A couple of months ago, it was passed down that all soldiers (after a certain date) who go through the medboard process, would no longer complete the process in Italy, but instead be sent back to the States to a WTU unit to complete the process. I'm assuming it's not just us that they are doing this to, and it affects others in Europe as well. Although I'm ready to get back to the States, Sean and I wanted to stay in Italy, simply for the fact we didn't want to have to move twice AND we make more money by staying in Italy. Sean asked one of the people in charge about this new policy and was told we had a choice to stay in Italy or to go back to the States.
Fast forward to last Friday, a mere 24 hours or so after I get off the plane, and Sean tells me the man he spoke to was wrong(surprise, surprise) and we don't have a choice. That we will most likely be moving back to the States within 60+ days. Sean just got his permanent profile approved yesterday which will put this whole process in motion. His superiors in S1 are wanting him to drag it out as long as possible until his replacement is here and properly trained. However, we are still looking at leaving here in March. At least that's our best guess. We have no idea where we will be sent, just a list of six possible places that it could be. Honestly, most of the choices are fine and I'll be able to make do wherever we are. It's just a lot to process in a couple of days time.
So, much to my dismay there are a lot of places we won't be checking off our to-do list to see since we leave in such a short time. However, I think we are going to give it our best to try to make Ireland before we leave since it's very high on Sean and I's list. Besides, it's not like I can never visit Europe again. And I realize I've been very, very lucky to see all the wonderful places that I have seen in the three years I've been here.
In less than a year, Sean will most likely be done with military career and I'm praying that he gets a good rating so we can continue to keep our benefits. We've both been researching this process, but there is a lot that goes into it. We still aren't 100% sure where in Oklahoma we are moving when we are done, but we have agreed that Oklahoma is our choice of where we want to end up.
Once I know more about where we are moving to finish out this process I will most likely be asking for tips and advice on the location. So...stay tuned!
Oh wow...it's hard to believe you'll be moving so soon! (Selfishly, I will miss seeing all your Europe pics!) But hopefully you'll be able to enjoy the last couple months there to the fullest, and hopefully good things await you in the states!
ReplyDeleteIf you have any questions about where to go in Ireland I'm your girl!
ReplyDeleteWow!! You have a very busy couple of months ahead of you! My best friend went to Ireland a few years ago and just fell in love with it!
ReplyDeleteOh my word! What a crazy turn of events. So that means we have a couple months to meet up. I can't let you leave without us meeting!
ReplyDeleteWow, that IS a lot to take in! If you end up in Washington, give me a shout!I want to see Ireland SOOOOOOOOO badly. I hope you make it there!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love how information can get all screwed up like that? Gotta love the military and it's many MANY different rumors and lies. I hope it all goes as smoothly as possible for you guys and that you get a base closer to your families!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness. I hope this turns out okay for you guys! I hate last minute things, and less than 2 months seems last minute when you're talking about moving--especially to a completely different continent.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your 6 potentials?
WELL HERE IS A SURE THING, IF YOU COME TO FORT BRAGG, YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN ME! :) AND WE CAN EXPLORE THIS AREA TOGETHER. :) :)
ReplyDeleteTAMMY HODGES
From personal experience, I'd avoid the WTU at BAMC if you can :(
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already found it, the PEB Forum is a great resource for those going through an MEB.
Also, the Oklahoma City VA (especially the OIF/OEF offices) are wonderful. My husband was medically retired in September and we have been here since then, and I really have nothing bad to say about them at all. If you have any questions I could possibly help with, I'd be glad to try and answer them!
Good luck to you both.
Just found your blog and am sad that y'all won't get to be in Italy longer! I hope your move is as easy and painless as possible and hopefully you will get to see lots of European sights before you leave!!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that certainly is a big change! I hope that you are able to find out quickly when you will be leaving and where you will be going so you can at least create a plan!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's some major changes! Good luck my friend!
ReplyDeleteMr. M and I have been looking at houses in Edmond, OK to settle down. We will be leaving Germany later this year and are ready to find a place to call our own.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the process won't drag on too long for you and you both will be able to find the best place for you.
Ugh, it's so like the military to tell you one thing and then do another! I'm so sorry you're having to deal with such a big change in plans, and I really hope you're able to take full advantage of the time you have left in Italy. Best of luck to you in this next transition!
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