Chances of going to Iraq these days and for how long?

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Specializes in CVICU.

Im in the process for signing up after completing my BSN and passing the NCLEX. I know everyone says it depends what unit you get attached to but as new active duty nurses we only have like 8 bases to choose from. My first choice is gonna be Ft. Lewis (I know the stryker brigade gets deployed often but dont know about Ft. Lewis nurses). My second choice would prolly be San antonio and third choice would be DC. What would the chance of getting deployed from those bases be? If I was deployed how long would I be over for? My recruiter says they do 6 month tours but if there is something strange that happens (RN gives birth) than you stay to fill the spot. Just wondering if lots of "strange" things happen and we stay for alot longer than 6 months. Also, what are the chances of multiple deployments, like going back and forth to Iraq every 6 months or something? What are the nurses doing over there, or what citys are they in and what are the conditions? I read about some 25 bed units set up in buildings and stuff but was wondering if they have like a monster hospital at bagdad airport or something that most nurses go to.

I really just want to know what im getting into before I sign up but would consider it an honor to support the US Army over there. I just want to know as much as possible so theres no suprises as far as deployments go and what to expect. Thanks for any info on the whole thing you guys have.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

Very good questions. I was also told only 6 month deployments d/t the high stress level but I was never told anything about "if something strange happens". I also thought you wouldn't be deployed again for 15 months, unless it was a volunteer thing. But I obviously dont have actual facts. It would be great to see the respones to this thread.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

One more thing, I was also told while on tour at BAMC, we would "not likely" be deployed in the first 2-3 years.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

If you are PROFIS you will be deployed for six months, but you must remember that you will be mobilized before you actually "ship out" which could be 30-60 days, spend some time in Kuwait, do your 6 months down range (usually only 6 months but you may be asked to stay longer) then do the post deployment thing for another 30-60 days. SO you may actually end up with a deployment of 10-12 months under your belt

If you are a brand spanking new 66H you will prob be in the Nurse Residency program where you will do your 12 months THEN, according to the "needs of the Army" you may face deployment.

I wouldn't count on NOT BEING DEPLOYED after your first 12 months as a 66H...You will have that 12 month "grace period" but after that, "all bets are off", again "according to the needs of the Army" and where we are (in the world)

Dwell time in a perfect world would be 15 months...I know for the Reserves it is around 5 years but AD, depending upon your MOS it has been shorter than 15 months. For 66H series yes, dwell time longer.

Please remember: OPSEC, OPSEC, OPSEC.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.
If you are PROFIS you will be deployed for six months, but you must remember that you will be mobilized before you actually "ship out" which could be 30-60 days, spend some time in Kuwait, do your 6 months down range (usually only 6 months but you may be asked to stay longer) then do the post deployment thing for another 30-60 days. SO you may actually end up with a deployment of 10-12 months under your belt

If you are a brand spanking new 66H you will prob be in the Nurse Residency program where you will do your 12 months THEN, according to the "needs of the Army" you may face deployment.

I wouldn't count on NOT BEING DEPLOYED after your first 12 months as a 66H...You will have that 12 month "grace period" but after that, "all bets are off", again "according to the needs of the Army" and where we are (in the world)

Dwell time in a perfect world would be 15 months...I know for the Reserves it is around 5 years but AD, depending upon your MOS it has been shorter than 15 months. For 66H series yes, dwell time longer.

Please remember: OPSEC, OPSEC, OPSEC.

Best of luck to you!

ATHENA,

Can u share some of your personal experiences from your deployment(s)? Thanks!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Deployments can be upto 1 year BOG (boots on the ground) if you are assigned to a brigade or higher unit. As far as dewel time in the reserves it can be as little as 1 year. My present unit makes everyone eligible after 1 year and most are redeployed before 2 years. What I am saying is the needs of the Army come 1st. Can not speak of AD deployments but if you are going overseas with the Reserves. 1st you spin up anywhere from as little as 2 weeks to 3 months depending on the unit, go overseas, finish up training, go down range for 6-9 months, return to the states and demob hopeful all in less then 365 days. When you return the Army tries to get you home within 1 week. You will be told longer then that just in case you have any issues, ie medical, administrative, etc. which have to be completed before you get your DD 214. Then home, depending on the unit you may go home as a whole or as an individual.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Thanks for the replys everyone!

When you go over to Iraq, are you working 7 days of the week? I cant imagine what else you would do but am curious. Also, is it standard 12 hour shifts over there or do you kinda work when theres stuff to do? Also, when you mobilize are you still with your family at your home base or are you gone at that point? Is it 12 months of away from family or closer to 6-9? Thanks again for answering all the questions!

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hi:

When you are deployed you will be scheduled to work 5-6 days out of the week. If you are attached to a CSH, you are right: Not much to do so oftentimes people on their "off time" will spend some of it at the CSH, if they are not at a local marketplace or the AAFES.

If you mobilize you will likely be "there" for ~30-60 days (depends upon what the mission is; AD you leave your family behind.

Again depending upon the mission: Most 66H's who are PROFIS spend about 9 months or so total. One may volunteer or be asked to spend more time down range. Happens. If you are deployed with your Company then you will be away for 12 months or longer.

Hope this answers your question!

athena

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