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Subscribe to RSSThe Third Infantry Division is used to being deployed. Now, after multiple deployments to Iraq, the 3rd ID has been sent to Afghanistan for the first time. NBC's Lester Holt reports.
KABUL – “How many deployments for you? Iraq, Afghanistan or both?”
In an army that’s been waging war in Afghanistan for 11 years, talking about past deployments is what amounts to small talk on the many bases I’ve visited this past week from Kabul to Kandahar, as well as along the Pakistan border in eastern Afghanistan. Soldiers rattle off the dates and locations of their deployments, and point out fellow soldiers with whom they served.
The Army’s Third Infantry Division moved its headquarters recently from its home base at Fort Stewart, Ga., to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The move marked the division’s first deployment to Afghanistan, but it’s fifth to a war zone in the last 10 years.
The Third Infantry Division made history in 2003 when it kicked off the war in Iraq as the so-called “tip of the spear,” driving up from Kuwait straight into Baghdad in what veterans remember as the “Thunder Run.”
Sgt. First Class Joseph Aiello says he couldn’t imagine back then that he would be in Afghanistan nine years later, still fighting a war. When the Iraq war began, he was dating his sweetheart Terri. Today they are parents to three small children. Aiello has been on four of the division's five deployments since 2003.
“It definitely takes a toll on family,” Aiello told me. He added, however, that worrying about home and family when you are in a war zone has its risks.
“The minute you lose focus that’s when incidents can start to happen,” said Aiello. “You need to maintain focus while you’re here to do a job and that’s what we will get done.”
The Daily Rundown's Chuck Todd touches base with NBC reporters across the Mid-East including NBC's Atia Abawi in Kabul, Martin Fletcher in Tel Aviv, Ali Arouzi in Tehran and Ann Curry from the Syrian border.
Serving on the home front, too
Back in Georgia, Aiello’s wife, Terri, makes her own contribution to the war, as a physical therapist assistant helping wounded vets. At home she has become accustomed to living the life of a single mom.
Photo Blog: Exploring home abroad: Afghan-Americans in Kabul
“A bad day would be having a stressful day [at work] and then going home and the boys are fighting, Alyssa’s cranky and the homework’s not done,” she said about her three children.
She’s learned to push ahead alone. “Nothing really changes. It’s just that he’s not there to experience everything with us.”
Her sacrifices are not lost on her husband.
“A lot of people say that the soldiers got a hard job and everything like that. But the way I look at it, sir, is I definitely think the wives have the hardest job in the Army,” Aiello told me.
‘No different’
Aiello is one of only a handful of Third Infantry Division soldiers with the unit today who were part of the original march into Baghdad back in 2003. The division’s pace of deployments over the last 10 years is nothing short of remarkable, but no more remarkable than the multiple deployments that have become the norm for thousands of U.S. service members.
Eleven years of war have left tens of thousands of service families, like the Aiellos, sharing the void of long and too frequent separations.
Maj. Gen. Robert Abrams, commanding general of the Third Infantry Division and the International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command-South, underscored the point.
“There are others making equal sacrifices across the army, so we don’t see ourselves any different,” Abrams said.
Anwarullah / Reuters
More than ten years after the beginning of the war, Afghanistan faces external pressure to reform as well as ongoing internal conflicts.
Aiello recalled the long wait for letters from home in those early days following the Iraq invasion. Now he does video chats with his family regularly via Skype, which didn’t exist in 2003.
On the TODAY Show this weekend, dozens of service members crowded around our broadcast location here at the joint task force headquarters for ISAF in Kabul. Many of them carried signs with pictures of the children whose birthdays, and sweet-16 parties they are missing back home.
A suicide bomber in Afghanistan kills at least 14 people, including 3 NATO service members, bringing the US death toll on the ground to 2,000 with 20 percent of American combat deaths stemming from insider attacks. NBC's Richard Engel reports.
The international coalition has set the end of 2014 to withdraw most combat forces from Afghanistan. In the meantime, the United States will continue to ask a lot from so few. The troops and the families will wait for them to return one day and stay home for good.
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Leave a Comment:
Those brave men and women shouldn't even be there !!!!
Our terroristic federal government can spend over $1 TRILLION annually to destroy, yet they don't care or take care of the most valuable asset they have, the soldier. It's all about high tech weapons and killing anyone and everyone, the soldier, the human is expendable and worthless to them.
Bring them home, stop the corporate global conquest.
America is addicted to war - spreading democracy over there and yet tightening our rights over here in the name of Safety - NDAA 2012 is going to be a platform for ugliness in the future
America has made it very difficult for our soldiers to defend themselves with their idiotic rules of engagement - what does that tell us about our beloved country?
Thank your Pres and Panetta
Current engagement rules: Fill out form in BLUE ink, wait for reply, then shoot after board hearing on dipute.
Sadly, the US government and present administration persists in committing our troops to fight in conflicts where a military victory is not possible and where the citizens for which we are fighting may well be the most threatening enemy. Commitment to causing collateral damage by our administration is costing US lives and sending signals of our weakness to the enemy. Consider this, no one with whom we are fighting is wearing a uniform, so when they are fighting from behind windows in a village, we must use artiliary and airial bombardment; not rifles. The collateral damage is most likely kin to the enemy. Our enemy on the other hand is cowardly and actually targets collateral non combatant women and children because they cannot return fire.
Folks, we cannot allow Obama to continue to sacrifice US lives in order to shield the so called religion of peace.
Spoken like a true fringer!
I wonder why we didn't go to war with America, when them two Americans blew up that Federal building in Oklahoma City? I guess it takes mostly Saudi people blowing up our Twin Towers. For us to be in two wars with Iraq and Afghastan. Guess we blew it, not knowing any Saudi's were in Iraq or Afghastan. Hey!!! I'm confused!!!
Of course it takes a huge toll, on them and on their families. And for what? Has anything really "changed"? Of course not. The only thing that changed is that we have children without parents now and more money owed to China. Ragheads never change.
Oh just so you know your not suppose to insult Islam....check out UN Resolution 16/18 So those that do...keep doing it :0)
Start the draft again and we'll see how long we're still over there. Mainstream civilians only read about the war, if they even do that much.
These are wars fought by "professional" reenlisters who are in it not so much for the patriotism but for the $20,000-$60,000 reenlistment bonuses.
So you think they do it for the re-enlistment bonus? It might help in their decision, but what is $20 - 60K when you put your life on the line...would you? They sign a contract that 95% of the country would never sign...it in essence is one that says they will give ALL just so people can complain...
I wouldn't, because I have a life. They come from a low socio economic class with no future except what the military can provide for them.
Wrong answer....There are a lot of folks who are middle class in the military...your insulting those of who have served, are serving, and will serve....and I am one of those, retireed after 22 years, got work not related to the military, did just fine, came from an average middle class family, with a good income, home etc..thne there are those who go to the military academies...what have you done with your life...most likely nothing
jfrech: 26 years in the Army and I got one re-enlistment bonus period. It was on my first re-enlistment in 1978 it was for $18,000.00 for a three year re-enlistment. Most MOSs only give a one time re-enlistment bonus. So check your facts before your make claim that most of us were or are only in it for the money. I retired 11B40 and that is no desk jockeys MOS. I joined the Army with a four year degree from Ohio State and a lot of the people I served with continued their education while in the Army and beyond. You may have a life but you speak as if you haven't a clue.
Retired SFC Thanks for your service...
I myself received absolutely no bonus for enlistment. I'm in a "front line" M.O.S. There are no bonuses for reenlistment in my M.O.S. either.
Sad that this military still thinks it's fighting for freedoms when it all has become greed for the elect few. A commander and theft at the wheel while retired military men and women at home see what every American sees today. Dept, Homes being taken, bank accounts sucked dry and like my father who retired military, No return on your investment of this once great nation, now the laughing stoke of the world. Greedy people that suck you dry until you die and even leave your children owing bills for your death. A 91 year old Air force Pilot, ww1 and ww2, now being sucked dry by this greedy society, his home at stake, his bank accounts sucked dry by greedy doctors and selfish, Me Myself and I idiots with no morals. A country being killed from within the governments criminal acts now and no military to protect us from tyranny and criminal governments. The domestic enemy right in the What house and Arming the enemies with military weapons that we see now killing Americans. the great respect we get from other nations we have invaded and destroyed, OUR nation on the list for invasion for sure.. This generation of Vipers that would rather turn our military into the gay parade, forget trying to fix anything good and clean in a nation that even forgets it's veterans today. Oh unless they can suck your inheritance out of you too. People with 260 years of American inheritance gone with the winds of Obama change and Re distribution of our forefathers wealth right into the select few's bank accounts. It's called criminal take over and our military is standing silent while being used as this criminal government seems fit for their corruption, greed and take overs of other countries for investment gains, them being invested in Military weapons, death and destruction..
A 91 yr old "WW I" Air Force pilot who was born 3 years AFTER the war was over?
Thanks to all the men and women that have served and died. I just wish that some positive outcome can or will come out of this "Cluster (Foxtrot)". Seems, things will quickly return to as before.
To the Defense Industry and collaborating politicians, hope you choke on the money. You earned it on the backs of the "finest in the world", too bad, you can't be included as one of the finest.
Share the pain.. bring back the draft and let everyone serve his country.
If you care about our military, if you really care about the men and women who defend our country, then you will never post things like : "We should just drop an A-bomb on (fill in the country)" or bilthely say things like "We should just kill all those (fill in the religion or country)". Because in the end the people who will end up paying the price for another war of choice like the Iraq war are OUR soldiers. They, and those they love, will pay with their lives, damaged bodies, broken minds, divorces, domestic violence and homicides. If you love the men and women of our Armed Forces you will hope, pray and demand that every last possible diplomatic effort is exhausted before a single one of them is ever deployed to fight another battle.
It would be nice to get our Soldiers back home, but the smaller amount that stay, it becomes more dangerous for them. So Pres. Obama bring them home. Yes Bin Laden is gone, there will always be someone to take his place, never ending there will always be war there.
Whether in Iraq & Afghansitan its time for our Soldiers to come home, and hopefully we stay out of this war w/ Israel. There will never be peace in any of these Mid-east Countries. Our idea of peace is not the same for them. They live in a culture that will never be the same as ours, oh sure theres a few that want peace, but not enough to make a difference & win.
We have trained the military in Iraq & Afghansitan, gave them guns, tanks you name we did it. Its time for them to do it for themselves. We have stayed there long enough. Time to bring ALL our Soldiers home, and close up the embassys, no more lives need to be taken.
We need to stop all foreign aid in these Countries, we have spent so much money there, and the loss of our Soldiers. I think enough is enough. Bring our men and women back home to their families. Its time to use the money to help people in our own Country, and help the Military families who loss a spouse.
We are so proud and thankful for their service to protect the United States of America.
The continued redeployments & in paticular the repeated recalls of the Reserves has long bothered me. I have never been in harm's way but I was recalled & even though that was over fifty years ago I can still remember well the effect it had on my life.
That was when we still had the draft & after you got out you were part of the Reserves. Even if you didn't join a unit you were in what they called a Control Group & they could call you up & assign you to a unit that had been called. The only good part was that I had had my fill of the Army TWICE so any notions I later had of enlisting to fight in Vietnam didn't last very long. I supported the war but hated the Army too much.
Praise God for our servicemembers and their families that give up so much to protect our freedoms! My husband was top of his class in college and got an Engineering degree. He had amazing job offers but joined the Marine Corps not because of loans (and that was not because he got any money help from anyone but because he worked 60+ hours a week all summer long) and worked all through college (multiple jobs) to pay for it on his own. But even with that ability and having to work hard he knew that America has so much more to offer than any other place and wanted to protect the freedoms that we have here. He has deployed four times in the past 11 years and has been away from our family at trainings/deployments for 5.5 years of that. Because of his love for our country and hope to maintain those freedoms for our children he serves. Each person has their own reason for serving our country and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made and for the ultimate sacrifice of those that have lost their loved ones for me and my family...May God Bless each and every one of you..and help you through each day without your loved one. Our servicemembers sign up not knowing what their mission will be but are brave enough to do whatever it is they are told to do.
jfrech: Have you thanked a veteran that served during WWII..I can guarantee they were not in it for the money..they were paid next to nothing..and were gone for long periods of time. There are many in the military with that same amount of pride, whether it be from knowing that their grandfather served or just believing in what America used to be and not because it was the only job they could get or the only way out. I know many legal immigrans that got American citizenship for serving in our military. And also a couple that have died serving in our military before they became citizens. Striving for a better life but willing to do what they are called to do to serve.
The enlistment bonuses..helpful..Yes, I am sure they are..but if you have any idea of what these people are doing for you..the sacrifices they make..their family/children make...and paid pennies on the dollar to do it..I know of a number of servicemembers that have left for contracting jobs that pay 3X as much as their active duty salary..so why would the others stay in because it is not an easy life. But some people are just willing to risk it all and protect you....and the great thing is those that have served and do serve are not looking for your support..they are willing to protect you even without you asking. And even if you are not thankful for them. I am and am proud to be an American and thank you to all the Vets and their families out there!
Given all the lies, distortions, and false rhetoric the Bush/Cheney group used to create/implement these fiasco's, This "back door draft " was the dirtiest , most despicable/cowardly act ever perpetrated on the US Military soldiers ever in our history .
Don't ever send a soldier to war in a foreign country unless that country attacks the US.
The last time the US was attacked by a foreign country was Japan 70 years ago. Every war since that time has been America playing policeman to the world.
Not only have those wars costs dearly in money and lives, but hundreds of thousand of Americans return mentally scarred by the horrors of war and have to be cared for for the rest of their lives.
Next time a politician beats the war drums....vote him out of office
The more US soldiers that die the better. The US does not learn, they are hated around the world not only in the East, the middle East, Asia, Africa and the West. When they do learn their lesson? which will not happen as they have thick brains, when will they will realize that their foreign policy is a failure and they have all been instruments of their laughable ridicules government policy. HA HA .. keep going you bunch of idiots....
It is in the interest of the United States to have a strong, smart, and overwhelming military power. The question is not whether to have it, or not to have it. The question is ¿how we can stop being wasteful in spending money overseas that can better be used here?!!Presently we have more aircraft carriers than all of the rest of the world combined. Our military might is without question. The real issues are:
1. How can we develop free enterprise, here and abroad, that expands the Middle Class rather than be subject to the raping of the middle class by wealthy opportunists?
We as citizens would love to be rich and some of us through a lot of work sacrifice and luck are able to achieve economic independence. By nature if you are entrepreneurial and the first phase of your business endeavors saw you living from hand to mouth, your efforts are the work pattern you expect from anyone who works with you. Paying high wages is never a priority in business. We pay what we have to pay and only because it is the cheapest way to make money. Workers will get more of a salary only if the law forces me to raise their wages or I am forced to negotiate with them because they are now organized and in order for me to continue to make money I need them, even if I may have to raise their wages and grant then other benefits such as health care, or a pension plan. If anyone tells you in the future that Businesses create jobs, please explain to them that the only reason there is job expansion is only when the work being done by the present staff is overwhelming and it becomes cheaper to hire more employees than pay overtime. What creates jobs is consumer demand.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, became president in a similar Depression as the one we are working ourselves out of, presently. That time period ushered the beginning of great infrastructure spending and military build up, that is responsible for making The United States the Great power that it is today. Since then we have neglected what made us great, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE.
Government worked with industry and labor to create an infrastructure that insured continuous training of our work force, continuing education of our veterans and the development of an infrastructure equal to none in the known world. Government knew then, as government should know now, that allowing entrepreneurs to take our money without safeguards for labor, or inspection and review was dangerous. Labor had grown from the days of slavery and abuse to become a recognized and accepted achievement for the American Middle Class.
Our civil workers in the Military Industrial Complex are making a living wage. They are unionized. There is no meaningful, inspection and review which causes the production of unneeded parts at incredibly inflated prices, the need to lobby and the resulting corruption of our Congress. Our military Industrial Complex needs to be overhauled with industry, labor and efficiency experts at the table to create the super power of the 21st century and beyond. Laws need to be passed that prohibit any contractor or the members of The Military industry to lobby Congress. Lobbying must be limited to people not businesses. Businesses must not be permitted to fund political campaigns.
2. The armed forces need to close unneeded non-strategic bases in the rest of the world. This will give us the resources to place our military where they are most needed.
3. While it is in our interest to encourage democracies, it is not in our interest to build them by occupying countries. Our strategy for the future should be to defend our interest with overwhelming force and leave the rubble behind.
4. The imposition of Europe of Israel on the Middle East has been a great loss of capital and lives. Our Middle Eastern policies must change. If we want to our citizens and friends to remain in the area, we should commit to Israel as we did with Texas and offer The Israelis statehood under the laws and constitution of the United States. As such Zionism will be stopped and the nations of the Middle East will become safer and more stable, as The Palestinians will no longer be second class citizens. If The Israelis after our offer prefer to stay and fight that will be their option. But they will have to fight without our subsidies in the region.
5. Afghanistan and the rest of the Middle East will undergo their growing pains into democratic states eventually. But at this point it is imperative that we leave Afghanistan immediately. We can defend our interests adequately without being there. We are at war with people that say they are friend. But kill us at the first opportunity.
While reading this article, the Mellencamp song "Little Pink Houses" was playing on my MP3. Thought about it and it seems to fit what is going on. We are in an unending war (it aint over in '14), troops are being redeployed, my son is on redeployment standby at this time to go back and the words ring in my head - Aint that America... I dint see a whole lot of difference from when I was in over 30 yrs ago. Maybe that song just got to me. Got me thinking is all.
I wish the politicians would make bringing them home an election topic and get it done.
@DREW@HOOD.MIL I can assure you that there is nothing "poor" about SFC Aiello. I had the pleasure of being trained by him at Fort Knox, KY while he was a Drill Sergeant there. You may not have understood what he was talking about but anyone who has known the man personally for any more than 10 minutes will know. He understands that the two recent wars are and have been unpopular. He knows that U.S. Soldiers, Airman, Sailors and, Marines aren't always seen favorably due to the unpopularity of the wars. He is definitely one of the most down-to-earth men that one could ever know. When his job as a DS was to be as "tough" as possible yet, you could still see the humanity in him at every turn, you know that it's real.
When he states that he's there to get the job done, he's referring to HIS job. That of making sure that the men under him have the best direction, leadership and mentoring that he can possibly provide. I can tell you that he is one of the few that I know who would do absolutely everything in his power to do just that. I am proud to say that I was trained by this man and would follow him into battle any day.