Posted on 12/03/2004 8:16:32 AM PST by momincombatboots
I am considering re- enlisting for active duty deployment. I do not want this post turned into a sob story or anything so I will just state the facts.
I am 36 years old, former special ops- civil affairs. Since my kids have gone to school I have been unable to keep a job for long. I have ADHD which makes it considerably hard for me to work on a time clock, due to forgetting to clock in/ out or losing track of time. This has created financial havoc and my kids would rather be at their dad's house where they have lots of stuff and their own room. They were the only thing keeping me from deploying.
I am working on a business plan, but it would require venture capital or angel investors. Although it is profitable and 85% finished, I do not think I can get any funding due to my current financial situation.
I have prayed about this and now I need some input. Please consider prayerfully whether this would be a fair option for someone in this situation.
Tell me about being in Iraq, good and bad. Any civil affairs ops out there would be most helpful- Thanks- momincombatboots
Try Pinging Allegra, she may still be in Iraq.....
You are special ops with ADHD? I don't think so...
I've been in Iraq since January 2004. I can tell you the good and bad from my perspective and I hope others will, too. It varies depending on who's giving you input.
I will say for now that I have absolutely no regrets that I did this. I leave on my year-end R&R in a couple of weeks (IIIII'llll Be Hoooome for Christmasss...wheee!), and intend to return to start Year Two in mid-January.
"You are special ops with ADHD? I don't think so..."
Now stop being so exclusive, 2banana. We must learn to be more diverse in today's America. Remember, diversity is the key to success. It has nothing to do with hard work. Now, stop it! :)
"You are special ops with ADHD? I don't think so..."
I'm with 2banana on this...I don't understand how a special ops could operate efficiently with ADHD. No offense meant on my part...just wondering.
I'm not certain that your re-enlisting would be in your's or the Army's best interests...I think you have to ask yourself, "Can I perform my job and not put my fellow soldiers at risk?" Your age is not necessarily a liability, but your ADHD might prove a serious distractor to mission goals; on the other hand, re-introduction to basic training might be the cure-
Hey, I was 10 years active duty, released as a major (reductions in force under Bush I). The military is a great place for ADHD people to function! Everything is so structured. You can tell who people are at a glance, you can refer to regulations for guidance, the posts (bases) look alike (so its easier to find your way around), the variety is actually helpful.
There are lots and lots of successful service members with ADHD.
Curious- how does one go about working for a contractor in Iraq?
Now, the International (formerly Green) Zone is relatively quiet. You can go days without a mortar or rocket attack. But by definition, those weapons can reach anybody in that country. The good news is, the bad guys are generally awful shots with indirect (they rarely adjust fire). Frankly, anybody who can stand that environment will be functional at the Presidential Palace/US Embassy.
Unfortunately, SO-CA usually don't stumble in there too often. Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) run the gamut, from what I saw. Some had almost all the amenities, others damned few. Bottom line is, IF you can pass a physical and get back on duty, you could find a position there in which you could do just fine. But you aren't likely to get a chance to choose and the odds are you won't like where you go.
"I have prayed about this and now I need some input."
IMO: You need to focus on getting yourself WELL. That needs to be the first priority. Go to a DOCTOR who treats you holistically by building you back up, not with prescription meds (tho they may be necessary in the mean time, they should be a bridge until you are well, not a permanent solution). DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy) sometimes practice well established methods of alternative medicine. Don't go to just anyone.
Going to Iraq, or starting a business, would be stressful. Since you are showing signs of stress already, that would not help; you do not want to fail at the next thing you do. So you need to be well on the path to wellness FIRST.
IMO, a mother does not need to be deployed to a combat threater. (Speaking as a retired Army officer myself).
Your skills could perhaps be used consulting, working in civil defense, which is quite important post 9/11. But even consulting from your home requires meeting your appointments and bills, etc. SO again, treat those symptoms of attention deficeit, by getting to the cause of it.
In the mean time, do continue praying and turning it over to God. Will pray also . . . best wishes.
I'm curious; I was under the impression that you could not be in the military with ADHD; is that true only in the past when there was a draft versus totally volunteer military. Just wondering.
I don't think so either.
Wonder why this "ILLNESS" just showed up recently, kind of like "PMS". Sure glad we didn't have those kind of things when I was younger.
that's a pretty fair analysis...and I've seen the contrast in FOB's- different commands, different priorities- we came under attack in Mogadishu often, but usually with little effect; however, there were soldiers who never performed at an optimum level because of the constant threat...it's the psychological adjustment that's so important, the ability to develop a warrior mentality (albiet that definition varies considerably between combat units and CSS units)...good luck over there, and keep your head down...incidently, I served with a Lt. Zimmerman in Korea in 91'/92'...he's a lawyer working out of Dallas now...he is also known as the Best Dancer on Camp Pelham (in case you're reading this, Greg...)
You apply online just like for any other job. Parsons, Fluor, EG&G, ITT, KBR and several others have people all over Iraq and Kuwait.
FReepmail me if you want additional information.
Why would anybody want to come to Iraq? (Just kidding...)
What does having ADHD do with anything? IMO, being that everythign is pretty well sttuctured in the military, I would say re-up and go to Iraq.
I was there frum June'03-July'04, and as others have stated, the locations ran the gamut. One location was about a football field sized perimeter with concertina wire and a berm. All the other locations were 'proper' military bases, Tallil(6months) and Balad(7months).
Plus with 'all' the tax free money you makes, saving for a next egg to start a business isn't a bad way to go.
The major point to consider is can you protect your buddy next to you. Their lives are in your hands and yours is in theirs. You have to go with the mindset that YOU are responsible for getting your subordinates (if you have any) home.
Thanks for the kind words, but I don't want to be perceived as flying false colors - I'm back now. I was there really briefly, about a year ago, and then did about 50 days with the first NATO trainers end of this summer.
Apparently you'd get paid a boatload of cash to work there.
working as a civvy, I mean.
Some appear to offer some pay differentials, but from what I've seen, it looks like they have "inflated" the rating to entice folks. While this is a "good thing" while you're over there and making those sums, it suggests you won't be allowed to continue/maintain it upon your return (no long term stability). These can be found fairly readily by simply searching the government job sites.
Depending upon your job skills and contract, however, the serious money is in contracting. A healthy number of security folks were reportedly pulling down 200k+ a year.
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