Running Out of People - Middle-aged G.I.s sent to Iraq

Running Out of People

"SAMARRA, Iraq - An increasing number of U.S. soldiers deployed in Iraq have gray mustaches, bald heads and noticeable paunches as more reservists and National Guard units are being sent to war.

On a recent night patrol to hunt for roadside bombs near the city of Baquba, the crew included two grandfathers. One of them, Sgt. Paul East, has been called back to duty by the Individual Ready Reserve after being out of the Army for 12 years.

"The equipment is all different," said East, a 43-year-old, who has two daughters and one grandchild.

With him was Staff Sgt. James Dickerson, 49, who has spent 22 years in the regular Army and Reserves but was unable to retire because of the Pentagon's stop-loss order preventing people from leaving the service.

Dickerson has four children and two grandkids.

"It's an old man's war now," he said with a wry smile.

The ratio of active-duty Army and other elements - Reserves, National Guard and IRR - is now about 50-50. ..."

Stories like this scare me... The thought that any day I might get a notice to report kind of has me freaked. Sure I'm out, have my Honorable Discharge, served my complete contracted enlistment terms, etc, but still.

I was in the Army for 6, and then the National Guard for another 6. I've been out of the Guard for 9 years... As far as I know I'm not in the IRR and haven't had any contact with the Army since I got out. And still I'm wondering if I'm going to be called back.

If called I will serve, but the disruption to my life sure would suck (and a 70%+ pay cut would REALLY byte). And getting into shape would be "fun"...

Oh well, if it happens, it happens.