The beginning of change...

So I consider us basically in Pre-Deployment phase one- First Stage: Learning of the Deployment (see my other post on "Phases of Deployment".) He's a few months from deploying to we don't know where.

Really, not a whole lot is going on now. We (well, he) try not to think about it.
I'm basically trying to prepare with ideas for care packages, reassurance for him that I'm here for him, ideas that I have to send him and to do while he's gone (scrapbook of important life events here in the U.S. while he's gone) you get the idea. It doesn't help that we both love action flicks and Military history so we end up watching that stuff and it sparks discussion, at least on my part.
I remind him that I'm new to this and just running ideas by him while he's here. He seems to think I'll be fine, and we'll just jump into the deep end with both feet so to speak. Only way out is through I guess, so in that respect, really he's right.
Really, when hearing of it I didn't freak out. I was sad I guess, but really, it's just part of our reality. It sucks, but it is part of the life. I'm sure I'll feel much different once it's closer.
Right now is a little odd, because it's X months away they're starting to amp up trainings and schools, ranges, night fires, and whatnot so it's getting a bit more difficult. He's starting to have weekend exercises and LOTS to do to prepare. That makes it a little more real for me.
I'm not so sure it does for him yet, He's good at putting things in little boxes in his head and closing the lid. I'm not quite a pro at that yet!

It is said that some soldiers look forward to it. I've talked to him a bit. It's not so much that he looks forward to it, but it IS part of his job and the sooner it starts the sooner it ends. At least, that's what I get from what he says.
I know also that downrange (that's the term for over there in the sandbox) they have regimented things to do, it's more orderly per se than it is here stateside. They have a routine and X amount of tasks to do. After said tasks are done, it's their time. They don't have to really think or make many decisions. (Again, I'm not experienced in this, just from my perspective of what is said to me.)Plus, they get to do what they're trained to do, utilize their skills... I would look forward to it too in that respect!

I guess for me, it's just reality, but at the same time I want to make sure he knows that I'm here to support him. I just want to do it "right", not cause problems on accident- that kind of thing. Though, it seems that my experience with the military population helps a lot here. He says that I understand a lot more than a lot of girls do, and that it's nice to not have to explain EVERYTHING all the time! He can even talk in acronyms and (usually) I understand him! I'm a little scared, but mostly because it's new territory and because I care about him and don't want any harm to come to him.

All in due time, for now we continue life as abnormal! (It's never normal here!)