Of all the OEF/OIF vets here, who wishes they could go back overseas?

2015-12-28T01:36:32-05:00

Response by SGT Adrian Thompson made Dec 28 at 2015 3:55 AM

2015-12-28T03:55:26-05:00

There are lots of companies hiring for almost every job field, paying more than you normally get stateside. If you want to get up to date info on it, you can PM me.

Response by SPC Josh Baker made Dec 28 at 2015 4:27 AM

2015-12-28T04:27:05-05:00

There are times ibwish I could go back. I feel like there was something more I was supposed to do. I have disability rating of 50% and would hate to be away from those I love for as long as I used to

Response by PFC Bryan Mckinney made Dec 28 at 2015 6:33 AM

2015-12-28T06:33:13-05:00

I think about it alot, I wish I could sometimes. It felt like home over there because of what we were doing, than it does it here still.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 8:22 AM

2015-12-28T08:22:15-05:00

It's VERY annoying knowing that what I have done in Iraq is being undone by ISIS. All the blood sweat and tears for nothing. I loved being deployed and being a part of history. I had a drill sergeant in AIT who told us that about every 10-15 years we will be in the middle east, that was back in 1998!!!! He was right.

Response by SGT Cody Skinner made Dec 28 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-12-28T08:45:25-05:00

Life was a lot simpler Over Seas, it was a lot more dangerous, but way easier. Everything in the Civilian is overly complicated and involves too many decision based on emotion. I don't know if I wish to go back or just wish for more simple existence.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 8:59 AM

2015-12-28T08:59:43-05:00

I definitely don't wish I could go back. The unit I deployed with didn't actually need my entire section, because there was no real IT mission. All my 25s were turned into quasi-finance clerks, and as a senior WO1 I was doing the job of a SGT.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Dec 28 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-12-28T09:00:12-05:00

I would go back if they would let an old National Guards soldier go!

Response by SPC L Mtn Sheep made Dec 28 at 2015 9:06 AM

2015-12-28T09:06:08-05:00

If fat check involved, yeah. If not then, ffft that sh!tty place.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 28 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-12-28T09:10:52-05:00

There was a time when I wanted to, but not now. After I retired it took me about two years to get it out of my system. Now I wouldn't want to go back because I know I couldn't do the complete job because of physical conditions. I do think about the places and wonder about some of the people I met there, but no, I don't care too much for the beach I've had enough sand.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Dec 28 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-12-28T09:38:45-05:00

Damn near every day Brother.

Response by SSG John Caples made Dec 28 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-12-28T10:12:23-05:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-12-28T10:17:34-05:00

i been wanting to go back and fight the fight since i got back from my last tour in 2010 lol

Response by LTC John Shaw made Dec 28 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-12-28T10:33:34-05:00

SSG Joel Galford Deploying overseas just after the new year. We have an operational reserve now. I hope over the course of the year, I will be able to do something worth the time away from the family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-12-28T11:24:01-05:00

I'd go today! But no luck!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 28 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-12-28T11:30:37-05:00

SSG Joel Galford Absolutely. My experience in Iraq was the highlight of my career. I served with the greatest Soldiers, had the greatest leaders, and felt the most mission accomplishment.

Response by SSG Darian Jones made Dec 28 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-12-28T11:47:18-05:00

I would go

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-12-28T11:58:44-05:00

Yup. I don't know what it is, but I can't wait till I go back.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Dec 28 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-12-28T12:19:12-05:00

I was medically retired this Jan 2015, and tried for one more deployment because I prefer to meet my end with dignity then to be in pain asking for help. Last act of fighting.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-12-28T12:25:04-05:00

Hmmm-Can't say I'd trade my easy chair and a cold beer every night for freezing my butt off in the 'Stan.

That said, I do sometimes miss the clarity.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-12-28T12:53:58-05:00

All of us. Duh. That's where soldiers belong.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 28 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-12-28T13:04:29-05:00

Hell no. I saw blown up kids everyday that I worked and while I can see many wanting to go back because of their job, not for mine.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-12-28T13:10:30-05:00

Good luck! That aside, I saw another option, French Foreign Legion is taking applicants, 17 to 40 is the age limit with a 5 year first term commitment.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Dec 28 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-12-28T15:04:37-05:00

Yes, I would go back. Life was a lot more simple when I was in country. But it want happen since I'm retired.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-12-28T15:33:20-05:00

SSG Joel Galford Any day of the week. Let's go!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-12-28T15:39:04-05:00

Let's be honest, Iraq & Afghanistan would have ended a long time ago if everyone could go back

Response by SFC Jeffrey Couch made Dec 28 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-12-28T15:45:49-05:00

I wouldn't care to go back seems your day is more structured

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-12-28T16:10:35-05:00

Tell me when

Response by SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II made Dec 28 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-12-28T16:24:30-05:00

Yes

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Dec 28 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-12-28T19:15:36-05:00

I would love to be able to return. Deployments were easy. Life here is the hard part. I lived by two rules . 1. Don't let my team die. 2. Don't die. That's it. I also had two rules for my wife. 1. Don't bug me with shit I can't fix 4,000 miles away. 2. Don't say come home soon. Instead say come home safe at the end of the tour. With that said, I am no longer medically World Wide qualified. I still miss it though. I miss it more knowing I can never go back.

Response by CSM William Payne made Dec 28 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-12-28T20:14:34-05:00

Though retired, if my country called on me to go back, I would more that gladly fulfill the request and the mission to the best of my abilities.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-12-28T20:45:09-05:00

At times I do. I was over in that area about a year ago. In some ways it was really nice

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-12-28T20:51:26-05:00

Just got back from my second one and can't wait to go back...Miss the incoming siren though...lol

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-12-28T22:37:17-05:00

As soon as I got back I was ready to go for another tour.

Response by SSG Chris Cherry made Dec 28 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-12-28T22:59:32-05:00

If I got a phone call tonight I'd be packed and ready to go in the morning.

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Dec 28 at 2015 11:55 PM

2015-12-28T23:55:14-05:00

Yep.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Dec 29 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-12-29T00:27:18-05:00

I would again bagram airfield

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 29 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-12-29T00:53:24-05:00

Not only no, but HELL NO! Fuck that entire side of the world. Where in the hell were you guys at that you want to go back?

Response by SSG Douglas Turner made Dec 29 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-12-29T01:39:09-05:00

It is fairly normal to want to go back to an environment that you felt in total control of your faculties and what happens on a moment to moment basis. Heck, I still feel like going back and I'll be 60 in March. God bless all those who can and all those who cannot.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 3:56 AM

2015-12-29T03:56:45-05:00

I would..... if there was an adequate mission for me (setup SatCom at a FOB perhaps for example).

Response by SSG Clarence Blackburn made Dec 29 at 2015 4:45 AM

2015-12-29T04:45:29-05:00

Would love too

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 29 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-12-29T07:36:40-05:00

SSG Joel Galford - when do we ship out and what's the mission?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-12-29T07:59:36-05:00

I would love to go back to Ramadi.
It was sad to see the Iraqi army give it up without a fight. They fled like the cowards they are.
Although they are fighting to get it back now, they wouldn't be doing that without the help we are giving them.

Response by MGySgt Douglas C. made Dec 29 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-12-29T08:43:59-05:00

When I remember the good we were doing over there, helping people, giving them a say in their government and I see the evil taking place now, yes, I want to go back. But not because I want to fight, I will if that is necessary, but because there is something left unfinished. The mission became something it was not supposed to become.
S/F,
MGuns

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 9:54 AM

2015-12-29T09:54:55-05:00

Kinda itching for these isis guys

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Dec 29 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-12-29T11:05:34-05:00

Would go back for sure without second thought, but not as a contractor.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 11:16 AM

2015-12-29T11:16:24-05:00

I'm OFF and I've been trying to go back.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-12-29T12:39:43-05:00

If I could keep the tour 6 months or less, yes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-12-29T13:06:59-05:00

SSG Joel Galford Most of us.

Response by SSG Carl Knipp made Dec 29 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-12-29T13:21:01-05:00

I believe that 99.9% of deployed soldiers want to go back. If you were to check into all these civilian contractors going overseas, you will notice that they are almost entirely manned by veterans that deployed to OIF/OEF.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-12-29T13:53:19-05:00

As I get older, I accept my role as a father and citizen here. I think I will always be filled with a sense of adventure which led me to military service in the first place. As others stated, it is simpler over seas, the camaraderie is far better, and it seem like our purpose was clean cut. Civilian life is more chaotic, but I get to raise my son and see him grow into a man. I get to develop lifelong relationships and become a pillar to my community too. I guess its like anything else, you have to find a way to make lemonade out of lemons. Life like the military is what you make it, but for service members, we are that special breed that put it all on the line and I think that sense of brotherhood will always exist.

Response by Cpl Raquel Rocha made Dec 29 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-12-29T15:26:14-05:00

I do

Response by SPC David Glines made Dec 29 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-12-29T16:20:09-05:00

in a heartbeat

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 29 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-12-29T16:39:26-05:00

An easier question to ask would be "who wouldn't go back"? The line would be shorter

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 29 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-12-29T16:54:18-05:00

We have created many adrenaline junkies.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Dec 29 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-12-29T20:48:42-05:00

Not me. I am enjoying civilian life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:14 AM

2015-12-30T01:14:56-05:00

In a Heartbeat, I would go back!

Response by SGT Jacob Graves made Dec 30 at 2015 8:02 AM

2015-12-30T08:02:22-05:00

Every Damn day. I'd go if I can bring my motorcycle. With my injuries I wouldn't be much help but I can still shoot.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 8:10 AM

2015-12-30T08:10:02-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with OEF.... I'd go back in a heartbeat though!

Response by SGT Ronnie Wilkerson made Dec 30 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-12-30T13:05:27-05:00

Every single day!!!!!

Response by SGT Myles Taylor made Dec 30 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-12-30T14:54:46-05:00

I do

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-12-30T16:06:15-05:00

Every day I'm home, I think about being deployed. Every day I'm deployed, I think about being home. crazy, huh?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-12-30T16:21:15-05:00

No desire to go back. If I get alerted again I'll gladly do as I am told but I don't miss being away from my regular life. I don't need to be over there for the camaraderie as I keep it going here stateside. I love my wife and kids and I'll gladly spend my time with them here as opposed to away from them overseas. Too much nostalgia related stuff here for me. It wasn't that great!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-12-30T18:38:50-05:00

I wouldn't mind another go.....but the Whiskey 6 element says no volunteering until the little one is 5 yrs old.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-12-30T18:51:47-05:00

Absolutely! I would go back.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Dec 30 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-12-30T21:47:59-05:00

i would, no doubt.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 1:54 AM

2015-12-31T01:54:37-05:00

I would go back in a heartbeat.

Response by SGT Forrest Wells made Dec 31 at 2015 6:25 PM

2015-12-31T18:25:35-05:00

Do I want to go back to war? No. Do I wish for a simple tone were I woke up everyday thankful just to be alive? Absolutely. It's a different feeling. A feeling of accomplishment. Get up, do your job, eat something and go to bed. Simple times in many ways.

Response by Capt Tj Feeley made Dec 31 at 2015 7:23 PM

2015-12-31T19:23:19-05:00

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2016 6:42 PM

2016-01-01T18:42:27-05:00

Depends on the type of deployment. If it's down to plt size bp's and actual combat then yes. If it's just sitting on a big fob twiddling my thumbs then I might as well be back in garrison

Response by CPL Dan McCready made Jan 2 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-01-02T06:59:02-05:00

In a heartbeat, even though I've been out for 11 years now.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 11:18 PM

2016-01-04T23:18:15-05:00

Resounding Yes. I've even thought about going back to fight with the Kurds. The only thing keeping me from doing it is my children.

Response by TSgt Richard Satterfield made Jan 6 at 2016 4:59 PM

2016-01-06T16:59:44-05:00

Every Day!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 7:43 PM

2016-01-06T19:43:42-05:00

NOTHING LIKE DEPLOYMENTS

Response by SPC Calvin Gross made Jan 8 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-01-08T15:46:24-05:00

I'm out of the service now. But if the people I served with for two rotations were going back over. I would go with them for sure if I was given the option.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-01-11T15:23:06-05:00

Every day! Warriors train for battle, not sitting at home.

Response by Cpl Anthony Wilson made Jan 12 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-01-12T17:58:59-05:00

All the time...

Response by LCpl Leon Hall made Jan 14 at 2016 11:00 PM

2016-01-14T23:00:10-05:00

In a heartbeat. semper kill.

Response by SGT Craig Rowan made Jan 17 at 2016 6:42 AM

2016-01-17T06:42:37-05:00

If I was in the right physical shape and had the platoon I was in and the command team we had. I would go back in a heart beat. Even now after being a civ for 7 years now not a day goes by that I don't wish I was still there.

Response by SPC Walter Mullins made Jan 19 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-01-19T09:44:17-05:00

I would post a link, but no one here is interested in helping someone go back in to finish what they started almost 14 years ago...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-01-21T09:41:29-05:00

Me me me

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Jan 23 at 2016 6:16 PM

2016-01-23T18:16:40-05:00

Yeah, there are days. It boils down to belonging, even if the mission isn't accomplished. There really isn't the same loyalty anywhere else, except being deployed on a ship supporting the mission.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jan 24 at 2016 5:15 AM

2016-01-24T05:15:38-05:00

Certain things were easier over there, but not on your life. In fact, had I not already made the commitment, I wouldn't have gone at all. In many ways, I lost my innocence over there. I learned that war is a racket.

Response by PFC Colin Cooper made Jan 25 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-01-25T16:05:14-05:00

I do! and I would in a heartbeat if I was able to.

Response by CPL Joseph Thompson made Jan 28 at 2016 7:05 PM

2016-01-28T19:05:50-05:00

I do

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Feb 5 at 2016 9:33 PM

2016-02-05T21:33:21-05:00

I am torn between home life and mission with a purpose. I am concerned about our country becoming the second war zone. It looks like we are at the beginnings of another world war. I hate seeing our hard work wiped away and hope we change that real soon.

I am way overweight and have mobility limitations effecting my that would put me in a substandard category. I would not bring honor to the uniform or physical standards.

Response by PFC Justin Edelmayer made Feb 7 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-02-07T11:55:38-05:00

I'd do it in a heartbeat to still protect this country

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 4:56 PM

2016-02-09T16:56:17-05:00

say when

Response by SSG Zebulon Dannar made Feb 11 at 2016 4:23 PM

2016-02-11T16:23:03-05:00

Everyday!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 13 at 2016 5:15 PM

2016-02-13T17:15:21-05:00

History teaches us that Alexander didn't conquer Afghanistan, he married into it, and ergo became a kinsman. I can't say that would work with us, but it has got to be a better way than how we are doing it now. So no, I don't want to go back, not the way we are doing it.

Response by SP5 Pedro Gonzalez made Feb 15 at 2016 3:26 PM

2016-02-15T15:26:37-05:00

I don't think a day has gone by where I have that wish in my mind

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 12:27 AM

2016-02-25T00:27:57-05:00

With a guarantee to be able to kill the enemy until there aren't any more of them left, I would go in a heartbeat. My time there was exhilarating and frustrating. We were doing things that had never been done before in a combat zone, and there is only one chance to be the first of anything. So, next time better be about the one chance to be the last ones standing.

Response by LTC James Bozeman made Mar 29 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-03-29T15:49:50-04:00

I do - all good to me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-04-28T12:33:49-04:00

within 6 months of returning from iraq, i was training to go back, got bumped of for more senior people, so began training for afgan, because of a simple switch of meds for my ptsd got dq'd, buy the time it got reversed too late missed to much training, if i couldve been there with my team one of my sms would not have come back with a broken back after being thrown out of turret on a night mission with an inexperince driver, i still think of this kid everyday because we both served in iraq together

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 12:48 PM

2016-05-05T12:48:24-04:00

Hell yeah! Everyday I do!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2017 1:21 AM

2017-11-19T01:21:20-05:00

Yes, hands down.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2017 5:11 AM

2017-11-19T05:11:03-05:00

I would in a heartbeat.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Nov 19 at 2017 5:22 AM

2017-11-19T05:22:56-05:00

If needed I would but retired for over three years and these old bones are tired.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Nov 19 at 2017 8:20 AM

2017-11-19T08:20:08-05:00

I would go back in a heartbeat. It's so simple over there, even if more dangerous. Wake up, gym, do your job, eat, sleep, repeat.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Nov 19 at 2017 1:25 PM

2017-11-19T13:25:03-05:00

By in large I never want to go back, that said there are days I do think about it. For me it was the 5 month roll up to going I hated more than anything. That did not prepare for much of anything other than raise my knowledge on things that can get my blood boiling faster than anything.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 21 at 2017 11:31 AM

2017-11-21T11:31:03-05:00

After I got back, I spent time trying to go back. I was lucky, I got thrown from the IRR into the Retired Reserves with out my knowledge. I wrote to the Army Reserve CSM explaining what was done with out my knowledge. He said I had a good case to get re-instated. I prepared my packet and was ready to mail it in, then it hit me: Maybe God was trying to tell me something - get out while the getting was good. So I spent the next two years going through "Withdrawals". Now I am glad it happened. Looking back, I came back from Iraq with collapsed discs in my back and my left shoulder messed up. I would have need profiles to stay in as I no longer could do pushups. Probably would not have been deployable. So I got to leave on my own terms, sort of. Never got to really retire, I just was out. But looking back, I am glad it went that way.
If they came and wanted me back, yea I would go. My oath never ended.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2018 12:18 AM

2018-11-23T00:18:41-05:00

I do, quite a lot actually