No more long deployments? How will the service handle longer garrison periods?

2014-12-20T09:47:57-05:00

The POTUS stated that long deployments with large footprints and nation building are coming to and end. So, how will the Armed Forces handle longer garrison periods without constantly going through a train, deploy, reset cycle? And is there enough pre-war (OIF / OEF) experience to help us maintain a combat force in the garrison environment?

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/15/obama-declares-turning-point-for-us-military.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Dec 20 at 2014 9:49 AM

2014-12-20T09:49:39-05:00

It's a welcome announcement that our exhausted military force will have a "break" from long, recurring deployments. We absolutely need a chance to rest, refit, and reconstitute!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 9:51 AM

2014-12-20T09:51:39-05:00

Two words, sir: Yeah, right.

If there's one thing a service member can count on it's never being out of a job. There are too many hot spots out there to think that this reprieve will last long.

I hope so. But I know better.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-12-20T09:53:16-05:00

I don't really understand that statement of us moving past nation building. This is not a new thing that we just did in Iraq and Afghan. We did it Germany and Japan. After we won we played a pivotal role building both of those nations. When it comes to it again we will do it again. We still are sending troops to Iraq and are keeping more than we thought in Afghan. I don't think we will be making a huge effort like we have in the past but I don't see stop nation building.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-12-20T10:48:04-05:00

This will be a great period to reset the force and train for what we consider our wartime mission. I am also looking forward to doing a revision of our strategic priorities and way ahead.

Being in war doesn't mean we are great a fighting all types of conflicts, so we must be prepared and ready for conflicts in other parts of the world.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 20 at 2014 1:35 PM

2014-12-20T13:35:01-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I suppose one upside of this garrison period, if it does in fact happen, is that our military and their families will get a much-needed rest period from long and back-to-back deployment. Our forces went through long periods of being stretched and re-stretched.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 20 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-12-20T13:33:50-05:00

Also, some people aren't going to like what I am about to say -- but during the recent decade of deployment after deployment and being stretched thin, I think many military units loosened their adherence to certain standards, whether that be training, discipline, or mission execution of any kind. I think this is something that happens naturally if it's not identified and prevented, and it's partly to do with the force being weary and also some leaders being promoted into leadership positions far too early.

So, another upside of the garrison environment would be an opportunity to get back to our roots in certain ways.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 20 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-12-20T13:48:07-05:00

Poorly.
http://terminallance.com/2011/10/25/terminal-lance-157-war-and-peace/

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 5:59 AM

2015-02-04T05:59:22-05:00

hopefully with good order , discipline, and great training!

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jun 15 at 2018 5:44 PM

2018-06-15T17:44:57-04:00

Field training and BS Inspections of equipment. Regulations will tighten up and fitness will be a major obligation. Promotions will slow down in general and get used to the motor pool. Post Vietnam, Cold War duty sucked! I hope this will not be the same.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Jun 13 at 2019 9:25 AM

2019-06-13T09:25:59-04:00

Long deployments are a good thing.

Response by CPT William Jones made Nov 6 at 2020 1:56 AM

2020-11-06T01:56:45-05:00

That is no problem at all it has been done eve since the army was formed and done today and for the last 50 years. You train for your mission and maintain your equipment.