3rd HBCT Provides Soldiers 15 Days of Rest and Recovery

Multi-National Division - Center Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT provides Soldiers 15 days of Rest and Recovery
Story by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – While deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V, Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team have one common milestone during their time in country.

Each Sledgehammer Soldier can look forward to taking a 15-day Environmental and Morale Leave to a location of their choice during their deployment.

“The program is designed to allow Soldiers a break from the deployment where they can take leave anywhere in the world,” said Maj. Joseph Pridgen, 48, Tampa, Fla., Personnel Officer for the 3rd HBCT.

EML is based on an eight month scale beginning May 11, 60 days after the 3rd HBCT arrived in country, and ending Jan. 11, 60 days before the brigade was originally scheduled to redeploy back to Fort Benning.

“Although the announcement was made to extend the deployment, we are still stopping leave in January just in case things were to change again, we want everyone in the brigade to get their leave,” Pridgen said.

According to Sgt. Maj. Willie Washington, Townsend, Ga., NCO in charge of the 3rd HBCT Personnel Office, Nov. and Dec. have been the most popular months requested for leave by 3rd HBCT Soldiers.

“People did want to take leave in May for their children’s high school graduations,” Washington said, “but with the extension, everyone wants to take leave later in the year. May, June, and July are now the unpopular months to go on leave.”

Along with the much needed break Soldiers get from the EML program, they are also able to save some money. The program is fully funded by the Army to get the Soldiers from their “home” Forward Operating Base or Outpost, to the airport closest to their final destination outside of Iraq.

Soldiers requesting to take their EML outside of the United States are required to comply with that country’s requirements regarding passports and visas, Pridgen said.

Before Soldiers leave for EML, they must strip their Interceptor Body Armor of everything but the front and back Enhanced Small-Arms Protective Inserts. This includes side plates, throat and groin protectors, and ammo pouches.

According to Pridgen, Soldiers will leave FOB Hammer, where the 3rd HBCT Headquarters is located, and fly to the Baghdad International Airport, FOB Hammer’s closest airbase. There, Soldiers will ensure they are on the manifest to fly to their final destination.

From BIAP, Soldiers will fly to Ali Al-Salem Airbase to turn in the rest of their gear to include helmet and IBA. If Soldiers plan on flying anywhere other than the Atlanta or Dallas Airport, the Army’s two stateside airhubs, they must make arrangements at the travel office.

Also, at AAS, Soldiers will be entered into a tracking system. This system will begin tracking when the Soldier enters the system and will be updated when the Soldier returns to AAS from the US.

“It’s done this way so Soldiers won’t have to check in with their rear detachment when they get home and before they come back,” Pridgen said. “All the information is in the computer so we know when they come back through Ali Al-Salim.”

Total travel time to the US should take approximately three days. The Soldiers’ 15 days of leave begin the day after they arrive in the US.

In addition to the EML program, 3rd HBCT Soldiers may be given the opportunity to participate in the Fighter Management Program, a four day pass program to either Baghdad or Qatar.

The Freedom Rest Center in Baghdad is a hotel-like establishment located in the former Republican Guard officer’s club, according to Pridgen. Soldiers will be able to use the dining facility, pool, internet, game room, fitness equipment, and movie theater all within the limits of the establishment.

Qatar, located on the eastern shore of Saudi Arabia, offers Soldiers a chance to visit areas outside of the center as well as taking advantage of the amenities on the base.

While relaxing within The Freedom Rest Center, Soldiers will be able to visit the pool, Chili’s restaurant, Morale, Welfare and Recreation center, movie theater, and various bar and club facilities where they will be allowed limited alcoholic beverages. Trips outside of the base include parasailing, fishing, shopping, and beach activities.

Regardless of their destination, Soldiers in the past have benefited tremendously from the leave and pass programs.

“Last time I was over here and went on leave, I rented a cabin in North Georgia,” said Spc. Aaron Schneider, 23, Milwaukee, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd HBCT. “With the travel time and the 15 days of leave I was away from work for almost a whole month. It was great.”

Those who have never been overseas are looking forward to their time away from the stresses of deployment.

“If I get a chance to go on pass I think I’ll just take advantage of the time off to relax,” said Pfc. Leslie Allen, 19, Buffalo, NY, Headquarters Troop, 3rd HBCT. “It’s a great idea, especially with the deployment extension, Soldiers deserve a break.”