I received orders the other day. It's not time for my regular rotation to a new duty station. Normally I would be picking orders and transferring to a ship or naval air station sometime in January 2010. However, the Navy has a program called "Individual Augmentee" (IA). This program is used to supplement military forces around the world - usually in areas of conflict such as Afghanistan, Iraq, parts of Africa, Guantanamo Bay, and the like. Some sailors, like me, will be assigned orders that are related to their job (air traffic control). Others will be standing guard at traffic check-points or keeping an eye on detainees.
First, my orders will take me to Camp Lejuene and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point in North Carolina. I will train there with the Marines for a while - not sure how long yet. After that I will be shipped to Afghanistan in support of "Operation Enduring Freedom." I don't know what part of the country I will be in yet. I will be working primarily with Marine forces. I don't really know a whole lot except that my estimated return date is in February 2010.
I will be working as a Radar Approach Controller - just like I do here at NAS Whidbey Island. There are obvious risks involved when being stationed "in theater." However, there is a certain amount of pride that I have in taking these orders. There are a number of opportunities that go along with this. I'll have a chance to travel places I would never think about going. There are numerous military awards that I may be eligible for. My pay will increase substantially - and tax free. Going to Afghanistan as an Indiviual Augmentee is great for my military career, should I choose to stay in.
I'll be sad to leave some good friends behind. I look forward to meeting new friends. I look forward to more life experience to help shape me as a person.
