Missing the old unit?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 18:28:26 -0500

I took a special duty assignment (after five combat deployments) to get off the deployment pain train for a little bit and have some family time. Yesterday my old unit got on the rotator back to the AOR and today I keep thinking how much I wish I on the way with them. Anyone else ever have this experience?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jan 4 at 2014 7:21 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 19:21:05 -0500

Yes, but the unit will be fine without you (we're all replaceable) and as long as you're advancing in your career, you'll get another opportunity to 'get back in the fight'.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 7:48 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 19:48:30 -0500

There's no better unit to have served with then "that" unit! You know the one that you served in and did this, that, and everything in. I always fondly think back to my unit and respectfully pray I'll never get reassigned to it. I wouldn't want all those great memories and friends I served with to be tarnished by different leaders and mission focus. Although I feel your pain, best to archive it and let it go.

Response by SGT Jerokiah Darr made Jan 5 at 2014 3:22 AM

SGT Jerokiah Darr — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 03:22:25 -0500

I have my moments, generally quite often, where I reminisce about the old unit and the camaraderie that comes from a cohesive unit. We will probably always miss those days.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 3:23 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 03:23:26 -0500

I am glad to not have to worry about that anymore so I would say no. I was an Air Forecaster/Meteorologist and I loved making out forecasts, something that is done in a central location and that is a terrible idea.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 5 at 2014 3:26 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 03:26:44 -0500

I think we all miss the "old unit." So many friends, memories, etc. The good thing about our military is that there is always "this unit" or the "next unit" to make new bonds, memories, etc.

Response by SFC Ocie Conner made Jan 27 at 2014 10:22 PM

SFC Ocie Conner — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:22:17 -0500

I think we all can relate to that feeling in some form or fashion. But you have to take the time to heal yourself and your family. You have to take the time to repair physically, mentally and emotionally. I will leave you with what my wife tells me when I am very hesitant to take leave. She will spurt it out in a second and it is that, " You unit 1SG will run without you being there as will the Army." You have to take time for yourself, brother!

Response by SPC Andrew Craig made Jan 31 at 2014 11:19 AM

SPC Andrew Craig — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:19:30 -0500

every day, i got out 5 years ago and have hated every minute of civ life, i miss the game bad. secondly i feel like i abandoned my battle buddies when it was my turn to step up. talk about poor choices....*sigh*<div><br></div>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 11:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 11:14:33 -0500

I had this happen at least three times, with unsual outcomes every time:

I changed out of company command in July 2001, and then watched as my former unit reacted to the September 11, 2001 attacks, but without me!

I spent several years training a NG unit as an Active Duty Advisor, including their Noble Eagle requirements and then for their Iraq deployment. We asked to deploy with them, however, instead we stayed stateside to train other units for deployment. This was very tough, as I had not yet deployed myself.

After deploying twice with the same Brigade Combat Team, I left my job as a squadron operations officer, only to see them get identified for deployment to Afghanistan. I was honored to be part of their trainup, as the new assignment I took was one of training combat advisors, and we spent much time before the brigade deployment helping them get ready to advise Afghan forces. After changinf jobs (and PCSing) I then deployed later with a division headquarters and found myself as my former brigade's higher headquarters!

In all three cases I carefully followed my former units, while still executing my new assignment duties with care.