09 November 2007

Non-Deployable Chickens


From the Soldier side: Here's a funny thing. A long time ago when I was in the Regular Army, I figured I'd have to go fight a war somewhere sometime. It never happened and I was discharged. Years later I joined the California Army National Guard. The first years were normal-- I went to earthquakes, floods, fires and drug interdiction missions.
Then Nine Eleven happened. I knew I'd have to go somewhere and do something...so what did I do when my enlistment was about to run out? I re-enlisted for 6 more years. Why? Because I'm a dumbass.
Since Nine Eleven I've run across many people in the National Guard and have heard of many active duty Army soldiers who have done everything they can to not get deployed. They claim injuries, family problems and all kinds of crap to stay home. The part that really upsets me is many of these people have not and will never deploy and THEY STILL GET PROMOTED!
I've been deployed twice for a total of 24 months. It screwed up my job and my family, but I still did my duty. In my opinion, these non-deployable pukes should be kicked out if they have not deployed at least once. And if they won't deploy, they should not get promoted. We now have lots of good soldiers who've deployed and have real world experience in our jobs who can lead very well...they should get promoted.
That's my rant for the day. Have a good Veteran's Day and don't forget who it's brought to you by. -D.

2 comments:

setnaffa said...

I'd have to agree with one exception... If the job code/MOS/whatever was not required overseas, they could still be promoted...

BUT. No one in Combat Arms should get promoted without at least a trip to "the front lines"...

Anonymous said...

Anyone who fights to get out of a deployment should be thrown out and have all their pay and allownaces for a year taken back. If you aren't willing to deploy then you should get the hell out. I'd rather have one less Soldier than deal with a liability like that in the field.