I opened the proverbial mailbox today to find not one but two sets of orders. The first order moved me from my present reserve unit to a mobilization element.

The second set of orders were the real McCoy. These orders actually mobilized me. The orders didn’t spell out where I would go or when I would get there. Rather, they set a date for me to report locally here in Orlando. My report date is October 15th, 2006, a Monday. Then, on or before October 18th, I have to report to Fort Dix, New Jersey to begin mobilization and readiness training.

The orders also said that I would be activated for a period not to exceed 505 days unless extended or relieved earlier.

So, it’s official. The government is giving me an all-expense paid trip to Afghanistan for an entire year and then some.

I also spoke to a warrant officer who has some knowledge of things (they always seem to know which way is up and what’s on the up and up) and he gave me some information regarding the deployment, but nothing that I will share at this time since it is subject to change at a drop of the hat.

So, I have about five weeks until I have to report.