[Archren]

Originally Posted by CrazyKell

From what I recall you're not in a lot of debt, but the chance to build a bigger nest egg is hard to pass up.

Consider though that you are giving up a year of life with your kids and all the milestones they will pass during that time. If you are able to do that, you will be fine. But if that will weigh heavily on you, no amount of money can compensate.

If you're looking for a thrilling opportunity it sounds like you found one! Good luck with your decision.

This is very true, and something I had meant to address with my first post, but got sidetracked.

My kids are 4 and 2 now... and I really wish I hadn't been deployed when they were so young. With my ex having remarried, they are both now very confused as to who the "real" mommy is. I know Ed won't have that problem, but my oldest was also angry at me for being gone for so long, and still has problems with letting go when she has to go back to her dad's. It's gotten better since I've been home, but she's even told me she doesn't want me to go back to Iraq.

Things like Skype make it easier... but that is assuming wherever he goes doesn't just have internet, but bandwidth enough to handle video chat. Ours was intermittent at best (glorified dial-up), and this was in Iraq in 2010. Iraq is considerably more built up than most areas of Afghanistan, even though we've been in the latter conflict for longer.

All I can say to you Ed... if you decide to go... pray like hell you don't end up in the Korengal.