| "I never imagined I'd be eating at a Burger King in | | | | differences and overall environment can be difficult, |
| Baghdad!" said a U.S. Army soldier. Expect the | | | | but soon a routine may develop and the situation |
| unexpected. Thoughts may be racing as you get | | | | may be less of a shock to your system. Listen to |
| ready to deploy overseas, but my advice is to | | | | the unit briefings. Be careful to follow instructions as |
| always remember to be prepared for anything and | | | | advised. The service members briefing you know |
| everything. | | | | what they are talking about. If you are advised not |
| The impact a deployment has on you as a service | | | | to drink the water or even brush your teeth with the |
| member and your family and friends can be | | | | local water - LISTEN! Many service members get |
| overwhelming, and dealing with separation and lack of | | | | some type of the stomach flu while adjusting to the |
| communication can cause stress and anxiety. | | | | new country they are in. |
| However, being sensitive and understanding the | | | | Although you are busy working and completing your |
| feelings of your family members and friends can help | | | | missions, when you have a little time off, take |
| alleviate some tension. Everyone deals with situations | | | | advantage of the recreational activities on the base. |
| differently and there are many ways to not only | | | | The military has made great strides in boosting |
| cope, but to be optimistic while being deployed. | | | | morale among service members. Don't be surprised if |
| When you first receive deployment orders, you may | | | | you drive by a Palace in your HUMVEE to see soldiers |
| have a checklist of items (that need to be completed | | | | swimming in the pools. There are also gyms available |
| before deploying. Completing those tasks are top | | | | and movie nights for those who have a few hours of |
| priority, as well as recognizing the possible affects | | | | free time. There are Morale, Welfare and Recreation |
| your separation may have on you and on your family | | | | (MWR) facilities on most bases which provide |
| and friends. There are signs to look out for so that | | | | telephones so you can call home and computers with |
| you and your spouse will be better equipped at | | | | Internet access so you can write to loved ones. |
| dealing with situations as they arise. | | | | Quality of life in Iraq or Afghanistan is extremely |
| As you are completing unit tasks and training in | | | | important to the service members. These types of |
| preparation for your departure, you must also be | | | | activities can be relaxing and a huge stress reliever. It |
| aware of your mental and physical health. You will be | | | | is completely normal to be overwhelmed with |
| given a health check and immunizations, depending on | | | | emotions at times. It's important to talk to your |
| your shot record and country of deployment. Training | | | | fellow soldiers, someone in your chain of command or |
| will continue and unit morale should build stronger, | | | | a Chaplain if you're depressed or just need to vent. |
| because you will count on your fellow comrades for | | | | If you get sick of eating at the chow halls, there are |
| support in and off of the battlefield. | | | | also other options for you. Outside of almost every |
| After completing your last-minute tasks you should | | | | PX has a Burger King, operated by contractors from |
| also consider purchasing a few additional items. It's up | | | | the Philippines and other Asian countries. Usually, |
| to your unit Commander as to how much you are | | | | there are also other stores operated by the local |
| allowed to take. The Commander may suggest that | | | | Iraqi people within walking distance from the PX. |
| you bring baby wipes, medicine, personal hygiene | | | | There you can purchase souvenirs, jewelry and |
| items, and batteries. What you can bring is entirely up | | | | paintings. |
| to your unit. But do not worry because there are PX | | | | As your time serving overseas starts to wind down, |
| stores all over the bases, offering you everything | | | | you should be aware of the possibility of the military |
| from Oreos and other Western snacks to razors, | | | | extending your tour of duty overseas. This is |
| shampoo and an array of personal hygiene items. | | | | something that you should have thought about |
| The stores also sell electronics, such as portable DVD | | | | before your deployment. Expect the unexpected. If |
| players and a large selection of movies. There is no | | | | your deployment comes to an end, you return home |
| shortage of goodies and entertainment options with | | | | and your separation date is near, you also must |
| the PX. The stores keep getting bigger and the | | | | consider the possibility of a Stop-Loss. Stop-Loss is |
| stock keeps increasing. | | | | the extension of a military person's enlistment |
| A "Goodbye" ceremony commences, and before you | | | | beyond what their normal separation date would be. |
| know it you're on a C-130 landing in Iraq or | | | | Those who join the military agree to this in their |
| Afghanistan. You said your goodbyes and your | | | | enlistment contract. |
| children may or may not have understood where you | | | | Stop-Loss may not be on your mind as you return |
| were going and what was happening. Communications | | | | home. Thoughts of seeing the happy and relieved |
| with family may be minimal at first as you settle in. | | | | faces of your family will probably be all you can think |
| While deployed, it is recommended to write as often | | | | about. The reunion may be the most beautiful and |
| as you can. Even if you don't have the time to type | | | | trying time in this whole experience you've had. You |
| each letter and send it in an e-mail, it may help just | | | | may be surprised at how much effort it may take |
| to get your feelings down on paper. There are U.S. | | | | for the family members to get to know one another |
| Post offices on nearly every military installation | | | | again. You have all changed physically, emotionally and |
| overseas, so you should have no problem sending | | | | mentally. Share stories, celebrate and enjoy spending |
| letters to loved ones. | | | | time together. |
| Initially adjusting to the change in climate, time | | | | |