Streamed live on December 2, 2024
Being a “short timer” in Vietnam came when a Service Member’s DEROS (Date of Eligibility for Return from Overseas) approached and they prepared to rotate out of an overseas assignment or deployment.
This period can range from the final few months to the last days, but the closer a soldier gets to their DEROS, the more they embrace the short-timer mindset. It’s a mental shift, often accompanied by a mix of relief and apprehension about transitioning home.
Military culture has a way of marking this period with creativity and a touch of humor. The short timer’s stick is a long-standing tradition, especially during the Vietnam War. Soldiers would carve or decorate a stick to symbolize their remaining time in-country. Each notch, mark, or decoration on the stick represented a day or week left until their DEROS.
The stick became a personal and often comical piece of art, showcasing not just the countdown but the personality and experiences of its owner.
Similar to the stick, the short timer’s chain was a more portable and visible countdown tool. Service members would create a chain out of links, often using materials like paper, cloth, or paracord. Each link represented a day left in-country, and soldiers would ceremoniously remove one link each day as they got closer to going home.
The shorter the chain, the closer to freedom. Creative countdown calendars were another popular way to keep track of the days. These could range from simple handwritten grids to elaborate designs featuring inside jokes, artwork, or photos from home. Ticking off each day became a daily ritual and a visual reminder of the light at the end of the tunnel.
As the DEROS date approaches, a short timer’s attitude often becomes noticeable. Soldiers might start to avoid unnecessary risks or adopt a more relaxed approach to their duties. Phrases like “I’m too short for this” or “Don’t bother me, I’m a short timer” become part of their vocabulary, signaling their mental shift toward leaving.
While the customs are lighthearted, being a short timer can also bring mixed emotions. Relief and excitement are common, but so are anxiety about reintegration and guilt about leaving comrades behind.
In combat zones like Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan, short timers often feel a heightened sense of caution, fearing something could go wrong just before they’re set to leave. The traditions of short timers serve more than just a practical purpose—they help soldiers cope with the stress of deployment and the anticipation of returning home.
They provide a sense of control, camaraderie, and humor in an otherwise tense environment. Sharing these rituals creates a bond among service members and leaves lasting memories of their time overseas.
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