Comments on: IRR Call-Up Redux

By: chris

chris — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I am one of those IRR folks. I have 2 years left on my obligation...we'll see what happens. Since I left and wasn't in one of those major branches that needs troops, I don't think I'll be affected. They already have enough of my "pogue" branch folks in the Active, reserve and NG levels.

By: A Soldier

A Soldier — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

This again?

Well at least the number is 6,500. Considering how many people there are in the IRR, that's really not all that many.

By: Al

Al — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I'm in the IRR, so I am interested in your comments, insights and our war in general. I wonder what kind of engineers the army has a shortage of? I would think it would be combat engineers ... but with all of the rebuilding activity in Iraq, they may be looking at the civilian skills data base for IRR officers that are engineers?

Any thoughts or feedback on whats going on? I like other IRR types would probably like to know where will be and what we will be doing a year from now. Should I buy that house I like, change jobs or make another baby ...

By: christina

christina — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I read another article that said people with training in civilian affairs, medical training, psychops, and military police are who they're looking at pulling first. they're also looking to close ft. irwin to pull all of the people there. i know someone who got orders from there. and, yet another article said that irr's that live within a 50 mile radius of a place that has spots to fill are going to be called soonest.

By: Josiah

Josiah — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I'm one month out of the IRR, Critical MOS (MI Branch). I am also a senior Political Science major on my way to grad school. Further, I am appauled at this development. This simply should not be happening. We never should have gone into Iraq. Bush either lied, or was too stupid to know he wasn't lying; either way, he is inept. btw, I'm a republican so don't think this is some liberal freak.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Has any seen a list that states what MOS that will be called to duty? I just hear that MP, Medical, MI, and Engineers, but there are a lot of MOS in each of those groups.

By: James Kinneavy

James Kinneavy — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

What will be most interesting will be to see the criteria they use to select these 6500 or (by the Army's current estimate 5600). Specifically, after filtering on critical MOS, do they take statutory versus contractual obligants first (earlier they promised to take you newbies first). But then what? Specific pay grades depending on open slots? Time remaining on contract? Age? I'm a 38 year old E-6 with 214 days left on my 4th contract and a 38A (Civil Affairs). I reenlisted after I went back into the IRR and haven't served in a TPU in 6 years. Frankly, I am completely unqualified to serve in the capacity for which they are likely to conscript me (I went through 1 week of training 17 years ago when CA was a skill qualifier, not an MOS and have no practical experience doing CA). I would be a liability in the field, but I'm critical resource...yeah, right. Why oh why did I not sign the 3 year contract?!? See you in Iraq...or Canada

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I agree with a lot of what has already been said, as I too once served, and I'm now apart of the IRR until early 2008. I wish they would post a list of the MOS so that for those of us who are putting our life on hold, can either relax or know that it is a possibility and continue holding our breath.

By: Jeff Begley

Jeff Begley — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

The reserve recruiter scare tactic is still being used. I attended my separation briefing June 9 at Ft. Meade, MD and the reserve recruiter, SFC D, said we might as well all sign up now and try to scramble for a safe unit otherwise we would all be called back in within a couple months and placed in the first unit out of here.

It was his contention that the initial call-up would be followed by wider ones very soon. Being a 96B who's already seen 4 operations in the last 6 years, enlisting in the active reserve would just get me deployed immediately so I took my chances. Personally, I think the IRR should have been called up before the NG was deployed. Those boys and girls signed up to work for their state and, as the name says, Guard the Nation. I think that's saying a lot when it means I would rather be called up again than someone who truly didn't sign up for foreign soil missions.

By: James Kinneavy

James Kinneavy — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I just spoke with a rep at HRC and received the following information (recognizing that there are as many "official explanations" as HRC employees) about their selection process (in no particular order after item 2):

1) MOS and grade
2) Statutorily obligated people (then contractually obligated)
3) Recency of active service
4) Recency of training

There may be some sensitivity to remaining time on a contract, but nothing firm. Hopefully this is helpful to some of you who are concerned as am I. I would strongly encourage anyone who hates the waiting game to call your congress person, the Army Public Affairs, or anyone else you think will help to provide clarification on their selection process. It is a tremendous disservice to those of us who have served honorably for many years to be left hanging on a thread regarding our fate. While we are obligated to answer the call and our employers obligated to protect our jobs, the Army could do a lot to ease the burden and worry.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

James M., we're in a similar situation. I have 211 days as of the time of this post. I find myself continuously going to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command to check my order history. I cringe when they say my record can't be accessed (possible update?) heh. Guess there's too many people doing the same thing. It'll be nice when we can breathe again.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Sorry, James K..

By: Lamar

Lamar — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Just like all of you guys I am very worried. I am a junior at my university and I hate the thought of having to put it on hold for a year or two. I served four years as a field artilleryman and I went to korea. . .I hope I do not have to go to Iraq but if I have to what can you do.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Article just added to the army website giving some more detail. This article mentions truck drivers, mechanics, logistics personnel, and administrative specialists. It also states that orders will be recieved on July 6th and the earlist.
http://www4.army.mil/news/article.php?story=6123

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

The number supposedly called (5600), seems low considering the number of total IRR soldiers (111,000) but we all need to remember that approximately 50,000 IRR soldiers are presently considered unreachable because the army doesn't have an address to contact them. This significantly reduces the number of IRR soldiers available. Sorry I don't mean to scare anyone, I'm in the same shoes. I've served 3 years active, I have about 200 days left on my IRR obligation, I'm less than a year from graduating college. If I get called I'll serve again even though I am TOTALLY opposed to this war, moreover I think that our chief executive is a complete moron, and this is coming from a republican who will be voting for Kerry in November. Good luck to all.