SUBJECT: Regimental Commanders Letter From Iraq
1. The 278th Regimental Combat Team (278RCT) is continuing to make great strides in developing the Iraqi culture into that of a self sufficient government. As I have stated in the past we are in heated combat with a determined enemy and this is not a peacetime training exercise in a foreign country; we are in a combat zone with all the dangers of combat operations. Every person should be extremely proud of the jobs these soldiers are doing here. Their professionalism and dedication to their duties are truly a mark that sets the standards for other units to measure their own success.
2. Our missions require the Regiment to maintain a 90% readiness strength in our area of operations here in Iraq. Any thing less would make it very dangerous for all that remains here fighting the terrorist. We also have to count anyone that is sick and emergency leaves. The Regiment started our R & R (Leave) program at the beginning of February. Our intent, as well as the intent of the Division and Corps, is for every soldier that has orders for a one year period in theater to have the opportunity to take a leave during this deployment. Currently there have been approximately 20% of the soldiers in the Regiment that have returned to the US either on regular leave or on emergency leave. We anticipate that all soldiers who want to take leave will have the opportunity while we are here in Iraq. The soldiers who arrived late in theater as fillers or replacements and will not be here for the full deployment period do not qualify for this leave program.
3. We are making every attempt to allow the soldier to get the time frame of his or her choosing but because of mission requirements or conflict of schedules, sometimes this is not possible. The soldier will be flown to Atlanta or Houston where their DA31 will be stamped and the soldiers leave will start at midnight of that day with a report date back to the airport after a 15 day period. The soldier will then be given a free round trip plane ticket to the airport closest to his home. Soldiers also have the option of taking the leave to anywhere they chose, Germany, Hawaii, Australia, etc again at no travel cost to the soldier. If a passport is required it is the responsibility of the individual to acquire the passport.
4. The military postal units have redesigned the mail routing system that has improved the mail delivery time to our soldiers. We are still in a combat zone and delays can and will occur with all of our supplies but we anticipate them to be very minimal at this time. We recommend that you send packages 4th Class once the military postal service gets the package it is not sorted by priority but it is sorted by unit for shipment over to us. It becomes a supply item that is moved on dangerous roads to each unit location.
5. Our unit run Post Exchange (PX) that we have at each of our Forward Operating Bases has been able to provide the necessity items but each trooper eagerly awaits the care packages from loved ones!
6. We anticipate the 278th Regiment to redeploy to Camp Shelby, MS sometime late this fall, as the time and schedules are determined I will inform the soldiers and the families so that we can make our homecoming at Camp Shelby as great one. But, I have to remind families that the importance on staying focused here remains a high priority of mine.
7. The Regiment has information on our official 278th website to include our bulletin Old Bill Chips and several other websites for family members to visit and keep up with the accomplishments of the units and troopers. Our men and woman continue to excel in taking care of each other and fighting the war on terrorism while teaching the Iraqi people skills they need to develop their country. The Family Readiness Group is key in passing information from the Regiment to family members and friends back home. I am proud of the job our Family Readiness Groups is doing while the Regiment is deployed. I appreciate all the hard work the FRG has done to help support the Regiment. Also, let everyone know that I appreciate the sacrifice each family member makes to support their loved ones and the troopers of the 278RCT and I look forward to the day we can all be together again. You have my deep appreciation for your support. God Bless the families of the 278RCT.
278-CDR ........................................................................................................................................ 29 March 2005
MEMORANDUM FOR 278TH RCT FAMILY MEMBERS AND FAMILY READINESS GROUPS
COL Dennis J. Adams
U.S. Cavalry
Diyala, Iraq