Army says:

[Mari333]

"Im sorry, ma am, we cannot allow you or your husband to know when your son/stepson will be deployed and he might have already been sent, but we cant allow you to know that because of security reasons"
Thats the answer I get when I call any one of the many numbers they gave me (after going thru tons of numbers people kept giving me)
So we get to sit here and wonder where the hell he is, has he been sent, is he in Iraq? where did they send him, (his last email was 2 weeks ago, he said SOON ), is he okay, when DOES he get sent, IS he already there,
and on and on
Security reasons? gimme a break..JUST LET US KNOW IF HES OVER THERE NOW
at least we would know SOMETHING
This is insane.
www.mfso.org
www.bringthemhomenow.com

[ShaneGR]

1. Is he special forces? Seals?

What unit is he in?

[Mari333]

3. Weekend warrior, grunt, Army Reserves.

MP unit. 428th MP battalion. as my husband says "MP=target on his back"
the army just called me..said they would have him call us
so we sit and wait today..
maybe he can tell us WHEN..we deserve to know WHEN...fresh fodder is all bU$sh cabal thinks when they send in new kids to this occupation.

[ShaneGR]

5. Is it linked to the 428th Transportation Company? Reserve Rangers?

Because if so, he's going to Northern Iraq. Kirkuk most likely. Not safe, but not as dangerous as the Sunni Triangle.

[Mari333]

7. I dont know if its linked

Just says 428th MP Co on his logo. Could they both be part of the same?
thanks for the info.

[Superfly]

2. Get used to it...

Shit, most the soldiers don't know and/or can't tell where they are or are going...

[YNGW]

10. That's True.

Most don't know. This is a common theme in any armed conflict. Hard on the loved ones, but nevertheless standard operating procedures.

My prayers are with all our men and women in uniform and their families. I also pray for all leaders worldwide that they will make wise decisions and that one day peace may reign among all people.

[marie123]

4. oh my

I am so sorry you have to go threw this. More to come :-(

[KCDem]

6. hugs, Mari333

:hug:

I feel awful for you and your husband. I hope he calls soon and that he makes it back home quickly.

[Solly Mack]

8. That is pretty standard....... but it doesn't make it any easier

Usually, orders are cut with a general destination..once in country and during the adjustment period, the orders are clarified and a location is named. At that time you will get a mailing address...but even that will only be an APO Box. Your soldier will tell you exactly where they are once settled..AND the zip code can be matched at Post Office web site for a more exact location as well. They also tell you what the mailing restrictions are for that zip code.

Even the written orders black out the location. Are you and your husband handling his affairs while he's deployed? If so, you will need to get a copy of his written orders. They help to reduce interest rates on credit payments (credit cards and car payments-and some insurance companies reduce rates (to almost nothing) on vehicles when soldiers deploy..BUT you need those written orders to get this done) You also need a POA (power of attorney)

I'm an "old-hand" at these deployments...though that doesn't make it any easier either..but I will help you in any way I can. This deployment is almost over for me but everyday I wake up and the worrying begins again.

And believe it or not, it really is a security measure...and a good one. Planes can be shot down.. bombs can be mailed and waiting for arriving soldiers....and this has happened before. Mail has blown up during this deployment..and not just because of the heat.It may seem paranoid to those not used to this life...but some really bad shit has happened because of location leaks.

[Mari333]

9. Thanks we have POA and his orders

I guess many are coming home..thank god
I wish many werent going now.
the never ending occupation.

[Solly Mack]

11. I found this article on the 428th MP

If he is headed for Iraq-there is only one main "prison" and several IP (Iraqi Police) stations (with cells). If he gets the main prison, he will be in southern Iraq, near the Kuwaiti border. The main prison came to mind because of the convoys as well. Convoys are conducted almost daily from the main prison. IP stations are scattered throughout Iraq. If he gets Afghanistan..and the article suggests it's up in the air...then I couldn't tell you much of anything. We've been spared that deployment so far.

If there's anything I can do, please, don't hesitate to ask.


South Bend military police unit leaves for overseas deployment
WHAS-TV News 11, Louisville, KY
01/07/2004



Associated Press
About 100 members of a South Bend-based Army Reserve unit have left to travel overseas for active duty.
Members of the 428th Military Police Unit boarded buses early Wednesday for the first leg of their trip. It was not clear where exactly the troops from the 428th will head once they go overseas. Afghanistan and Iraq are two possible destinations.
Spc. Jason Thrames said it was his third deployment with the unit, with his first to Saudi Arabia in 1990.
"Hopefully this'll be the last one, but we got to do what we got to do," he said. "You spend all your time with your family before you leave because you don't know you don't know what's going to happen. Anything can happen."
The 428th was the first South Bend-area unit activated after the 2001 terrorist attacks, when it was deployed to Fort Hood, Texas.
Once the unit arrives at its destination, the troops will be guarding prisoners and convoys.
The unit will be at Foot Dix in New Jersey for several days before heading to their assigned destination. The troops were to learn their assignment when they arrived at the base.

[Mari333]

12. Thank you

Yes he went to South Bend and was sent to Ft Dix, thats his unit..now we are waiting to find out the rest.