This deployment is unlike the previous two. First and foremost, this is not a combat tour. I am not in a combat zone, no one is trying to actively kill me, and there is no real, specific threat to the people who are deployed here. The last two deployments wearing body armor and carrying weapons and ammunition was a daily occurrence.This deployment is more strategic and overarching in its purpose. The people I work for do not need to have a seven day work week filled with twelve to eighteen hour work day. This post has not been recently scratched out of the dirt, either.
This tends to have some decent benefits. First, I can work reasonable hours, get in a work out, and set my own agenda. Second, if I feel like going to Starbucks, Chili's, Subway - or even TJ's favorite - Taco Bell, I can within a five minute walk from where I live. I can go there in my jeans and T-shirt after hours if I want to. Being able to take a break from the uniform all day long is a nice way to break up the day. Next, my work takes me off the base to places like the Sheraton in downtown. Going there requires me to wear a jacket, shirt and slacks - because I have to, and allows me to go to lunch at nice places - because I can. Finally, this is not a closed post. With the right amount of safety and precaution people can leave this base and go shopping, out to eat (I have been to Olive Garden, Elevation Burger, and a pizza place), and even go to approved tourist attractions.
It still gets boring and tedious from time to time. However, maintaining a positive outlook because I do not have to look over my shoulder when I go out and breaking up the tedium with some adventure is a far cry than 2005 and 2009.
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