Four years ago, Army families got some awful news. News so bad that Sarah opened a “vent” thread. And boy did you vent….. Fast forward four years. Today brings some good news. Perhaps we should open a “rejoice” thread!
In firm words, the Army chief of staff said Soldiers deploying after Oct. 1 could expect to have 24 months at home upon return.
“That’s a huge step, it’s a place we needed to go because our studies tell us it takes 24-36 months to recover from a one-year deployment,” said Gen. George W. Casey Jr., before members of the Association of the U.S. Army at their winter symposium and exhibition, Feb. 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“We had to get there, and once we’re there, we need to hold ourselves to that,” he continued, adding that he’d sent Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates a note stating that for the first time in more than five years the global force management allocation plan for 2012 would allow the Army to meet expected demand at an acceptable deployment tempo.
Casey said that while Soldiers could expect 24 months “dwell time” when they get home, the Army is actually aiming to give them 36 months — time to spend training and with their Families.
Of course, there’s always that possibility that our spouses will “volunteer” to deploy. They’re good like that sometimes…
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It’s good to see they’re finally implementing it, though I’m skeptical about actual practice when considering PCS, changing units, etc.
What I wouldn’t give for that much dwell time, though. My husband will likely have less than 9 months “home” after a year long deployment before leaving for another 7-10 month deployment. (I say “home” because he’s gone 2-3 weeks a month training and a night where he’s home before 7-8pm is a rare treat.)
The key word above was COULD expect. Not WOULD or WILL. I will believe it when I see it
The army lies all the time about things theyre gonna do for us…..I have yet to feel any of the "changes" they make….other than I don't wear the beret now