Slow Progress

As I type this post, it has been over a week since I left the U.S. Deploying has all sorts of adventures that await you as you do your time, and the most evident hurdle is always travel. Why you ask? Because travel is both the first and last thing you do, and hence, the most memorable. Not only is it memorable, it's a nightmare that wakes you in your sleep many months after the event has passed.

If you've ever tried to travel during inclement weather, you know the pains of thinking you are leaving only to be turned away at the last minute. Military travel uses that model as their preferred method of getting us into and out-of our deployed locations. Regardless of the fact that you know what's coming, the pain is never any easier to deal with.

To compound the issues of waiting for travel, which up to this point has taken a total of seven days just to make it part way, you have the fun that comes with waiting at each location. Since I have nothing else to do at 1 a.m. I will share some of these joys with you.

1. Living conditions in the transient tents: The norm for missing your flight results in the luxurious accommodations of a transient tent with hundreds of your closest friends. These perks include, but are not limited to, the complete lack of social graces, odors that are basically indescribable, long walks to the shower and bathroom facilities, and living out of a backpack for more days than you are packed for.

2.Emotional roller coaster: Trying to conquer the hurdle of travel tests every ounce of patience and people skills in your inventory. After dragging your five, less than light, bags to the terminal, it is an absolute morale crusher to find you are no longer able to board your flight due to weather or another unit with a higher priority. For those of you not in the military, you should count your infinite blessings that won't have to deal with the repetitive affects of this torture.

3. Free time: Who doesn't enjoy relaxing with nothing more to do than whatever pops into your mind? Well, I don't! Maintaining your sanity with endless hours in one location becomes a futile effort in expectation management. Typically, when you do find something that you assume will kill a few hours, you are dealt a serious blow when the activity only lasts a fraction of the expected time and was much less entertaining than you hoped it would be.

To sum it up, traveling, has been, and will be, the least favorite aspect of deploying. Thankfully, I have this blog to use as a sounding board so that I may keep my cool under pressure.

On second thought, I HATE IT...yep, HATE IT!!!!!!

Ahhh, now that feels much better.

See you next time on another day in my life.