Just got news from my bro

[Kaileysmum]

Hi all,

I know I'm not a armed forces mum, but my brother is in the army and we are VERY close (Ive looked after him since my mum died, so he's like my son).

He just rang me tonight to say he's being deployed to temour(sp) in 15days. He is on his last week of infantry training this week and is being deployed already. He doesn't get to come home before he goes or nothing, feeling very sad, and disappointed I wont see him before he goes over there for 6mths. Oh well just wanted to tell someone. Thanks for listening!!!

[MilkOnTap]

Hey there - this certainly must be a hard time for you - especially since you and your brother are so close. Just remember, they wouldn't send him if they didnt think he was ready for it - the defence force (ADF) spend millions of dollars on training programmes - they're not going to waste it on someone if they honestly dont believe that they will be successful. Your brother will be fine :hugs:

These 'crash-postings' (postings with minimal notice) are all part and parcel of what he is going to experience for the duration of his contract... Although it doesn't make it easier for you or the rest of his family, it helps if you accept it now - cause its not going to change.

When my husband was sent to Iraq earlier this year (6month deployment) I struggled with it - big time! I didn't accept that he was gone, and I didnt admit that he was coming back. I know now that had I just appreciated what he was doing for this country in the first place I wouldn't have taken him for granted as much as I did.

Be strong chicky - there are quite a few of us with spouses/family members serving a the moment. Feel free to join us in the 'Armed Forces' section whenever you need to :hugs:


Cheers,
Ally

[Kaileysmum]

Thanks heaps ally, you have made me feel a bit better about it. I think im just finding it hard as he's only been in there 6mths and is only 18. But Im sure he'll be fine as you said. Thanks for the support.:o :hugs:

[sharvs]

Nothing like a deployment straight up to welcome you to Defence Life! How does he feel about it? Its a bit unusual for an soldier to be deployed straight out of IET's but they must think he is good enough.

My DF spent 2 months in Melbourne, was home for a week then left for Darwin the following week. He was there for 3 months before being deployed for 6 months (we are 7 weeks into that deployment now). It certainly is hard, and they dont give much consideration to the family but it has to be this way. They need to be able to move quickly. After all, they are the best soldiers in the world.

Be proud of your brother - its a great experience for him, its probably the reason he joined. When ever it gets tough, think of him marching on ANZAC day with his medals pinned to his chest - stuff like that helps me get through it. :hugs:

[Kaileysmum]

How does he feel about it? Its a bit unusual for an soldier to be deployed straight out of IET's but they must think he is good enough.



Yeah he's glad about going. He said he's happy he's getting deployed as he'll be more experienced after it. Apparently he's getting sent straight out of IET as his battalion (sp) he was getting sent to are getting sent there so thats why he has to go so soon. Hes also happy about the money that he'll get for going.

Thanks sharvs for the support and your experience, its very helpful. Must be hard for you ladies to have your partners away, Id never be able to go without my dp for that long.