After having fought against the Army for what seemed an eternal 6 months. I have been finally let go. Only after having to report to Fort Leonard Wood where I was a medical NO-GO and subsequently released by the Military. My military time lasted a full 6 days that I will detail here:
Day 1: Traveling to St. Louis – This was a very hard thing to do. Saying goodbye to your family when you think you are leaving for at least 18 months with a final destination to the Sandbox is not fun. After a few tears and sad goodbyes I left. I arrived at St. Louis at about 5PM to later get on a 2.5hr Greyhound bus to St. Louis. When I arrived at Leonard Wood. We (the 7 IRR’s on the bus) had to take a cab into the post where we met with the Drill Sergeants that started our in processing and would also be our primary POC for the foreseeable future. I thought my travel was bad until I met one guy that lives 3 hrs away from St. Louis in Arkansas. He was forced to drive 2 hrs in the opposite direction to Little Rock. Catch a plane there to Dallas. A 3 hr layover then on to St. Louis, another 2hr layover then off to Leonard Wood. I guess that is the Army way.
Day 2: In Process – The first thing we did was formation at 5:30 AM followed by breakfast then a few briefings. We immediately then proceeded to the Medical In Process. Here you fill out a questionnaire and your future lies in the hands of this doctor. I went in and he immediately gave me an examination and interrogation after which I was declared medically unfit to deploy. The rest of the day was a blur. I could not believe exactly what was going on. I did NOTHING for the remainder of the day.
Day 3: In Process, Out Process – Again a 5:30AM formation. It has been confirmed that I along with 17 other people will be going home as medical no-go’s… We go to breakfast a few briefings followed by in processing through PAB and DEERS., then out processing through PAB and DEERS all in one shot. Done by Noon and do nothing for the remainder of the day.
Day 4: Major General Brief – Formation at 5AM. Meet with the Major General of the post. He gave us his spill on the situation, done by 10AM. Do nothing for the remainder of the day.
Day 5: Nothing – Accountability formation at 9AM. Do nothing the remainder of the day. Formation at 6PM find out we will be leaving the next day Friday.
Day 6: Going Home – Receive orders at 11:30AM. Get on chartered bus to the Airport at 12. Arrived home 14 hours later.
I must say that the DS’s were extremely professional and respectable. The accommodations are one of the worst I have seen. WW2 barracks w/ open bays. I must say that I am so happy I am home. Unfortunately I’m still in the IRR but truly doubt that I could be called back again with the medical history that has been put forth.