IN SHOCK.. My brother-in-law just got hm from boot camp & has to leave Jan 5 for Iraq

[New Orleans Lady]

I say brother-in-law b/c he's 22 and has been with my lil sis since they were in 5th grade "going together" and dating exclusively since jr high school... but he's not yet "legally" until the end of the month (she doesn't even know this lil fact yet! ;)...). Anyway, he just got home from boot camp in Missouri Monday evening and got his orders Tues that he was moved up and is heading to Iraq on Jan 5 to serve a year over there. :(

We knew it was coming eventually... BUT didn't see THIS coming b/c when he enlisted he signed up as "College First"; Therefore, we THOUGHT it'd be another year or two. My lil sis is devastated b/c she's been so torn up missing him like crazy the past 4 months and now this news... Anyway, he's going to go ahead and propose to her Nov 15 (her b-day) and they'll get married by a Justice of the Peace and then have a huge church wedding and reception when he gets back.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers... :pray:

:flag: :flag: :flag: :flag: :flag: :flag: :flag:

[AutoRacer55]

Here's hoping for his safety.

[XTankLt]

that's quick. Is he active duty or Guard?

[New Orleans Lady]

that's quick. Is he active duty or Guard?

I'm really not sure... :redface: All I know is that he signed up last year w/ the National Guard and has been going on his training/scheduled weekends the past year and 2 weeks in the summer. He went to Missouri for 4 months basic training, got home Monday evening and got his orders the very next day to leave Jan 5 to serve a year in Iraq (all the while we're assuming he's got at least a yr or 2 being that he signed up as "College First")....

He's okay with it... a lil bummed out but nothing like most people would be... I'm more worried for my sister I think! :(

[New Orleans Lady]

Here's hoping for his safety.

Thanks!! :hug:

[UK Glenmont]

this link should make you feel better...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-10-20-idle-troops-iraq_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

apparently the troops are bored out of their skull in iraq. they are expanding their horizens with their free time.

[fjccommish]

I pray he'll be safe.

[SFC(R)L]

I'm really not sure... :redface: All I know is that he signed up last year w/ the National Guard and has been going on his training/scheduled weekends the past year and 2 weeks in the summer. He went to Missouri for 4 months basic training, got home Monday evening and got his orders the very next day to leave Jan 5 to serve a year in Iraq (all the while we're assuming he's got at least a yr or 2 being that he signed up as "College First")....

He's okay with it... a lil bummed out but nothing like most people would be... I'm more worried for my sister I think! :(

He's not going anywhere.

Eventuallly, his unit will figure out that he needs to attend MOS School next Summer, and until then, he is undeployable.

They will also figure out that his contract comes first.

What he needs to do is get his school date for MOS training before the unit deploys.

[johnrocks]

Praying for the best for both of them.

[Dr BloodMoney]

He's not going anywhere.

Eventuallly, his unit will figure out that he needs to attend MOS School next Summer, and until then, he is undeployable.

They will also figure out that his contract comes first.

What he needs to do is get his school date for MOS training before the unit deploys.

Depends, "4 months" in FLW sounds like Engineer OSUT for 21b......

[SFC(R)L]

Depends, "4 months" in FLW sounds like Engineer OSUT for 21b......

Concur.

Based upon that contingency and the scarcity of information from the OP, I added that based upon his contract, the Soldier is nondeployable by contract for as little as 2 and as many as 4 years under the NG "College First" option. Provided what we have been told is accurate.

More than likely the unit has received its orders for deployment. Nondeployables will be identfied and told the deal.

[Dr BloodMoney]

Concur.

Based upon that contingency and the scarcity of information from the OP, I added that based upon his contract, the Soldier is nondeployable by contract for as little as 2 and as many as 4 years under the NG "College First" option. Provided what we have been told is accurate.

More than likely the unit has received its orders for deployment. Nondeployables will be identfied and told the deal.

Yep, looks like such a soldier gets to choose to deploy or stay in school for up to two years:

http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/25/12687-country-first-college-second---ait-soldier-declines-to-defer-deployment-for-school/

Under the college-first option for National Guard Soldiers she could have chosen to complete two years of college with the guarantee of not being deployed. Instead, she chose to delay college and deploy with the rest of her unit.

[Dr BloodMoney]

More, this from the State of AZ NG website:

http://www.arizonaarmyguard.com/faqs/index.asp


What if I am going to college?

You've heard it time and again: There's nothing more important than going to college. The National Guard agrees. Your education is high on our priority list.

That's why we created College First. A progressive, comprehensive enlistment option just for college students, College First lets you attend undergrad or graduate school full time, with a guarantee of no deployment during your first two years of Guard service. The program also includes many financial benefits that could potentially pay for your entire education.
So, as long as no one talks him into it, or has not already done so, I would think that he does not have to deploy. Based on info of course.

[BillBrown]

More, this from the State of AZ NG website:

http://www.arizonaarmyguard.com/faqs/index.asp

So, as long as no one talks him into it, or has not already done so, I would think that he does not have to deploy. Based on info of course.


I'm guessing, but I'll bet there is some "national security needs" fine print in the enlistment papers.

[bella-day]

I'll keep you brother-in-law in my prayers NOL.

[flannie]

Time will tell. In the meantime, prayers for this young man.

Four months is a long time for a boot camp. Marine boot camp isn't that long, and it's the longest of all the services. There must have been some other training going on as well.

I have a close loved one who was just recently in Iraq and he was bored silly. Iraq is fairly well secured at this point. There is still good reason to be cautious, of course, but it's not what it used to be.

Afghanistan is far more dangerous. That's where mine is headed next. Yes, my heart is in my throat, but these brave young men and women are EAGER to go serve. All our service people are so special, and they so deserve (and need) our prayers, our love, and our support. Yours included!

Let us know what develops with your brother in law. We care!

[New Orleans Lady]

this link should make you feel better...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-10-20-idle-troops-iraq_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

apparently the troops are bored out of their skull in iraq. they are expanding their horizens with their free time.

Ironically, I called him yesterday when I read that article! ;) Unfortunately, it's not so much the war and/or fighting that has upset the gals in my family... it's the "missing him" and the loneliness that my sister has to endure yet again.

For those of you who've been around a long time, you'll remember my stepdaddy of 25yrs dying in a car wreck almost 2 yrs ago, well... that was my lil sister's daddy.

[New Orleans Lady]

He's not going anywhere.

Eventuallly, his unit will figure out that he needs to attend MOS School next Summer, and until then, he is undeployable.

They will also figure out that his contract comes first.

What he needs to do is get his school date for MOS training before the unit deploys.

Nope, he's got to go. Come to find out, when he told them that he was "College First" they informed him that he "lost that benefit" when he switched from "MP" to "Combat Engineering". Unfortunately, he was NOT informed of such a thing, as he would NEVER have switched had he known this pertinent information at the time.

As the PROUD daughter of a USMC Vietnam Veteran, I hope I don't offend anyone, but that is just downright dirty that the military does not inform young men of such things! :(

[New Orleans Lady]

depends, "4 months" in flw sounds like engineer osut for 21b......

FYI...(regarding why he had 4 months of training...)
Basic Training

Basic combat training (bct) consist of nine weeks of intense training designed to hone your skills, teach you new skills, optimize your physical and mental performance. It will prepare you mentally, physically, and emotionally to be the best that you can be.

New recruits attend boot camp/basic training in one of several places. These include: Fort benning, ft. Benning, ga; fort jackson, columbia, south carolina; fort knox, louisville, kentucky; fort leonard wood, waynesville, missouri; fort mcclellan, anniston, alabama; or fort sill, lawton, oklahoma. Where you attend is relative to the location of the advanced individual training (job training) you will attend after basic training.

If you enlist in one of the Combat Arms MOS's, you may attend Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at one location: Fort Benning for infantry; Fort Knox for armor; Fort Leonard Wood (MISSOURI) for combat engineers, military police, and chemical.

http://www.army.com/enlist/basic-training.html

[SFC(R)L]

Nope, he's got to go. Come to find out, when he told them that he was "College First" they informed him that he "lost that benefit" when he switched from "MP" to "Combat Engineering". Unfortunately, he was NOT informed of such a thing, as he would NEVER have switched had he known this pertinent information at the time.

As the PROUD daughter of a USMC Vietnam Veteran, I hope I don't offend anyone, but that is just downright dirty that the military does not inform young men of such things! :(

Well, you're right, it isn't right, and a phone call to the State Adjutant General's office might be in order if this can't be worked out at unit level.

This is a matter of the contract of enlistment. Adjustments, amendments, etc to that must be in writing.

[SFC(R)L]

FYI...(regarding why he had 4 months of training...)

FYI

both I and bloodmoney are veterans

I suspected an OSUT (One Station Unit Training) event but sometimes NG types are ordered to AD for a period longer than necessary for training (ADT).

So it is very possible that the Soldier attended both Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual training (AIT) in the same training event.

[SFC(R)L]

I'm guessing, but I'll bet there is some "national security needs" fine print in the enlistment papers.

Nope.

This is an enlistment option.

[SFC(R)L]

Yep, looks like such a soldier gets to choose to deploy or stay in school for up to two years:

http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/25/12687-country-first-college-second---ait-soldier-declines-to-defer-deployment-for-school/

One may elect to waive an enlistment option.

Normally, the Army does not void enlistment contracts.

The only other explantion that may apply here is that this may be a state requirement; as I doubt that the option is tied to MOS or unit designations. Enlistment options are just that.

[New Orleans Lady]

I'm guessing, but I'll bet there is some "national security needs" fine print in the enlistment papers.

Yup... "fine print" alright... he lost his College First benefit/status because he switched from MP to Combat Engineer. At the time he was talking to his Sergeant (I THINK it's 'Sergeant'.. or maybe his recruiter??) about the switch and how it'd affect him and his training schedule... they made it sound like it was no big deal to switch and were eager to help him out... but never once did they bother to inform him (KNOWING he's a college student..), "Now do you understand that if you switch you'll lose your College First status??"

Granted, he's mad at himself for not knowing this information beforehand and blames no one but himself for not doing MORE homework.

[New Orleans Lady]

Well, you're right, it isn't right, and a phone call to the State Adjutant General's office might be in order if this can't be worked out at unit level.

This is a matter of the contract of enlistment. Adjustments, amendments, etc to that must be in writing.

I'm just guessing but I don't think he'd ever do that b/c he's so not the type to whine or bitch about things... not to mention 'rock the boat' w/ his unit!

Plus, there's most likely not much of a 'legal leg' to stand on, being that he's ultimately responsible for having done more homework at the time he switched. Unfortunately, he genuinely believed that he had no reason not to take them at their word when he sought their advisement.

[SFC(R)L]

I'm just guessing but I don't think he'd ever do that b/c he's so not the type to whine or bitch about things... not to mention 'rock the boat' w/ his unit!

Plus, there's most likely not much of a 'legal leg' to stand on, being that he's ultimately responsible for having done more homework at the time he switched. Unfortunately, he genuinely believed that he had no reason not to take them at their word when he sought their advisement.

"Rocking the boat" is one thing; ensuring that your contract is honored is another.

One's enlistment contract, and the conditions contained therein, are the most powerful legal legs in this debate. ANY change to the contract MUST be in writing; verbal agreements are void.

So when he got advice, and it was erroneous, there may be grounds for a void enlistment here.

[SFC(R)L]

Yup... "fine print" alright... he lost his College First benefit/status because he switched from MP to Combat Engineer. At the time he was talking to his Sergeant (I THINK it's 'Sergeant'.. or maybe his recruiter??) about the switch and how it'd affect him and his training schedule... they made it sound like it was no big deal to switch and were eager to help him out... but never once did they bother to inform him (KNOWING he's a college student..), "Now do you understand that if you switch you'll lose your College First status??"

Granted, he's mad at himself for not knowing this information beforehand and blames no one but himself for not doing MORE homework.

I think you need to call the Inspector General.

[New Orleans Lady]

"Rocking the boat" is one thing; ensuring that your contract is honored is another.

One's enlistment contract, and the conditions contained therein, are the most powerful legal legs in this debate. ANY change to the contract MUST be in writing; verbal agreements are void.

So when he got advice, and it was erroneous, there may be grounds for a void enlistment here.

Exactly... however, the "verbal" advise was erroneous. He's said he's going to read all his paperwork and study the fine print... however, if it's indeed in fine print on the contract then he's screwed. :(

[Dual867PowerMac]

:pray: for him and all our men and women in the military.

[Gabby]

I say brother-in-law b/c he's 22 and has been with my lil sis since they were in 5th grade "going together" and dating exclusively since jr high school... but he's not yet "legally" until the end of the month (she doesn't even know this lil fact yet! ;)...). Anyway, he just got home from boot camp in Missouri Monday evening and got his orders Tues that he was moved up and is heading to Iraq on Jan 5 to serve a year over there. :(

We knew it was coming eventually... BUT didn't see THIS coming b/c when he enlisted he signed up as "College First"; Therefore, we THOUGHT it'd be another year or two. My lil sis is devastated b/c she's been so torn up missing him like crazy the past 4 months and now this news... Anyway, he's going to go ahead and propose to her Nov 15 (her b-day) and they'll get married by a Justice of the Peace and then have a huge church wedding and reception when he gets back.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers... :pray:

:flag: :flag: :flag: :flag: :flag: :flag: :flag:


My oldest son is in the NM National Guard. He volunteered to go to Iraq and has been there since August. From what he says, his school first has been postponed until he returns from Iraq.

I hope your brother-in-law will do well and stay safe if it ends up that he cannot get his school-first option back.

[New Orleans Lady]

My oldest son is in the NM National Guard. He volunteered to go to Iraq and has been there since August. From what he says, his school first has been postponed until he returns from Iraq.

I hope your brother-in-law will do well and stay safe if it ends up that he cannot get his school-first option back.

Thanks!!

[FidelisAdMortem]

We are fighting in two countries, why is that a shock to you?

[New Orleans Lady]

We are fighting in two countries, why is that a shock to you?

Because he was told he could finish college BEFORE being deployed for a year's tour.... Being that he received his orders only ONE day after getting home from basic training, rather than another year or two from now as he was told, who wouldn't be shocked? Did you read the thread?:confused:

[Gabby]

Thanks!!

My son bought a laptop before going to Iraq. He has very good internet access. We hear from in via email constantly. He also still posts on places like face book.

He got skype so he can call us vertually free. He calls all of us several times a week.

At least there is good communications with our soldiers in war now. it's not like in previous wars when letters could take weeks to be delivered, with many letters never making it to the destination.

[lonso]

Obviously, you can't believe a thing the government tells you, on paper or not!! Look at how the "Supreme Leader " operates his office!

[New Orleans Lady]

My son bought a laptop before going to Iraq. He has very good internet access. We hear from in via email constantly. He also still posts on places like face book.

He got skype so he can call us vertually free. He calls all of us several times a week.

At least there is good communications with our soldiers in war now. it's not like in previous wars when letters could take weeks to be delivered, with many letters never making it to the destination.

I know... thank God it's not like when my daddy was in Vietnam. I have bags and bags containing all the letters he wrote my mom daily. It's nothing like it was back then...