Normally, Marines go for a six month tour and soldiers for a year. It's soldiers who get leave at six months and return to Iraq. Marines don't.
If it was a second tour Marine, he wouldn't call that period at home leave, because it's not leave.
There is an exception to the general rule, but I'll keep that close to the vest because I smell a rat.
"I've looked over the letter and a few things don't seem to ring true.
Normally, Marines go for a six month tour and soldiers for a year. It's soldiers who get leave at six months and return to Iraq. Marines don't.
If it was a second tour Marine, he wouldn't call that period at home leave, because it's not leave."
Marines normaly serve a 7 month tour in Iraq, but the Marines assigned to whatever Division, Wing, or MEF Hq serve the entire 14 month rotation of that Hq, and can take up to 20 days annual leave. There is nothing in this letter to indicate it wasn't written by a Marine. The author's sentiments ring true.
Semper Fi
"Normally, Marines go for a six month tour"
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WRONG!!!! Marines do 7 month deployments....
some specialists may stay longer but combat units do 7 months....period.....I have been on the 7 month roller coaster as a Marine Parent since Oct of '94.....