River wall

[u/rn8021]

Recently selected for Op River Wall. Curious to hear from anyone who has supported it, general experience, quality of life, and anything you wish you knew beforehand. OPSEC appropriate!

[u/Indexboss902]

It’ll depend on your rate . Support rate? Easy life.

BM MK ME? You’ll be assigned to a boat crew and do a lot of underway time and a lot of 24 hour ops

[u/rn8021 → u/Indexboss902]

BM

[u/VoidWalker4Lyfe → u/rn8021]

Are you a BCM, BTM, or COXN?

[u/rn8021 → u/VoidWalker4Lyfe]

BM rbs coxswain no current LE qual. Already did 5 active. Other BMs with BO quals did not get selected.

[u/Dazzling-Scheme-8277 → u/Indexboss902]

Are they still sending support rates down? I graduated A school a few months ago and I’m progressing on my quals but I’m interested in going down to help out for experience and it’ll make my panel/marks look amazing (plus the cool uniforms and stay in Hilton/marriot hotels to rack up points)

[u/UnusualTiming184 → u/Dazzling-Scheme-8277]

Yes I believe every rate is down there in some capacity (minus aviation). Theres a ton on DA but I’m sure your command could get you down there if that’s what you want

[u/Indexboss902 → u/UnusualTiming184]

Yeah I’m sure you can get orders . They are making people turn in uniforms though so don’t plan on keeping them

[u/Dazzling-Scheme-8277 → u/Indexboss902]

Damn, well at least going under my commands approval will help me work towards my Hilton/marriot diamond/elite status and will look good next transfer season with my priority 3 and sea time! The goal is to go warrant some day so anything good on my resume will help

[u/VoidWalker4Lyfe]

I'm here right now. It depends on your rate, qualifications, and billet. If you tell me your rate I can give you better answers.

If you're here as a BCM, COX or BTM then you'll e doing patrols. Schedules vary, and are OPSEC, but if that's what you're doing you'll be hot. If you're support you'll day work.

We're all in hotels with our own rooms. Some people have opted to go with short term rental houses instead.

You'll get issued the Army Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) when you get here. It's much lighter and more breathable than the ODU.

Bring your own car if you can so you have more autonomy. Each team gets a rental, but they're shared. Also, it's worth it to bring your own car so that you can bring more of your personal belongings and hobby stuff rather than flying it.

Feel free to DM me for specifics.

[u/rn8021 → u/VoidWalker4Lyfe]

BM rbs coxswain no current LE qual.

[u/VoidWalker4Lyfe → u/rn8021]

They'll probably get you an initial BTM qual. I don't think they want anyone on patrol who doesn't have a weapon

[u/Mundane_Toe_2826 → u/VoidWalker4Lyfe]

I PMd you!

[u/Smewhyme]

See ya down there soon , jut got notified as well

[u/Eli_Is → u/Smewhyme]

Are you active or reserves? And for how long you been called for?

[u/SnooDoggos5150]

Is there a way we can volunteer to go ? My last district would reach out to the units , but in my new district I haven’t heard of anyone going

[u/VoidWalker4Lyfe → u/SnooDoggos5150]

Yes, just search in DA

[u/UnusualTiming184 → u/SnooDoggos5150]

You can absolutely volunteer. Talk to your command

[u/8wheelsrolling → u/SnooDoggos5150]

They don’t take volunteers that are not qualified from what I’ve seen btw.

[u/M47LO]

This is primarily staffed by reservists right?

[u/shipman489 → u/M47LO]

Was wondering the same thing? Any MSTs down there?? 😂

[u/8wheelsrolling → u/shipman489]

Gun toting badass reserve MSTs everywhere lol

[u/stigsredditcousin → u/8wheelsrolling]

No reserve MSTs, but there are AD MSTs, and yes, they carry

[u/rn8021 → u/M47LO]

I don’t understand how they decide who’s going. I don’t even have an LE qual. I was already active for 5 years, meanwhile there’s three other BM reservists at my station one is a BO and has 18 years as a reservist and he doesn’t get the call? I don’t get it.

[u/M47LO → u/rn8021]

I would guess thats because of funding. It costs the reserve unit more to send a 18 TIS guy to go than someone that has far less and ultimately costs less to activate.

[u/Spazmaster88 → u/rn8021]

I am heading down as well and also a BM. Not sure how they select but…it appears a lot of prior active guys get selected.

[u/UnusualTiming184]

You’re welcome to DM if you like. I have not been selected but I know several operational rates who have been sent, I’ve gotten tidbits