Motor Transport Operator 20 percent;
Automated Logistical Specialists (Privates - Specialist rank), 12 percent;
Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics, 10 percent;
Administrative Specialists (Private - Specialist), 7 percent;
Combat Engineer, 6 percent
Other high-demand skills for this mobilization (6-10): Food Service, Carpentry and Masonry Specialist; Petroleum Supply Specialist; Combat Engineers (officer ranks); and Cable System Installer-Maintainer (each represents three to four percent of the requirements).

hope this helps

Another soldier who doesn't understand the words on the contract he signed which obligated him for eight years of service. It reminds me of reservists I heard back in '91 saying, "I never joined the Reserves (or the Guard) expecting I'd have to go fight a war!"

Maybe as a 20-year active duty retiree, I have a different perspective. But all this dissembling on the IRR's part seems disingenuous.

But I agree with your closing point. Call up all the IRRs you need now, and don't get caught up in all the counter-productive speculation.

I'm in the same boat, left to speculate over the who, what, where, when, and why's of my potential(?) call-up. Now I get to pine over this until December, and dread the mailbox and the phone. Send me or don't, but don't let me stress. I went through the same mess when I got Stop-Lossed.

What I am most concerned about, however, is the prospect of going to combat with a group of NG or reservists whom I have not trained, and don't know me from Adam. Call me paranoid, but I want to know the guy to my left and right is able to take care of me when I get hit with an IED.

Abazz did not state he would kill Christians. In fact, his statement was that he would not want to kill people in general. You are making an unfounded inference based upon his saying he wouldn't kill Muslims. That issue aside, a lot of people join the military without ever really giving full consideration to the implications of their contract. Additionally, their experiences in the military or perhaps just their life experiences in general may change them in a way that makes them incompatible with military service. As someone with over 20 years of time split between AD, AR, and IRR and who has served in a line battalion during the Cold War and in Civil Affairs during OJG, I have a pretty good perspective on this. And, to be blunt, your comments make you sound like a bigot. However, since I don't want to unfairly judge you the way you judged Abazz, I will refrain from labelling you one.

As far as not wanting to go is concerned...Stop complaining about it. And that's putting it nicely. Do you really think that all the other soldiers that are allready over in Iraq WANT TO BE THERE?

When I signed on the dotted line, it was made VERY clear to me that I was signing up for 8 years. I only did 6 years active. Do the math. That means I still owe 2 years to Uncle Sam. I served my country all over the globe, from the Balkans to all over the Middle East (Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt). Will it be a hardship when I get those orders? Sure it will. I've started my life over again as a civilian. But when I think about the sacrifices that others have made for this country over the years; like my grandfather's drafted service in WW II (3 consecutive years at war), my sacrifice doesn't seem so big.

I'm tired of seeing the media focus only on those IRR soldiers who are complaining. Why don't they talk to someone like me? Someone who will proudly, honorably, and unwaveringly answer the call the duty (again)?

---