Marines' Extended Tours: The Afghanistan Story

The length of a Marine's deployment in Afghanistan varies. In 2009, Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, known as America's Battalion, were deployed in Afghanistan for seven months. In 2021, Marines were deployed to Kabul to secure the evacuation of Americans and at-risk allies as the Taliban took control of the country.

Marines' families and the support they receive

Marine families can expect their loved ones to be deployed in Afghanistan for several months. For instance, the Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, were deployed in Afghanistan from May to November 2009. During this challenging period, families of Marines can rely on various support systems and resources to cope with the stress and anxiety of having a loved one in a combat zone.

One such resource is MarineParents.com, which has been supporting Marines and their family members across the United States since 2003. The organization provides a platform for families to connect and share their experiences. It also offers free information, services, and outreach programs to assist military families. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining this support network, ensuring that Marines and their families know that the public stands behind them.

Additionally, the Marine Corps provides an official support network for the spouses and families of Marines serving in combat. This network helps families cope with the strain of separation and the challenges of maintaining family life during deployment. It is important to note that communication with deployed Marines may be sporadic due to limited access to phones or email, and families should not expect their Marine to share their exact location due to operational security.

Other organizations, such as the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, also offer support to military families. They provide discounted activity camps and practical assistance to help families navigate the unique challenges of military life. The charity also collaborates with Home-Start, a community network of trained volunteers, to offer dedicated support to families with young children.

Furthermore, there are resources available to assist with specific concerns, such as the Veterans Crisis Line, which provides free and confidential support to veterans and their families facing mental health challenges. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is another valuable resource, offering compassionate care and support services to the families of fallen military service members.

Overall, while having a loved one deployed in Afghanistan can be challenging, Marines and their families can draw strength and comfort from the variety of support systems and resources available to them. These resources aim to foster resilience and provide assistance during difficult times.

Communication with loved ones

Pre-Deployment Planning

It is essential to have a conversation with your loved one about communication expectations before they leave for deployment. Discuss how often you will communicate and through which channels. However, remain flexible as missions and operational activities may interfere with these plans.

Reliable Communication Channels

Access to phones and the internet may be limited or unreliable in Afghanistan. Opt for a wireless provider that offers favourable deals for military personnel and their families, ensuring unlimited talk, text, and data. Social media platforms like Skype, Facebook, and Instagram can be valuable tools for staying connected, but use them cautiously, adhering to operational security guidelines and refraining from sharing sensitive information.

Traditional Communication Methods

Old-fashioned mail, including letters and care packages, can be a meaningful way to stay connected. Sending frequent letters and packages boosts morale and strengthens the bond between you and your loved one. Include items that your Marine might need, considering their specific circumstances and amenities available.

Maintaining Relationships

If your loved one has a spouse or children, they will likely focus a lot of energy on communicating with them. Respect their need to prioritise these relationships, and if possible, check in with their immediate family to ensure they are doing well. If your loved one has children, try to maintain individual relationships with them through letters, cards, or video chats to reinforce your connection.

Overcoming Time Zone Differences

Time zone differences can pose a challenge. Try recording audio and video messages that your loved one can access at their convenience.

Patience and Understanding

Understand that your Marine might not be able to communicate as frequently or extensively as you would like. They will likely bond with their team members, which is essential for their safety and resilience. When you do speak with them, focus on conveying positive and supportive messages.

Privacy and Operational Security

Respect your loved one's privacy and refrain from asking about their exact location or camp name. This information is sensitive and can cause discomfort if they feel they cannot share it. Additionally, if you know their camp name, do not share it with others through any form of communication.

Living conditions

Communication with loved ones back home is also difficult due to limited access to phones and email. This can cause worry for families, but it is important to remember that a lack of communication is often due to scarce resources rather than any cause for concern. It is also essential to maintain operational security by not sharing or asking for specific locations.

Marines in Afghanistan face strenuous living conditions, but they focus on their mission and remain dedicated to their roles. They adapt to the harsh environment and find creative solutions to beat the heat, such as using wet cotton socks to cool drinks. They also forge bonds with the local people, buying sheep from shepherds and learning about their culture.

The living conditions in Afghanistan, in general, can be harsh. The country has a history of social strife and religious oppression, and the constant wars have taken a devastating toll. Life expectancy is low, and many Afghans struggle to meet their basic needs. Electricity is limited, and food and water can be challenging to access. The capital, Kabul, experiences a mix of normalcy and the threat of attacks, with bustling markets and amusement parks alongside security checkpoints and reminders of the ongoing conflict.

Deployment locations

Marine Corps deployments can happen on Navy ships, or service members may fly to their deployment location. Most Marine Corps deployments include approximately one year of training followed by six to seven months of deployment time. However, some deployments may be scheduled for one year or more.

Marines deploy all over the world, from the frigid arctic to the heat of the desert, aboard ships, planes, armored vehicles, and on foot. They are deployed to conflict zones like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as potential "hotspots" like Somalia.

In Afghanistan, about 300 Marines were taking part in Resolute Support, a mission to train, advise, and assist Afghan security forces and institutions in their fight against the Taliban and other terrorist networks. In 2009, the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, known as "America's Battalion," was deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan as part of a surge of 21,000 troops ordered by President Obama.

In 2021, as the Taliban rapidly advanced and captured the Afghanistan capital, about 1,000 Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were deployed to Kabul to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and the Hamid Karzai International Airport. These Marines were the first on the ground at the airport, keeping a vital lifeline open for vulnerable Afghans and Americans attempting to flee.

The living conditions in Afghanistan vary from location to location. Many areas lack basic amenities such as chow halls, showers, or shopping facilities, and access to email or phones is often scarce.

Casualties

The War in Afghanistan, which lasted from October 2001 to August 2021, resulted in a significant number of casualties for the United States military, with 2,459 service members losing their lives. Of these deaths, 1,922 were a result of hostile action, and 20,769 service members were wounded in action. The conflict also took a toll on civilian contractors, with 1,822 fatalities, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives, with 18 deaths.

One of the deadliest days for American forces occurred in August 2021, during the final stages of the war. A suicide bombing attack at the Kabul airport killed 13 US service members, including 11 Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one Army soldier. This tragic event highlighted the dangers faced by those carrying out evacuation operations amid the Taliban's rapid advance.

The war's toll extended beyond those killed and wounded in action, as many veterans struggled with psychological wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The high rates of suicide among post-9/11 war service members are a tragic consequence, with over 30,177 service members and veterans taking their own lives—a number more than four times the combat deaths.

The war in Afghanistan also resulted in casualties among US allies, with approximately 177,000 national military and police personnel from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria losing their lives. Additionally, over 8,000 contractors working for the US in the war zones perished.

The human cost of the conflict is immense and far-reaching, impacting not only those who served but also their families and communities. Each number represents an individual life lost or forever altered by the trauma of war.

Frequently asked questions