B.K.'s next deployment to Iraq

B.K., when do you deploy to Iraq again? How will this time be different than the first two times?

One of the first things we try to instill in all of our Soldiers who return to Iraq multiple times is that they should never assume their next deployment will be just like the last. That can be a dangerous assumption and make you complacent. And, I can certainly vouch for the fact that my second deployment was very different from my first.

But what about the next one? Specifically how will it be different?

First, I will have had longer to prepare myself for this tour than any previous time. I had 9 days notice before boarding a plane the first time. The second I arrived to my new unit less than 3 months before they deployed. This time I will have been with my unit and in my job for almost 8 months by the time we head to SW Asia.

Second, I will be responsible for a whole lot more people than ever before. That makes it scary in a different kind of way, but also a great challenge.

Third, I specifically requested this assignment, even though I knew there was a high likelihood it would mean trip number 3 to OIF. Some people have kidded me that I am going back so I can collect ideas for another book. But seriously, I requested this job because I felt deep down that this is where I need to be right now. In some faith traditions, to include my own, we might say I felt called to be here right now. Well, whatever you call it, it feels good, and I am glad to be right where I am.