Asked to go to Iraq. Again.

+1. i have a friend in the marines right now, stationed in iraq somewhere (he can't say where) and i can only hope for his safe return, but i know that his decision to join was entirely his, and that he is fulfilling his duty faithfully, regardless of what his beliefs are. is going to iraq something i hope for for my friends? no, it isn't, but then again i'm not the one stuck with this decision, i wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide.

 

My little bro is on his 2nd tour over there now (Marines) and has called home a few times and said it's alot worse now then it was last year. The media is sugar coting the reality of the the situation. Good luck with your decision..

 

What media have you been watching? Every source I look at won't STOP reiterating how bad things have gotten. The reminders via media are relentless.

 

I didn't say they aren't telling the truth. They do say it's getting worse then before. They just can't come out and tell details or talk about things that I've hard first hand, happen in a war.
I didn't mean to wiz in your post toasties, just stating a view point.

 

J.R.

Still drinking?

That might be the answer right there.....

Honestly, I do have an opinion that I could share with you, but since you've been there twice (correct?), why don't you share your opinion with us?

Forget about God & Country and the other guy for one moment and speak in frank terms regarding your previous deployment(s) / redepolyment.

 

Sorry you took it that way. But when you hear casualties have gone up and more roadside bombings and kidnappings we all get it. War is hell and we all know the atrocities that take place. That is war. I have several friends who have either been there or are there now. There is no mistaking the severity of these situations.

 

Agreed..

No harm = No foul!

 

I just want to wish you the best, no matter what your decision is.

(make sure if you decide to leave that you don't turn your cards over to Noah to deal out)!

 

Bit of a latecomer to this thread, but best of luck if you go DrS.

 

lol, neways, good luck with your decision, and no matter what you decide, thank you for your service.

 

you should pm Russ "snj5" Turner for his opinion - you've both been there and I value his opinion.

thank you for your service, whatever you decide, Dr. S.

 

Since I would last about 45 minutes in the military, I can offer no valid advice... except I honestly believe you know the right answer. Follow your heart. You've already done more than 99%, so don't feel obligated...

Edit: If you do decide to go, can I suggest a couple people to take with you...

 

DrS - only two lights to a match.

You took someone else's place.
Then
Someone else took your place.
Then
You took someone else's place. Again.
Then
Someone else took your place.

Tou can sleep well at night, knowing you've been there and done that.

 

Everyone here supports you in whatever you do. It is a difficult decision, perhaps made more difficult by being in the Marines and the career expectations and wanting to do what's best for the Corps.

While not a Marine, I was over there as an AF doc. No matter who you are, it "costs" you something inside to be there is what I saw - We took care of so many heroic Marine men and women at Balad whose lives were destroyed. I know you know what I mean.

I am sure you probably have lost some buds. I know you have served with honor. If you go this time or not, it's ok - you will continue to be asked again and again. That's just reality.

An honorable man could answer either way. If you can meet the cost, go on and we'll support you. If you still need to recharge, I'd see if I could gracefully bow out. They will ask again... and again.

Good luck and blessings either way.
Have a drink for me.

 

I haven't seen or heard anything worth getting killed for over there.
I'd say "thanks but no thanks".
But with no end in sight- not being given a choice later on may occour.
What do you do in the Marines?

 

Doc, I don't envy your decision. Either way, you have my support and best wishes.

Is it possible that the very fact that you're so torn about this is an indication that the answer is 'stay here' and you know it?

What I mean is - if this was WWI or WWII, the decision would be easy. You go to fight to protect your country. Fear, yes, but not a lot of doubt whether you're doing the right thing.

Here, it's not so clear who you're fighting and why. Not a lot of homegrown support, or international. What have these people ever done to you, or your country?

Some other poster said this is a 'police action'...whatever that means. I think that's incorrect - this is a war, plain and simple. People are dying horrible, miserable deaths, and for a reason that's hard to fathom.

You served your country. Be proud of that, and make the decision that sits best with you.

Good luck,

Neil

 

sir, i salute you. glad to see that it seems it may be a short stay in the nation, after reading a recent article. good luck and be safe, know that we all may not agree with the war, but we all support our troops.

 

There's a very good chance you'll be dealing with Iran too by that time. It's f'd up. Good luck with it. Stay off the sauce or you'll be fighting that demon, especially when you get back. All the best and Godspeed.

 

I think I speak for all of the Fchat community by saying "We all admire you and salute you for all that you have done." To come back and then volunteer to go risk your life again for your country takes quite a man. I don't think we can express through words how much you are appreciated, but I will miss the Fchat police for the time that you are gone, and I can't wait for you to get back so you can start passing out your cards again.

Thank you so much for all that you have done an continue to do for our country.

Godspeed, John

 

Thank you for your service, stay safe, and get back to the States in one piece.

It's a hellava job and I'm proud that we have men of your calibre willing to do it.

 

Hope you don't mind a salute from a civvie in his skivvies...

*salute*

 

It's Men like you that has made this country great! Just get home safe to use that dive gear again!