My company, the 1171st Transportation Co. has been in Kuwait for about three going on four weeks. The purpose that two parts clerks and myself staying behind was to attend a convoy live fire training. Attended the training which was more less a waste of time and not realistic to current Iraq. I was given live rounds, but didn't chamber a round or fire my weapon. Unlike in 2003, where I kept my rifle pointed out the window, current up-armor does not permit this since I am protected by armor and the gunner takes out the target. I felt the training was a joke since we kept driving through the hostile area, which is fine, if we were military police or infantry. But being transportation, the gun truck role is to engage the enemy and keep engaging until the convoy passes. I was the truck commander since I am a Staff SGT, one of the parts clerk was a driver and our gunner was a Texas Army National Guard infantryman, at least his training was realistic.
Since I had been at Ft. Bliss for nearly two months, I was required to go through SRP (Soldier Readiness Program); it was discovered that my hearing loss in both ears was not equal. This hearing test occurred last August. I visited an audiologist and concluded the findings and sent back to SRP. From there, I had to visit a medical case worker and informed that I may not go to Kuwait this weekend. The case worker and other medical staff are concerned my hearing loss could be a medical problem, possible tumor. I am guessing the problem is from constant ear infections in the left ear. I guess we will see after the MRI and seeing the Ear/Nose and Throat specialist.
I will again watch my friends board a bus for the airport and will be left behind. This is really bothering me. In 1990, preparing for Desert Shield/Storm, I saw about 10% of the company stay behind for various reasons. I held much resentment after I returned home in May of 1991 and saw the held-backs still in the Guard. I have always felt that if one can not deploy, it's time to leave the Guard. Saw some of the same again in 2003 but not the same amount as 1991.
This time, it's me that held back and feel I have let my friends down. Prior to deployment, worked on three of my known medical problems: back, knee and feet. I also lost 15 to 20 pounds to make myself more physically fit and now a hearing problem!
Will continue to post updates.
EDIT: Feb. 18, 2010
Have been cleared by the Ears/Nose/Throat Specialist and will rejoin my company in Kuwait in the coming days.
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