Are There Still Combat Deployments? Exploring The Current Landscape

Are soldiers actively engaged in combat in today’s Armed Forces? In general, less than 15% of individuals who enlist or serve in the Armed Forces find themselves in combat situations. The likelihood of combat exposure varies across branches, with the Air Force primarily assigning combat roles to pilots, air combat controllers, and security forces personnel. This information is current as of August 25, 2023, and sheds light on the limited proportion of service members directly involved in combat operations.

Do the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard continue to deploy personnel in service to the nation’s needs? Yes, they do. When called upon, both the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard can deploy their soldiers to provide vital support. While on deployment, soldiers are entitled to receive the same full-time salary and benefits as active-duty personnel. Additionally, federal law ensures that their civilian employment positions are safeguarded, offering protection to their job roles back home during their deployment. This commitment to service allows these reserve components to play a critical role in national defense when required.

Is the U.S. still actively maintaining a military presence in Iraq? The U.S. officially concluded its combat mission in Iraq on December 9, 2021, although a contingent of 2,500 American troops remained stationed in the country at that time. As of March 20, 2023, it is estimated that there are still around 2,500 U.S. soldiers deployed primarily at key military bases such as Al Asad Airbase, Camp Victory, and Al-Harir Air Base. This continued military presence serves various purposes, including training and advising Iraqi security forces and conducting counterterrorism operations in collaboration with local authorities.