Have you ever been through a military deployment?

1. 83

   Danette Wattposted 12 years ago

   Have you ever been through a military deployment?
   
   If so, what helped you get through it?

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2. 60

   sean kinnposted 12 years ago

   Persian Gulf War, but I'm not sure what perspective you're asking the question from. If you're a service member, it's usually a lengthy trial-by-fire process that will have lots of boredom combined with a few moments of sheer terror (you can probably get that in some cities in America, too :-). The stuff you'll have to do is not hard, if you've learned your job and been involved in requisite training. Deployments are much harder on spouses and family members. The kids lose touch with an authority figure and loved one. The spouse is stuck doing everything required to run a family or household, plus the constant strain of worrying about the person down range. I occupied myself with teaching myself how to write any time I was in the field or deployed, other people have other hobbies. :-) SK

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3. 0

   Old Empresarioposted 12 years ago

   Yes, in Iraq. Deployments are not that bad because the FOBs have so many amenities. There are movie theaters, clothing stores, souvenir shops, convenience stores, internet, and weight rooms. I read a lot of books. The rooms were comfortable and air conditioned. There were many ways for soldiers to take their minds off of things and relax when not out on patrol. Getting through the combat part of it was luck, since there were no battles and no strategy. Roadside bombs and snipers were the biggest contention. In 15 months, we were in only two firefights and no one was killed in them.

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4. 80

   Wayne Brownposted 12 years ago

   Yes...I lived through a few of them in the 70's.  We always practice for it and too often we are skeptical that it will happen.  On that basis, we did not prepare as we should have.  Take it seriously, pack the right clothes and the necessary subsistence items to get you through for a while. If a deployment is real, you are not going back home to get your stuff...you are on your way when you arrive. Take it seriously at all times. WB

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5. 54

   sanura2011posted 12 years ago

   As the one going out to sea, no. But as a military child and the girlfriend of a military man, yes. For 25 year's my father has been leaving for 5-9 months a year. As his child it was easy because I was use to it and I knew then as I know now, that he is doing it for not only me and my family but, every other American out there. Now as a Navy girlfriend, no and I'm dreading the deployment he has coming up soon. The easiest thing to do is keep your mind busy. If you're the one being deployed keeping busy can some times be hard but you can bring things like puzzle books and such with you. If you're the one waiting at home, sending care packages to your loved one will help them keep their mind at ease. Fill it with letters, pictures (being mindful other people might see them), snacks (home made cookies or gummy bears), and maybe word searches or fun toys like a rubixcube or lazer pointer.

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