Posted on Aug 4, 2017
For those who have done combat rotations/deployments, what, if anything, do you miss about being "over there"?
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It's that time again, the anniversary of my first (of 5) rotations into Afghanistan, and I'm feeling a bit nostalgic for my time over there working outside the wire with the Infantry. Am I the only one who misses those days?
Afghanistan
Iraq
Combat
1st ID
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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I miss the comraderie. Strangely I miss the semi fatalistic way we all faced life threatening missions with almost methodical resignation...certainly something that is incomprehensible to the "normals" back home. Only appreciated by people who have made peace with the fact that they could die today but said that's ok. That electrifying sensation of slamming the bolt forward and going weapon status black. I will never be that awesome again...shit.
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LTC Jason Mackay
(Join to see) - I actually remember that specific moment I had that epiphany. I was about to walk out to my First combat convoy Brief in 2003. I was a little freaked, mission was eight up and badly coordinated. I finally just thought to my self "I could die today, but that is ok". Problem solved. I just asked God to see my men through. I walked out to my unit and did my job.
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(Join to see)
LTC Jason Mackay serious question- have you ever contemplated writing a book about your / your unit experiences?
Your word choice is perfect, and I for one would read it.
Your word choice is perfect, and I for one would read it.
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LTC Jason Mackay
(Join to see) - I have just for the benefit of my children who were too young to remember my deployments...I am no one special in the grand scheme of things. Don't think people want to read about a moist and meaty Logistician
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In many ways life was simpler. There was a strange type of comfort in the routine.
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The one and only one thing I miss was the company of men I served with in Vietnam,I was both lucky and blessed to have trained with the the men in my company for ten months before being sent to the "land of the little people"I have never since felt that trust and brotherhood,for ten months and fourteen days they were my lifeline and I'll never forget them.
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Sgt (Join to see)
SGT Philip Roncari I agree. The bonds of brotherhood were stronger in Vietnam than in the states. I can't think of anything else that I missed.
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SPC Mike Bohannon
I say right on you could always trust that man to your right left or behind black or white it did not matter
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