Their place of business is half a world away from their homes in southern Colorado.

But word travels fast.

"The first thing I get is an e-mail from my wife asking what's going on," said Colonel Brian Jones.

Under Jones' command...soldiers of 3rd H-B-C-T are covering miles of territory north and east of Baghdad. Now with an end to almost a year of duty in sight, and a trip home coming ever closer, some think they'll be gone again in less than a year.

"No that is not true. We are not confirmed to do anything," said COL Jones

The word is, back to Iraq in October of 2007. A break of only 11 months. Jones said it's a possibility, but for now just a rumor.

"I have to think that the army understands that turning a unit around that fast has a definite impact on not only the soldiers, but their families as well," said COL Jones.

"There is a little bit of tense-ness about the situation," said Specialist Rebecca Hamilton.

It's a tension soldiers like Hamilton feel on top of the strain of the rigors of doing their daily jobs inside a combat zone.

Like any rumor, she tries to ignore it.

"We're trying to think about the mission, [to]keep things rolling [to]make sure they stay on focus out here," she said.

Though commanders do not have orders of a return trip to Iraq, there is still a chance.

"my wife knows pretty well, nothing's ever certain," said Private Josh Barnash.

When questions come from home Barnash says there's not always an easy answer.

"Look forward to it happening,” he told her. “To expect the worse case scenario."

And that's part of the job.
But if some are already bracing themselves for an early goodbye...
For now, commanders say it’s too soon to start.

COL Jones went on to say 3rd H-B-C-T has more than 500 soldiers re-enlisted, surpassing the unit goal.
More than a hundred of those coming after getting word of a possible early return.