Returning Troops: How Deployed Soldiers are Transported Back Home

Military deployments can be marked by various logistics, but a critical and often overlooked aspect is the safe and strategic transportation of soldiers back to their home bases or directly to personal residences. This article delves into the various ways in which soldiers return from their tours, with a focus on the efficient and cost-effective management by the United States Transportation Command (TransCom).

Overview of Military Transportation Policies

The U.S. Transportation Command (TransCom) plays a pivotal role in facilitating the travel arrangements for soldiers. Depending on the deployment location and the duration, soldiers can be transported via military cargo jets, C-5 or C-17 aircraft, or even contract civilian airlines. This article explores the process, examining the specifics of each method and how the military ensures the safe return of its personnel.

The Voyage Home: Common Methods of Transport

Upon returning from tours in places like Vietnam or the Gulf War, soldiers typically board military aircraft arranged by TransCom. Military cargo jets, often configured to accommodate multiple troops, are commonly used for these transfers. However, in scenarios where speed or budget constraints apply, a commercial or charter flight might be arranged. In each case, the cost is borne by the military, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on the soldier.

For instance, returning from Vietnam (in 1971) and the Gulf War (in 1991), servicemen like myself had the option to travel on military cargo jets, while others flew on contract flights from civilian airlines, with the military footing the bill. This policy is part of the broader strategy to support the personnel and their families, emphasizing the value placed on the service members' wellbeing.

Unit-based Return Transport

Typically, soldiers return with their units, reinforcing the sense of community and teamwork that is central to military operations. The military ensures that the group is together for the journey back, and if the unit needs additional support, such as medical care or supplies, these needs are addressed through the same channels that have sustained the unit throughout the tour.

When a soldier's reassignment orders are received, their unit is responsible for arranging their transportation to the new station. This involves booking the necessary flight or securing the appropriate commercial or military transportation, ensuring a seamless transition for the individual and the unit.

Deployment Versus Temporary Duties

It is important to clarify the difference between a deployment and a temporary duty. In the context of the military, a tour of duty is often a general term used by civilians or in fictional contexts, but it is not a term commonly used within the Army. In the Army, you are stationed at a post and can be deployed from there. If a battalion deploys, the entire unit goes through the training and deploys together. However, if a soldier is on a temporary duty, they might receive individual orders, allowing them to travel for a specific purpose, such as attending a school or training program.

The process for soldiers transitioning out of service is equally important. Exit processing involves returning any accountable equipment or information to the unit and the post. Once the paperwork is finalized and signed, the soldier can leave, typically by driving home. This process ensures a smooth and respectful conclusion to their service, allowing soldiers to depart with the necessary documentation and clearances.

Conclusion

The process of transporting soldiers back home is a critical aspect of military logistics. Through the efficient management of TransCom, the military ensures that soldiers can return safely and comfortably, with all their needs met. This focus on the welfare of its personnel underscores the holistic approach to military service, ensuring that soldiers are well-supported before, during, and after their deployments.