The war ended in a flash, but the rebuilding process of Iraq has not gone as smoothly, according to some soldiers who remain frustrated.
At Fort McCoy, near Sparta, Wis., many were called up for battle only to have the war come to a close before being deployed to Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer David Boetcher, a technical specialist in ammunitions, was one of these soldiers.
\Last week we were told our mission in the Gulf was cancelled. We don't know what we're doing now,"" he said.
One of the largest military bases in the midwest, Fort McCoy is full of troops waiting for assignments.
""Some units are being redeployed to missions around the U.S. filling in for units that went in [to the Gulf]. Some units will probably still go over to clean up and get everything back,"" Boetcher said.
Currently in Iraq, the Army Corps of Engineers is working with the Iraqi Oil Company and the American company Kellog, Brown & Root on the oil wells.
Army Corps of Engineers Spokesman Scott Saunders said progress is being made.
""[They] have put out fires in the southern oil fields and got oil flowing [last week] in a minimal sort of way. They've [also] done some emergency repairs to the damage and infrastructure,"" he said.
However, according to Saunders, little is currently being done to rebuild roads and other important structures in Iraq. He said decisions regarding the reconstruction of the country fall onto the federal government, which is still debating with other countries on the best course of action.
Saunders said the Army Corps of Engineers has the capability to help in the rebuilding process.
""There's a lot [the Corps] can do to get the country back on its feet, with construction, watershed planning, etc., but it's all speculation,"" he said.
Meanwhile back in Wisconsin, the called-up reserves are trying to deal with their situation.
Staff Sergeant Micheal Bonds, a nine-year veteran stationed at Fort McCoy, said soldiers must look for ways to keep themselves busy while waiting for orders.
But time is not the only thing being lost at Fort McCoy. According to Boetcher, tax law states any individual serving in a combat zone is exempt from paying both federal and state taxes. Since soldiers at Fort McCoy have not yet been to Iraq, they do not qualify.
""A lot of people are taking a big economic hit by being here,"" he said.
For many soldiers waiting at the Fort, the solution is simple.
""Either send me to the Gulf or let me go home,"" Boetcher said.
