Hey guys, long time member, just haven't posted in a while.. Reservist 0311 here with one deployment under my belt, I deployed a year ago this month and came back in April. To make a long story short, my deployment waaaaay out in western Anbar wasn't what I thought it was going to be (haven't heard this one right?) Friends and family had been to Fallujah in 2006, and I was gearing up for that type of deployment, but needless to say I have come back with a sort of un-accomplished feeling.
I know we all have done our service whether in peace or war, and I am being careful I guess what I am wishing for, but I want to go to Afghanistan in the near future. I am back to the grind of working and going to school (both full time) but I really want to get over there before s**t dies out there too. Any one know the process when one is actively drilling in the reserves?? I have just under 3 years left in (halfway done) and figure this is the way to get what I want out of my time in.. Only worry is I may get hosed and stuck in the 3 shop or doing some bs work for being a lateral / "weekend warrior". I know I'm not a sh*t bag by any means but maybe someone can see where I am coming from.. Thoughts / advice anyone??? Thanks guys, Semper.
I don't know a damn thing about the reserves but this really doesn't seem like it would be that hard if it is what you really want. I would think you would have run this by your chain of command if you are serious.. they should obviously have all your answers.
Reality is if you go to Afghan and you are a line company grunt, you are most likely in for one hell of a deployment. I know you said you understand the 'careful what you wish for' BS, but if this is truly what you want you need to be as prepared as possible. If only I could figure out how to send a PM i'd really like to inform you on what you need to be ready for. Hope you can hump, and can handle high elevation accompanied with extreme temps.. or else you are a liability.
I figured that was step one, the whole chain of command thing, I just hope they don't have a problem giving bodies up... After all, the commandant did come out with that whole "give every Marine a chance to fight" (if you want it I guess??..?) speech and what not.
I have been following the news closely since last summer when I was deploying, and I am aware of how hot Helmand province and the other areas of Southern Afghanistan (mostly Marine AO's) are. It'd be hard not too just from paying attention to the news. I plan to bring it up next month to my commands attention, with the intent to preferably leave for the work-up around January, I have no problem with the heat, I will admit I hate the cold, but can deal with both extremes. Humping is something that comes with the trade.. I would like to think most 03's would be good to go in that dept. Thanks for the reply though I appreciate the insight.
