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StrictYou may have read in the news that National Guard and Reserve units in Iraq and surrounding regions will have their deployments extended so that they are in country for one year, as opposed to having train-up and outprocessing included in that year.
While nothing is ever certain in the military, all indications are that this will not affect our battalion. We are still on track for returning in November.
This also makes sense because our battalion is an infantry battalion. The news articles state that this new order was issued due to the critical special-skills duties that the National Guard and Reserve components provide. While these special-skills units (such as engineers, civil affaris, etc.) are brought in and out as needed, infantry units are deployed on a more fixed rotation schedule.
The Department of Defense recently issued a rotation schedule for infantry units being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The plan is for active-duty units to serve one-year rotations, augmented with 6-month deployments of National Guard Separate Infantry Brigades (SIB). My brigade, the 76th Infantry Brigade, is once such SIB.
So again, while nothing is ever certain, we have no reason right now to believe that we will be extended. We are still on track to be relieved of our current mission soon, and begin preparations for returning home.
I have attached a letter that our battalion commander, LTC Gentry, recently sent to the soldiers’ families.
5 September 2003
To the Predator Families,
In the past week we have experienced a new wave of rumors. Unlike the rumors of this summer that had us returning home earlier, this rumor could be even more damaging. This new rumor has us returning after 365 days in theatre. There is a basis to what you have been hearing. If you have been watching the news as of late, you understand that a strong military presence is still required. I will provide you with the truth as I know it today.
The 1st Battalion 152nd Infantry is scheduled to redeploy [in November 2003]. Today I have spoken with our Brigade and Division Headquarters here in theatre. They both support our redeployment in accordance with the schedule. I have met with liaisons from National Guard Bureau and Department of the Army. Both of these organizations are tracking our redeployment [in November] and have not seen any order that would extend us beyond a one year mobilization.
As Battalion Commander I must continue to focus my efforts on our missions and maintain the focus of my soldiers on their tasks. Rumors can be a great distraction to each of us and can become a real danger to our soldiers. My staff is continuing to plan for our redeployment in November. If I learn of any change to this date, I will immediately notify each of you in this same manner.
In closing, I want to thank you for your continued support. The support you have demonstrated throughout the deployment has always brought distinction upon yourself and pride to us.
Sincerely and very Respectfully Yours,
LTC Gentry