Posted on Jul 6, 2016
Whats some of your worst pre-deployment experiences?
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Responses: 9
Back in 2007, I was getting ready to go to Iraq for deployment number three through Fort Bragg. After they cut the "condemned" tape from our barracks in Old Division, we were given a training schedule that did not resemble when any of our support or trainers would be there. We'd be told to be at the pick up point (which of course was a half mile away, even though we were the only unit the bus was picking up... as if it couldn't drive the half mile to where we were) for bussing at 0800 (ten minutes prior, of course), knowing full well the drivers didn't report to work until 0800. They'd PMCS their busses and get their coffee, and show up around 0830-0845. Didn't matter if the weather was bad.
Then we'd go to a locked theater for our daily briefings, where the civilian trainers weren't at yet since they didn't start work until 0900. They'd show up eventually, then spend the next 30 minutes or more setting up, while we were "on break". Then they'd have the temerity to say that we couldn't have breaks during their compelling briefings because they were behind schedule.
This would continue throughout the day.
Fort Bragg took hurry up and wait to a whole 'nother level. I kept telling myself it didn't matter, that I was being paid by the month, that we would get to Iraq at the same time regardless of how much time we had wasted. But that isn't much comfort when you are standing in the cold December rain waiting for disgruntled people to brief you on stuff you already know.
Hooah, Army.
Then we'd go to a locked theater for our daily briefings, where the civilian trainers weren't at yet since they didn't start work until 0900. They'd show up eventually, then spend the next 30 minutes or more setting up, while we were "on break". Then they'd have the temerity to say that we couldn't have breaks during their compelling briefings because they were behind schedule.
This would continue throughout the day.
Fort Bragg took hurry up and wait to a whole 'nother level. I kept telling myself it didn't matter, that I was being paid by the month, that we would get to Iraq at the same time regardless of how much time we had wasted. But that isn't much comfort when you are standing in the cold December rain waiting for disgruntled people to brief you on stuff you already know.
Hooah, Army.
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when you tell your unit that you have specialized training requirements, well before pre mob, and they figure it out at pre mob
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Back in '03 while in pre-deployment for Iraq, we had a soldier come out to the commander. What was sad is everyone knew before hand, but since he never said anything, then all was fine. I did not have a problem with him being gay, but had to tell him not only did he disgrace himself and was a coward, but he hurt the cause of those gay soldiers who had to serve in secret.
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