.  It is one of the things that I really miss.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 10:52 AM

2014-03-24T10:52:45-04:00

I would absolutely love to visit Iraq for the historical and cultural education as previously mentioned.  Plus, I felt a certain connection to Baghdad when I went through the streets that was similar to my childhood growing up in West Africa....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 1:36 PM

2014-03-24T13:36:47-04:00

Only if it were to witness the total destruction of any and everything there!

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 24 at 2014 2:01 PM

2014-03-24T14:01:03-04:00

Would I  return to visit Saudi Arabia, Kosovo, amy country that ends in Stan - heck no I would not waste my money or put my family through that.  Now other countries - England, Germany, Japan, Korea yes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 4:08 PM

2014-03-24T16:08:53-04:00

Noting a severe lack of discretionary recreational travel funds, my family would have to plan and prioritize on what we wanted to see, and where we could relax and enjoy another culture. I find it hard to believe myself ever willing to actually spend my own money to go revisit that stinky, hot, dusty, dump of a country (Iraq) in which I have already resided for two years of my life, especially when there are so many more hospitable and amiable nations rich in history and tradition to be enjoyed.<br><br>Nothing good happened there. I did not enjoy a minute of my time there. Nor do I ever want to return.<br>

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 24 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-03-24T17:11:18-04:00

I'd return to either Afghanistan or Iraq (maybe not Fallujah, but perhaps Mosul or Ur).  Afghanistan has the real potential to develop, if they could ever stop fighting amongst themselves to do so.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 24 at 2014 5:30 PM

2014-03-24T17:30:16-04:00

Sir, if it is safe enough one day for me to return to the areas in Iraq where I was, then I would like to do that.  I wouldn't take my family, though (if I had one).  But going back to Fort Irwin and NTC, hell no.  haha. :-)

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 24 at 2014 5:34 PM

2014-03-24T17:34:50-04:00

While there may be much to see historically, I am not sure I would want to take my family to either Iraq OR Afghanistan....Showing them where I grew up or lived, is one thing....I am not sure I could go back to deployment locations unless by new deployment orders.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-03-24T18:21:30-04:00

Personally, I would return to Iraq, but it hinges on the security situation. Bayji is likely not going to be a tourist destination anytime soon. I would, however, go back to Diyala. I should say, northeastern Diyala...where the Kurds live. Again, I would only take family to Kurdish areas as the situation stands right now.<div><br></div><div>With all of that said, I'll echo CPT Kleitzig and note that I wouldn't take my family to FT Polk!</div>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 7:10 PM

2014-03-24T19:10:16-04:00

No. While I did everything I could to learn the languages and cultures to help the locals, I was surrounded by so many dishonest, corrupt, and pure evil hearted locals who did such terrible things to their own people, not to mention so many of our fine young men, it may be too hard to return to the former French IndoChina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand). The heat, humidity, dust, food, and smell evoke far too many memories of mass casualties. <div><div><br></div><div>This does not even begin to touch on the continuing impact of how much I changed as a consequence of my experiences. I do what I can to help but it is hard to get those images of physical and emotional pain and suffering on extraordinarily massive scale out of mind.<div><br></div><div>Really, who else intentionally infects their own people and their enemy with feces, bacteria, viruses, and toxins extracted from the lymphatic systems of the dead to severely confound and compromise the remaining healthy tissues and natural healing processes in the living?</div><div><br></div></div></div>

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 24 at 2014 7:17 PM

2014-03-24T19:17:54-04:00

Of course all of them but for many different reasons, All wonderful places to Visit. Eagles, Wild Cotton and Tundra Grass in the Summer in Adak. Laid Back Country Life in West Virginia. DC and London were happening kind of towns. Bremerton to Spoil my Grandson.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 7:45 PM

2014-03-24T19:45:51-04:00

Not just no, but HELL no.

I'd rather keep my family away from the slums of Baghdad and the pashtun culture from my little corner of Afghanistan.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 24 at 2014 9:37 PM

2014-03-24T21:37:29-04:00

I would like to show my kids where I served but can not picture a time an American family of four could wander Iraq or Afghanistan without ending up on the side of a milk carton. Live there? Absolutely not.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-03-24T21:46:49-04:00

I'd love to go back to Iraq because my deployment covered about 1 square mile of it and I dealt with about 100 of its worst. I've visited many others and got to see the country, Iraq I never did and that always bothered me.<div>Cuba was similar in that we were restricted to the base, still saw some wonderful history though. And the fishing was a blast!</div><div>Honduras, Germany, Italy those countries were experienced!</div>

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 24 at 2014 11:37 PM

2014-03-24T23:37:16-04:00

I could go back and visit everyone of them someday, safe or no. Afghanistan, Iraq, Mindanoa, Philippines, Korea, Panama... Who knows, maybe even a trip through some of those other third world places like Watertown, Columbus and Fayetteville, provided they are ever able to stabilize the areas and make them safe for tourists again...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-03-24T23:42:01-04:00

Absolutely not and here is why. When I was deployed to Iraq i was fueled with utter anger because children were barefoot walking around unexploded munitions, broken glass, and human feces. I would be so angry if i was to return to Iraq. Plus it was hot as hell and made me think that is what hell actually looked like.

Response by SGT Joseph Cox made Mar 25 at 2014 7:12 AM

2014-03-25T07:12:18-04:00

I'd definately visit Afghanistan if it ever calmed down. It's actually a nice country, and it'd be nice to be able to go through it in something besides and MRAP!

Iraq, maybe not so much, although I think it would be worth it to visit Ramadi again, see what improvements were made to the lives of the civvies there with the sacrifices that so many made.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 7:12 AM

2014-03-25T07:12:30-04:00

Afghanistan. Absolutely not. There are so many other places that I've yet to visit who's main exports aren't heroin and tuberculosis.

Response by John (Jay) Voigt made Mar 25 at 2014 2:14 PM

2014-03-25T14:14:47-04:00

Negative ghostrider, since I was a Contractor the only places I was deployed were, Tikrit and Mosul... neither of which I have much impetus to visit, let alone move to! Haha.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Mar 25 at 2014 3:10 PM

2014-03-25T15:10:12-04:00

I would visit northern Afghanistan where it's more
westernized. I would love to have my family see Afghanistan. Living in Kandahar
would not be an option. Though I would like to see how our Afghan partners are
fairing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-03-25T15:37:01-04:00

In just two days of this thread being up, very diverse opinions are emerging. Some are unequivocally opposed to any return, even without family. Others are very hopeful they can go back someday. And some fall in the middle, willing to go back themselves, but not wanting their family or friends to accompany.

Thanks all for sharing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 4:56 PM

2014-03-25T16:56:15-04:00

I would consider going back to Iraq if the conditions significantly improved. There is a lot of history in the country, and it would be nice to see it in a peaceful light. I would also be curious to see what happened to the location I used to work at now that everything has been handed over to the Iraqis. Despite the war, Iraq is a historically and culturally significant place and I would like experience that part of it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 6:18 PM

2014-03-25T18:18:47-04:00

Hopefully some day I could return to Kurkuk, Iraq and visit with the civilians we worked with and share several cups of tea. It would also be nice to visit Sadam's palace complex in Tekrit, before it is stripped-away of all the marble & word work.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-03-25T18:21:15-04:00

I would go back to Kosovo, family in tow. There was a lot of good people and I had never had an issue with anyone I talked with. Be nice to explore and look at things in a different light.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 7:16 PM

2014-03-25T19:16:47-04:00

Given that I still have much family there yes. I'd like to visit the place of my fathers birth (Mosul). One day I'd like to make the trip with my girls.

Response by SFC Billy Bason made Mar 26 at 2014 1:05 AM

2014-03-26T01:05:47-04:00

No. Afg simply sucks.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 10:47 AM

2014-03-26T10:47:46-04:00

No thank you, i'll stay right here in America!

Response by LT Stephen Amiaga made Mar 26 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-03-26T11:34:06-04:00

I'd never like to go back to Saudi Arabia. Some others may, and I respect their thoughts, but not me.

Response by SGT R. Bryan Sheme made Mar 26 at 2014 2:17 PM

2014-03-26T14:17:32-04:00

I was stationed in Hanau Germany and Fort Huachuca, AZ and I would go back and live in either place.

Response by SFC Dennis Leber made Mar 27 at 2014 5:17 AM

2014-03-27T05:17:26-04:00

I was on a rotation to Japan in 1991 I would go back there but as far as a war deployment, probably not.

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Mar 27 at 2014 5:47 PM

2014-03-27T17:47:00-04:00

I would love to go visit Djibouti and Ethiopia again. I would take my family there. Iraq, I would possibly take my family to if it was truly safe to visit. Not much in Kuwait to see.

Response by SPC Troy Luster made Mar 27 at 2014 8:10 PM

2014-03-27T20:10:27-04:00

I was deployed near Baghdad, Iraq in 04'. My unit provided convoy security so I was fortunate in that I was able to see a lot of other cities as well, despite the obvious dangers associated with our job at the time. I love the U.S. and could not imagine living in Iraq, but it would be nice to think there may be a time when I might be able to return for a visit under more peaceful and secure circumstances. Returning would bring back a lot of memories . . . but I think it might also bring a sense of closure in other respects.

Response by PFC Robert Vallies made Mar 28 at 2014 9:21 AM

2014-03-28T09:21:20-04:00

heck no to much sand

Response by PFC Robert Vallies made Mar 28 at 2014 9:22 AM

2014-03-28T09:22:06-04:00

heck no too much sand

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 9:42 AM

2014-03-28T09:42:55-04:00

I was not impressed with Afhganistan, and I would not eveeeeeeeeeer take my family there, rather go visit Siberia

Response by SPC Christopher Seitler made Mar 30 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-03-30T12:42:11-04:00

Since my deployment to Iraq I have studied a lot about the politics of the Middle East. I highly doubt that the region will calm down in the next 50 years, mainly due to cultural differences that the average American will not be able to grasp.

So, based on the current state of affairs in Iraq, I would not like to visit at this time. However, by some miracle, should the region calm down I would absolutely love to go back. There is so much history in the Mesopotamia Valley, and to be able to visit without the fear of Islamists attacking me would be amazing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 2:58 PM

2014-03-30T14:58:40-04:00

If security was not an issue, I would love to go back with my family and show them eastern Afghanistan. I loved the mountains (just not who was hiding in them) and would love to introduce my kids to cultures different from their own.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 6 at 2014 1:32 AM

2014-04-06T01:32:03-04:00

Yes, I would like to return to Cairo, Egypt and around the East African and Sub Saharan areas as a foreign service officer, FSO either at the Mission or Consulate. I like the idea of helping fellow Americans abroad, as they represent American interests by working their contracts and living on the economy. Especially, during softball games, Coca Cola vs. Gerber etc... but the US Marines have all the bats, gloves, facilities and beer.

The US and allies have accumulated many new comers, immigrant and refugees. I would like to write up a plan via Legislative Bill, submit to Congress and to offer a return to home country in those regions, people of origin expressing a desire/need to return to their home country...someday...

I say this as a solution set because US Welcome wagons or Centers are attitude driven by local governance; city and county. Where I am assigned, elder sub Sarahan peoples expressed a desire to return to their home land, while their young expressed a willingness to stay. the city foreclosed the welcome center and now has a much bigger problem; a calm before the storm.

My return is in a different capacity; more humanitarian serving the best interest of the US and guests.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 9:15 AM

2014-05-17T09:15:37-04:00

If it ever became safe again, I would go back to Afghanistan to take a tour of the entire country instead of being in one localized area. Where I was, the mountains were close and it was really nice once you stopped and just looked around.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made May 17 at 2014 11:10 AM

2014-05-17T11:10:25-04:00

Absolutely Sir! I was stationed in SE Alaska for two tours,I go back for vacation on a pretty regular basis.

Response by SSgt Paul L. made May 23 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-05-23T12:42:14-04:00

Absolutely fucking not! I never want to go back to that sandbox again. There is nothing there, the memories suck, and the people will still be killing each other.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 12:01 AM

2014-05-24T00:01:48-04:00

I wouldn't go back because whatever progress I did contribute too was changed by the unit(s) once I left.

Response by SrA Bobby Lovelace made May 26 at 2014 12:42 AM

2014-05-26T00:42:49-04:00

would I go back to the P I yes even though there was a lot of bad situations their was also some good. I can still remember things from my time their today both good and bad.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 6 at 2014 1:08 PM

2014-06-06T13:08:38-04:00

With all the news channels covering the Remembrance of D-Day, I was thinking about this very topic today. Today might be the last anniversary of Operation Overlord that we will see guys that were there during the mission being able to return to those beaches. I often talk to a Vietnam Veteran who was gone back to Vietnam several times since being there in the 1960s and he tells me stories of how good these trips have done for him.

Personally, I would welcome a trip back to Iraq. I think it would be interesting to be able to actually walk around the cities. Iraq has a lot of historic importance. Those of us that deployed there were able to see things and walk around places that many historians would love to. I think it would also be great to see if they got their act together and were able to talk the lessons and skills we tried to teach them and actually put them into practice. While it seems like the day when a trip like this would be possible is far away, it would still be nice to go back.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 6 at 2014 4:06 PM

2014-06-06T16:06:30-04:00

At this point in my life, my answer would be no. When I get older my feelings may change; who knows.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 7 at 2014 4:43 PM

2014-06-07T16:43:53-04:00

I would like to return to Cairo, Egypt and attend, teach and do my research at the American University there. They have clay tennis courts there.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 6:22 AM

2014-08-03T06:22:29-04:00

To visit, yes. To live, never - there is nothing like the USA.

I would love to go back and see the locals who we became friendly with, to see how they are doing, to see how they have progressed. The people in Diyala, Iraq and the people in Kandahar, Afghanistan. There were some really good people living there. I would also love to catch up with a lot of my old interpreters - they were all good guys trying to make their country better.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 10:51 PM

2014-08-03T22:51:23-04:00

I would not, because the people there have a nasty habit of deciding that people of my particular religious opinion should have their head separated from their body. Not for some BS like apostasy, either; literally just for existing.

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made Aug 4 at 2014 9:23 PM

2014-08-04T21:23:54-04:00

I can't think of anything I forgot in Afghanistan OR Iraq....And IF I did....I sure as hell haven't needed it for these past couple years. So NOPE I'm good! I love America and our Ideals and beliefs (however loose they may currently be) I love this country and wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-04-23T23:17:41-04:00

I would in a heartbeat. Hong Kong or Columbia.

Response by SMSgt James Williams made Apr 24 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-04-24T09:42:35-04:00

I'd say no. Not really a friendly bunch of folks in those areas. I'm good here.

Response by SSgt Chris Frey made Apr 24 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-04-24T09:58:21-04:00

I'm going to open a Wal Mart in Afghanistan. Fertilizer sales will be through the roof.

Response by 1SG Michael Bonnett made Apr 25 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-04-25T08:35:33-04:00

No, people are not going to forget you killed their friend or relatives in one persons lifetime....

Response by Cpl Samuel Reeder MA made Apr 25 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-04-25T21:19:23-04:00

Happily, although I'll steer clear of the Al Anbar province for a while. I liked being able to pick dates and pomegranates, and the kebab.... mmmmmm

my opinion however, is that the sacrifices weren't worth what we got, and that is very sad. Iraq has potential as a sunshiney vacation spot. I really liked the Euphrates area and would happily go back some day

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 26 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-04-26T01:17:31-04:00

I'd never go back. Ever.

Response by SrA Kelly Richard made Apr 26 at 2015 1:35 AM

2015-04-26T01:35:38-04:00

After returning from deployment, all I wanted to do was deploy again. To live or to visit? The sand? 140°? LNK? Umm... No thank you! If anyone ever wonders why people make awful jokes about goats there is absolutely something behind it, and you will find it in Helmand Province! I have no desire to go to a place like that, unless it's to support our military! The tea was the only non-military thing that was good about the location itself.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-04-26T07:56:51-04:00

Depends on the location. I'll pass on Baghdad. Erbil is nice though, reminds me of Sacramento, CA. Beirut (and the Mediterranean in general) is stupid beautiful, so I'd definitely go back there. I'll pass on Kuwait (never went downtown though), but I'd check out Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and/or Dubai again. The architecture is awesome to see, and there's lots to do.....but waaaaay too humid in the summer.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Apr 26 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-04-26T10:28:14-04:00

Flying into Prague on a business trip 2 decades after spending countless days and nights watching the border between the FRG and Czechoslovakia definitely felt odd. The airport still looked like what I stereotypically expected from a Communist regime, but once I got out to Liberec I felt almost like I was in Germany again (I would have been very hungry if I hadn't been able to read the German-language menus).

Response by SPC Carl K. made Apr 26 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-04-26T13:12:36-04:00

Absolutely! I have actually started to make plans to go visit South Korea again. I think it would be great to see how things have changed in the 13 years since I PCS'ed. I don't think I would be too keen on living there per se, but I would go back in a heartbeat.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 26 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-04-26T13:14:24-04:00

Yes, I have often thought about going back to South Africa (and, possibly, living there for a while). I would also like to make a return trip to Okinawa ...

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-06-10T08:31:57-04:00

I haven't been deployed, but if the Middle East ever did stabilize, I would enjoy going to visit some of its more historical areas. Iran in particular has a lot of interesting locations, especially in the North along the Caspian Sea. I hear that coast in magnificent. Sadly, I don't forsee that happening any time soon.

Response by SGT Edward Perez made Jun 10 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-06-10T21:14:47-04:00

Visit yes live hell know. But Panama is to beautiful to pass up to see it as a tourist attraction instead of a combat zone.