My nephew is in a 3-week training session that he has to go through for military service, you know, the kind where you go in for 3 weeks or so once or twice a year until you're done your schooling. He's working on getting his chaplaincy, and signed a form saying he would not have to go if his unit was called up if he was taking full-time classes. Where he's taking his classes, they consider, and told him, that would entail 9 hours. The military is now saying, no, that has to be 12 hours, so are trying to send him with that unit to Iraq. He has a wife and toddler at home. If they force him to go, it will nullify what he joined for--to get his chaplaincy, because he will not be finishing the classes he has started! I am asking for urgent prayers on his behalf, that he will not have to go to Iraq! Thankyou so much!
Hugs. I hope that he's able to work things out in his favor. However (and I hate to be the bearer of bad news), as a 20-year retired veteran's wife, we learned many, many times that the military can do whatever they want to do. You sign so many things when you sign up; you don't always realize that you also sign away your right to any of the things they supposedly "guarantee" will or will not happen. Frankly, your "rights" are few. I interviewed an Army National Guard general last week, and she was talking about new recruits and how awesome they are. She said that they're never told now that they "might" have to deploy to a war zone; it's not a matter of "if" anymore, but "when". Nobody who signs up now gets out of a trip to the desert. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that's the way it is. Unfortunately, recruiters anxious to meet their quotas will sometimes flex the truth a little to bring in a new enlistment. It happened to my husband, who was promised a certain job and ended up not getting it until several years had been served. It happens a LOT. So he probably will still get to be a chaplain. It just might not be on HIS timeline, unfortunately.
Hey Deena, I will be praying for him. I want to point something out, though. My dh is currently in Iraq, and his chaplin has close to 1000 guys he is responsible for (although, not all choose to use the chaplins services). Chaplins have been one of the hardest hit units in the Army. We need men that are believers to go for all there. I am praying that God's will will be done. Iraq, right now, isn't nearly as bad as it was, so that's a good thing.
Lovinhomeschool, I thought I knew how I was going to pray until I read what you wrote. Yes, "Dis-appointment is sometimes His-appointment," and I'm praying now that the Lord's will will be done and that the nephew and his family will sense the peace of the Lord which passes understanding.
That's the best way to pray---for the Lord's will to be done in this matter. I still haven't heard anything yet, so keep praying! My nephew's baby will be 2 soon! Thankyou for all the advice and prayers! Yes, I've heard stories about what happens once you sign on the last dotted line! One other scary thing is that my oldest just turned 18 (where'd the time go?)! He has to sign up for the draft now, right?
Deena Yup he has to register for the draft. But we are right now over our requirements for the Army, not sure about the other services. So, if that's true with the other services then he dosen't have anything to worry about. That, and our country really doesn't want another draft. Thank you for not take what I was saying wrong. I just wanted to let people know that we really need Christians over there. Within my husbands platoon, there are 3 wiccians and NO Christians. He's really hanging to God though, so thats good Still praying for God's will for your nephew. Remember: "The task before us is never bigger then the power behind us!" God is with him, even if right now, no one can see it!
My son recently finished 15 months in Iraq, and Christians in the ranks are SO helpful! It was great to visit his church and meet guys that were in his platoon during his deployment....to see that he wasn't a lone Christian there.... While your nephew might not go with the MOS of chaplain, he can still be "in the role" to those around him, while he serves. I know it's hard to think of him deploying with a 2 yo....my grandsons were 3 and 1 1/2 when my son left for his deployment.....my daughter-in-law stayed on post with many other wives, but thousands of miles from her family and ours. If he ends up going, urge them to get skype or at least a webcam....it was a temendous help to both my sons during their deployments. BTW, there is no draft at this time, but yes, 18 yo's must sign up for selective service...."just in case".... Another thought....while my son was there, he told me that he had never been so aware of God's hand in the affairs of men as he was there......or of the battle between good and evil. It was an educational and eye-opening experience! Praying that God's will be done for your nephew and his family. And that whatever happens, they will know that God is in control and holding them in love!
Thankyou all so much for your beautiful sentiments! I got an e-mail from my brother (my nephew's dad) with a little up-date: I told them I have some prayer warriors praying for him, so please keep praying! And thankyou again!!!
