I am a 41 year old male who has just been recalled to Active Duty. My military career involves being a 31B in the Army National Guard from 85-88, then Active Duty Air Force from 88-95, back to Army National Guard from 2001-2004. I had no idea I was even eligible for this deployment and have been recalled by the Department of the Army to go with the 670th MP Co out of California. I have to report to Ft. Benning by 6/14/2009. I have no physical ailments, except for needing a root canal and having two wisdom teeth taken out, will this keep me from being deployed. Should I plan on being gone for the 400 days they are saying or will they send me back in two weeks for the problems with my teeth. Also, my second stint with the National Guard was not a good one, E-4 and didnt do well with the guard after being out for 6 years, not performance wise but attitude wise, I was going through a divorce at the time and have custody of my 2 teenage daughters and wasnt much on drill at all, seemed like doing the same shit every weekend with guys half my age telling me what to do. I was demoted to PFC which is what I am being recalled as, I have a four year degree and how long will it take me to get that stripe back if I do stay. I have no uniforms or any equipment will they issue it to me. Lastly, with all my years committed to this if I do well on this deployment what are the chances of going back active duty? Any help would be greatly appreciated, kind going through a whirlwhind here since I have 30 days to prepare as if I wont be back for 400.

I can only answer two of your questions, first they will give you a medical and dental screening and fix any problems that you have. A root canal will not keep you from deploying. Second they will issue you your uniform and gear when you arrive.

Okay, so I got curious and did some searching and find out I am actually being deployed to Afghanistan with a unit out of California. What should I expect. I have been out for a while so I know the adjustment would have been tough going to Iraq, but Afghanistan has to be worse, right? Any assistance would be appreciated, my MOS is 31B.

Time spent in Afghanistan was easily my most defining/rewarding time yet. Embrace it man you'll be glad you did.

You SHOULD get some refresher training, both in Soldier skills (ie basic training but not quite as intense,) and MOS skills. (2 weeks in My MOS, just barely enough to start to remember how much you've forgotten.)

If you charge hard, have a GOOD attitude and LOTS of MOTIVATION, you could be SGT before you finish. (Time in Grade will be your obstacle, you already have TIS for SPC and SGT.)

I THINK you could "re-enlist" once you're back in, talk with a career counselor (re-up NCO) as soon as you get to the unit.
-You can NOT re-up the last 90days before ETS now (without waivers and Krap.)

quote:

Originally posted by Corvette1140:
Time spent in Afghanistan was easily my most defining/rewarding time yet. Embrace it man you'll be glad you did.

+1

Plenty of work to do.
(Being in charge of stuff doesn't hurt either. )