I dont know why he has to be gone so long. My little brother did 2 tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq and they were only 8 months long each. BIL is higher up int he chian tho, and is going to help with setting up local govt as well as getting cities organized to take care of themselves.
let him know that our prayers and thoughts are with him and that I do appreciate what he is doing for this country! that goes for anyone in the armed forces!