How long does it take to get back from deployment?

There is no set answer. It all depends on how long they have to wait for transport and how many stops they will make on the way back.

Posts: 152 | Registered: Tue 18 March 2008

Ignored post by mockingbird4 posted

orchidj5

Moderator, Spouses Community

posted

if he has given your name to his FRG as a contact-and he is active duty-some on from the FRG should contact you and let you know what the travel window is -and then again when they have a definate airflow time and date to tell you when the welcome home will be. If his wife or someone else is his contact they should be able to give you that information. If he is activated guard or reserve-they will first return to a state side base to go thru demobilization-that takes about a week-give or take a day or two-then they return to home station-in most cases the local public information office will give the local media that information a couple of days before they return so the welcome home can be announced. In addition-i know my husband called me enroute twice-one from ireland and again when they hit the US.

"Cowboy Thunder"

Posts: 2042 | Registered: Tue 13 January 2004

Ignored post by orchidj5 posted

New Member

posted

My son is active duty Air Force - unfortunately the USAF doesn't have FRGs.

I guess I am just surprised at how long it takes to get them out because the time it took going in - from the base to outside the sandbox on into the sandbox took less than a week!

Posts: 82 | Registered: Mon 10 September 2007

Ignored post by 13932643 posted

Mrsjvb

posted

he shoulda joined the Navy: they provide their own transportation heheheheheh.

In earnest: there is no set time frame. between turning over their AOR to next group coming in, to getting all their junk and stuff shipped back, to turning in everything and getting their 'welcome back to a non war zone" briefing, it can vary greatly. And that's not even counting equipment malfunction or rescheduling of flights due to operational commitments.

In other words, don't kill yourself trying to get a date until the deployment is almost over.

There can be no freedom without sacrifice

Posts: 19355 | Registered: Mon 04 August 2003

Ignored post by Mrsjvb posted

10098012

New Member

posted

I just talked to my DH in the sandbox. They may have to wait a week or so in Kuwait possibly because the airline the Army contracted with is in bankrupcy and they just don't have enough flights out. I find it interesting that the military is not immune to the stresses of the civilian economy. He's guard so even after they get a flight out of Kuwait they have to go to the demob site and stay there for an indefinite period of time, too.

The last time he was deployed with a different state and I was allowed to see him at the demob site. It took about 4 days to get through the process, but I could sleep with him after each day. The days were only 9-12 hours long. This time I'm not allowed to see him until the welcome home ceremony in our home state.
Every deployment is different and comes with its own challenges.

My plan is to not expect too much and not plan on going to get him until there is a definite flight from the demob site. The uncertainty seems to bother him more than it does me. He is not looking forward to the stay in Kuwait. He'd rather stay in the sandbox and work. Patience for waiting is not one of his virtues.

The Navy is smart not to have contracted troop transport out to the civilian world.

Posts: 223 | Registered: Sat 02 June 2007

Ignored post by 10098012 posted

_JB

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by 10098012:
I just talked to my DH in the sandbox. They may have to wait a week or so in Kuwait possibly because the airline the Army contracted with is in bankrupcy and they just don't have enough flights out. I find it interesting that the military is not immune to the stresses of the civilian economy. He's guard so even after they get a flight out of Kuwait they have to go to the demob site and stay there for an indefinite period of time, too.

The last time he was deployed with a different state and I was allowed to see him at the demob site. It took about 4 days to get through the process, but I could sleep with him after each day. The days were only 9-12 hours long. This time I'm not allowed to see him until the welcome home ceremony in our home state.
Every deployment is different and comes with its own challenges.

My plan is to not expect too much and not plan on going to get him until there is a definite flight from the demob site. The uncertainty seems to bother him more than it does me. He is not looking forward to the stay in Kuwait. He'd rather stay in the sandbox and work. Patience for waiting is not one of his virtues.

The Navy is smart not to have contracted troop transport out to the civilian world.

There's a huge difference between AD and NG/USAR Soldiers.

They'll do everything they can to have them back in time before their orders run out as it has to go through so many levels for them to extend the orders.

As far as the Army getting civilian contractors, I've been stuck at an Air Force base longer becuase of a broke plane than I've been stuck at an airport.

Posts: 1230 | Registered: Wed 03 May 2006

Ignored post by _JB posted

New Member

posted

quote:
There's a huge difference between AD and NG/USAR Soldiers

JB - so are you saying they are more likely to hurry the AD soldiers back or the NG? (AD meaning active duty I assume)

Thanks - it is SO EXCITING to be even discussing this part of the deployment!! Coming home!!

Posts: 82 | Registered: Mon 10 September 2007

Ignored post by 13932643 posted

_JB

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by 13932643:
quote:
There's a huge difference between AD and NG/USAR Soldiers

JB - so are you saying they are more likely to hurry the AD soldiers back or the NG? (AD meaning active duty I assume)

Thanks - it is SO EXCITING to be even discussing this part of the deployment!! Coming home!!

The Army is more likely to hurry a NG Soldier home or shorten the stay at the demob site or just about anything to keep from having to extend the orders.

Posts: 1230 | Registered: Wed 03 May 2006

Ignored post by _JB posted

seabee2nfo

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by 13932643:
Specifically I am referring to getting out of the whole Middle East area and back to base. I am already looking ahead to the day my son's deployment ends. He said that when leaving you are considered low priority and do a lot of waiting around for transport. What is everyone else's experience?

Thanks - I apologize as this is probably a repeated topic.

I was out of Afghanistan/Kuwait in about 5 days -- and the Navy does part of our out-processing there. Most AF I know have been out of the Middle East/South Central Asia within 3-5 days, depending on weather, flights, gear turn-in, etc.

I hope this helps a little!

robin

Posts: 1053 | Registered: Thu 06 June 2002

Ignored post by seabee2nfo posted

New Member

posted

Thnaks Robin - hope you are right!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posts: 82 | Registered: Mon 10 September 2007

Ignored post by 13932643 posted

TheWifey

You can still 'have it all'- just have HALF

posted

Hi ...643,

AF wife here. It really depends on a lot of things (and btw the AF has its own tranport as well).

Chances are he'll be on a rotator flight into Ramstein, then straight to the States from there. Without any hitches, he 'could' make the trip in just two days but 3-5 days is more the norm. On the other hand, if he gets stuck at Ramstein (the plane breaks, etc.) it could be an additional week or so.

The upside is, there are much worse places to be stuck than Ramstein Germany! Most AF folks I know want to be stationed there.

There may be someone you can call at the base who can keep you updated with an inbound timeline. What type of squadron is he in and what does he do/what's his job?

Posts: 6049 | Registered: Fri 10 October 2003

Ignored post by TheWifey posted

New Member

posted

He is stationed at RAF Mildenhall in England so I believe he will go to Kuwait then back to base at Mildenhall, then there for 2 weeks then home for leave - it will have been a year since he has been back in the States! He thought he would be in Kuwait for around 2 weeks.

He is in Security Forces. I wonder about calling the base also maybe once he gets a real date they may leave I can start work on that or he can ask his flight chief for a contact.

He has mentioned he wouldn't mind going to Ramstein though but after this deployment all he wants to do is get home to the States!

Posts: 82 | Registered: Mon 10 September 2007

Ignored post by 13932643 posted

TheWifey

You can still 'have it all'- just have HALF

posted

I'm sure he'll let you know where he is/will be and when as soon as HE knows.

I know you're looking forward to seeing him and sitting around waiting to hear is zero fun but much of the time that is just how it works.

Posts: 6049 | Registered: Fri 10 October 2003

Ignored post by TheWifey posted

New Member

posted

Thanks - that is one lesson I have for sure learned thus far about the military - lots of changed plans and even more waiting!!

Posts: 82 | Registered: Mon 10 September 2007

Ignored post by 13932643 posted

Ozzmosis1

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. The great and powerfull Ozz has spoken!"

posted

My wifes deployment in Iraq took 4 days to get home. She just returned 2 days ago from Afghanistan and it took her 3 days. The major problem on both deployments was actually getting out of her deployment country.

On both deloyments she has arrived within 2 days of her 'planned' return. I think we have had it pretty good so far.

Posts: 182 | Registered: Thu 19 January 2006

Ignored post by Ozzmosis1 posted

Navysealsrule2k9

New Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Mrsjvb:
he shoulda joined the Navy: they provide their own transportation heheheheheh.

In earnest: there is no set time frame. between turning over their AOR to next group coming in, to getting all their junk and stuff shipped back, to turning in everything and getting their 'welcome back to a non war zone" briefing, it can vary greatly. And that's not even counting equipment malfunction or rescheduling of flights due to operational commitments.

In other words, don't kill yourself trying to get a date until the deployment is almost over.

Thats the branch i'm going to join in two months!"The Us Navy" thats the only branch I will even enlist into. I passed the asvab, passed the psy now i just gotta lose 40 pounds! asap!

Posts: 62 | Registered: Mon 26 September 2005

Ignored post by Navysealsrule2k9 posted

AFSweetheart19

"Distance between two hearts is not an obstacle; rather a great reminder of just how strong true love can be."

posted

As evidenced by all the different responses, the time can vary because it's dependent on many different factors.

My hubby returned this afternoon (YAYAYAY) from a deployment to Afghanistan and it took him a full week to return. Lots of delays and lots of waiting. He's currently sleeping off jet lag.

Those last few days were the hardest because it was so up in the air. But just wait, and he can tell you what information he can when he himself gets it.

And yes, the homecoming is the absolute best.

Posts: 208 | Registered: Tue 12 December 2006

Ignored post by AFSweetheart19 posted