D -1 : Preparing to leave for IA training

I've never been the type to keep a journal, diary, etc. However, I seeing as that I am leaving my 'comfort zone' in a number of ways, I thought that I might as well add this as well. I am usually an extremely private person and I do not share my thoughts and feelings easily.

I don't know if anyone will read this (other than my wife and other family members), but I hope that it might prove enlightening to some and maybe educational to others who might find themselves in a similar situation in the future.

I am currently an Lieutenant in the U.S Navy (Surface Warfare Officer) and I am about to embark on the first steps on a 14 month journey. I have been tasked to go to Afghanistan to take part in the training of the Afghan National Army/Police. I felt inspired to document this journey mainly because of my family that I am leaving behind. I have a wife and a 13 month old daughter and they have even less of an idea of what I'll be doing that I do. I feel it is important for their sake to document this so they can try and share in my experiences.

So often I have to leave for months at a time and I have failed miserably to convey via e-mails and telephone calls my 'daily life' and experiences. I thought that this might be a good way. Hopefully, I'll be able to regularly update this blog.

I've been in the Navy since August of 1990. I started out in submarines as an enlisted Electronics Technician and after 4 years decided to go to college and become an Officer. I've had many experiences in the Navy since then, but this is by far the most unique assignment that I've had. Almost all of my previous experiences were able to be built upon from the ones before it. I've always been able to rely on my training to be applicable in some ways to the jobs that I've had. This one will, no doubt, be almost completely outside of my 'comfort zone'.

I haven't started training yet, but the only experiences that I feel that I'll be able to apply to this situation are those lessons of leadership that I've had over the past 18 years. I hope so anyway.

I have to say that this will be one of the most trying times for me on a personal level. Last year in March ('07), my daughter was born. Three weeks later, I deployed for 5 months, mainly off the coast of Somalia. When I returned, she was just 5 months old and completely changed from that I remembered. Those of you who are parents should be able to appreciate the changes that occur in 6 months. This time, she'll be almost 2 1/2 years old when I return. I should get some time (two weeks) during my 12 month tour to see her and my wife, but that seems woefully inadequate in respect to 1 year.

Well, I leave tomorrow for my processing and training phase of this IA (Individual Augmentation). I have to fly out to Port Hueneme, CA for 5 days of medical screening and gear issue. From there, I'll report to FT Riley, KS (an Army Base) for training in weapons, cultural awareness and other 'fun stuff'. I've not worked with the Army before, so this should be a culture shock to me. I will be in FT Riley, KS for 60 days. After which, I should get about 10 days back at home with my family before I have to fly back to FT Riley to catch a flight to Kuwait. I should be there for about 10 days for acclimation before I fly into Afghanistan to begin my tour at the end of July.

I hope to be able to come home during Memorial Day weekend to squeak out a little extra family time. Every little minute will count.

OK, that's all I have to say about this for now. My next updates should concern my travel to Port Hueneme and the gauntlet that I expect to go through while there.

Personal note: Andrea and Ella, I love you with all of my heart and know that this is extremely difficult for me to be away from you for so long.