Questions on Deployment

[sendkeys]

I have a couple questions.

I have seen before that if the army really needed to, they could put you in any mos, is this right Or is this a myth?

add on to that question say you join up as a machinist,equipment repair mos,cable system installer. or what ever "noncombat type mos"
If you were deployed, how likely would you end up walking patrols or even say driving a transport truck?

Are the extremely brave men walking the patrols in inf/caf mos's?

After seeing dumb rumors i must ask.
Thank you for the help.

[VTguard]

I have a couple questions.

I have seen before that if the army really needed to, they could put you in any mos, is this right Or is this a myth?

add on to that question say you join up as a machinist,equipment repair mos,cable system installer. or what ever "noncombat type mos"
If you were deployed, how likely would you end up walking patrols or even say driving a transport truck?

Are the extremely brave men walking the patrols in inf/caf mos's?

After seeing dumb rumors i must ask.
Thank you for the help.

The way the National Guard works, is before you go take the physical, you already have a slot reserved in the MOS that you pick. You also can pick a backup MOS in case you do not pysically or mentally qualify for your first choice. From my experience as a recruiter, 99% of the time, if you pass the physical and the ASVAB, you get your first choice.

As far as picking a non-combat MOS, that doesn't mean that you will not deploy. All MOSes are needed in deployments, and those non-combat MOSes are used in many different roles. For instance, an Artillery Battery was deployed from my state, and they primarily provided base security, and some convoy escorts. A cable systems installer may be used for establishing communications, or they may be used to guard a communications center. The bottom line is, as a member of the National Guard, you are a soldier, and you have training to perform soldier duties. Whatever the mission requires, you will be called upon to meet the requirements.

[single mom]

If you are a single parent, does it matter when it comes to deployment or not. I worry that if i would join and get deployed or my unit gets activated then i would be at risk of loosing custody of my child. Does the Guard get deployed overseas or outside of their state?

[AbnMtn]

If you are a single parent, does it matter when it comes to deployment or not. I worry that if i would join and get deployed or my unit gets activated then i would be at risk of loosing custody of my child. Does the Guard get deployed overseas or outside of their state?

The Guard gets deployed overseas and sometimes, during national emergencies, outside their state. Being a single parent will not prevent you from being deployed if your unit is deployed. One of the requirements for single parents to enlist is the preparation of a Family Care Packet which is used to have someone care for your child/children while you're deployed, whether for training or to support operations overseas.

You will not lose custody of your child since you have taken measures to provide for their care while you're gone by having someone named in the Family Care Packet to assume their care. You won't be able to enlist unless you have a viable Family Care Packet in place

[jcrow]

I've heard different stories on the nature and duration of active duty deployment in the guard, so I figured I would come to the source.

For a 6x2 enlistment, what is the maximum time period you can be deployed without volunteering for active duty?

Again without volunteering for active duty, can guard members be called up individually, or must they deploy with thier units?

What effect does MOS have on deployment, especially if you choose the "Top Ten"?

I'm pursuing a joint Masters/JD degree (4 to 5 years of classes), and a 6x2 Guard enlistment seems like a good route, but not if I spend most of that time deployed instead of in school. . .

Thanks in advance for your help.

[tkholck]

I'm in similar boat not yet enlisted but in the process. I'm being told that typically individuals don't get activated, it's the entire unit that goes unless you volunteer or get reassigned.

I'm also being told to check out the units in advance (if that's possible) and to select a unit accordingly.

If you are being assigned to a combat of arms or direct support of combat of arms unit then there it is. If you get to work in support of the governors office, maybe work at dental etc., at face value the odds look different.

**headed to meps tomorrow**

[tkholck]

I've got a buddy served with over seas in Korea as tankers. My buddy stayed in and went on to become an officer now in texas NG. I'm basically being told if there ever was a good time to join a reserve component the time isn't right now unless you're ok being activated.

If you are a family person, just looking for part-time, need to do some homework first and pound the questions now.

I've pretty much chased away one recruiter with questions, etc...but that hasn't stopped others from stepping up.

As previously mentioned, heading to meps tomorrow and maybe have an update then.

[AbnMtn]

The deployment periods for National Guard units range from 12 to 18 months. As mentioned before, you do not get deployed individually unless you volunteer. A policy to have units within the National Guard deploy on a deployment rotation basis of 6 years is in the works but as far as I know, not yet in effect. The MOS you select will definately have bearing on the probability of deployment. Also look into some of the enlistment options and programs that in combination allow you to be "fenced in" and non-deployable for the duration of a 4-year degree in college (College First, ROTC, SMP). Contact a local recruiter for detailed information on such programs.

[KBug]

It's my understanding that guardsmen can be deployed for a maximum of 24 months in a 60 month period unless they sign a cottad (sp?). Is this correct information?

I was deployed for 12 months, I'm supposed to start my thesis this fall but I don't want to start all over again if I'm going to have to trash it again for a deployment.

[lee258]

Yes it is true a NG soldier can only be deployed for 24 mths in a 60 mth window. The college first program is an option for those who want to lock down thier first two years of college, but there are guidelines which the soldier must adhere by so ask your local recruiter.

Let me remind everyone that yes the NG guard has great benifits and yes the guard will fund your college education, but to wear that uniform is an HONOR and to defend that flag that you will be wearing on your right arm is something you as a soldier should want to do no questions ask. So remember next time you think about joining am I doing only for me or am I doing for those who served and protected before me and now its my turn to defend our great nation. (Just an Observation, I could be wrong)

[Smiff]

Well said.... be proud to be apart of history, but like you said, could be wrong

[andrew.tischner]

I am just wondering if every person now only sees what is in it for them? Is there no idea of being in something that is bigger than just one person? Being a part of a team? a family? I got to say there is no better organization on this planet than the Army. I have served in Iraq and I got to say there is nothing like that feeling that the person next to you will do anything to protect you, and the same you would do for him, no matter what religion, race, ***, beliefs it does not matter in the Army, Its all green , everyone, and everything.

[GAANGSgt]

Let me remind everyone that yes the NG guard has great benifits and yes the guard will fund your college education, but to wear that uniform is an HONOR and to defend that flag that you will be wearing on your right arm is something you as a soldier should want to do no questions ask.

Got to agree with lee258. I read so many posts in these forums where it seems the individual is looking to pay for college or attend a civilian related technical school solely for their personal benefit while at the same time trying to determine ways out of deployment, etc.

I'm old fashioned, but in my opinion if you're not joining the Guard, Reserves, or Active military to defend your country first and foremost, look at different alternatives. There are student loans, job training avenues, and other ways to better yourself outside of the military if you're not commited to the defense of America first.

[TRUEBLUE4LIFE]

My grandfather fought on the islands in the south pacific during world war II. He never really talked about anything that had to do with war. That's why I know it was nasty. He only talked about his many friendships and pals from all over America and the world.

The one remark that stands out the most to me is...Sometimes a person needs to put someone or something ahead of themselves for the greater good. Well pop you were right. I only wish you could be there the day of my graduation. I ship Nov 8th FT Jackson.

[KBug]

I agree that it is an honor, but I think some of you may have misunderstood my intentions. I have nothing against serving. For those who have pursued an education past the bachelor's level you understand the commitment that goes into seeking a Master or PhD degree. It's not a whole lot different from a deployment, to be honest, except maybe a little tougher. It requires hours away, lots of physical labor (in my field anyway), and an average of 5.5 hours of sleep a night. What I am saying is that I do not have the strength to go through the toil of earning this degree again (at least not while my two little ones are still babies like they are now), and a deployment would render the work I've done so far moot. I would have to start at the bottom again, and I just don't have the strength anymore.

That's why I was asking. I'm going to give my all to SOMETHING, but I've learned that I can't give 100% to EVERYTHING. Just trying to get things straightened out in my head.

[logcutter]

I get tired of the people that seem to have joined for the benefits and not really to serve. I dont want to be deployed with folks who have this atitude. I am not pointing a finger at anybody but if deep down this applies to you then you need to take a hard look at yourself and decide if you belong in the military. Like SPC Tischner said there is no better organization to belong too. Its an honor to serve your country and a soldier should allways put his or her unit and duty first.

[logcutter]

Sorry KBug, thats just what I mean. In your last post you explain your problem very well. Your problem. But you did not mention your units needs
or the Armies needs. Im sure its **** hard to get through the kind of education your are talking about. But quite frankly, its alot differant from a deployment. For one thing, the army and the people of the US are counting on you to do whatever it is you do in the army to defend them. Not to mention the other soldiers in your unit that need you on the job 100%. I doupt there are many people outside of your own family that are absolutly counting on you to get your degrees on time. But there are are great many people counting on you do what you swore to do when you signed your contract with the Army. I am not saying by a long shot that you wont do your duty. No way I could know that because I dont even know you. What Im saying is you need to get your priorities squared away. Ill go way out on a limb here and say one more thing. I wish the military would get out of the education business. Give us ALL a pay raise. Then we would see more people in the service that really want to be there and get rid of the people that only want to get through their enlistment as easy and quick as they can just to get the money for school. ( I bet I started a fire with that comment but thats how I see it.)

[JB27]

Well good luck thats a tough decision

[WIBecky74]

I agree that it is an honor, but I think some of you may have misunderstood my intentions. I have nothing against serving. For those who have pursued an education past the bachelor's level you understand the commitment that goes into seeking a Master or PhD degree. It's not a whole lot different from a deployment, to be honest, except maybe a little tougher. It requires hours away, lots of physical labor (in my field anyway), and an average of 5.5 hours of sleep a night. What I am saying is that I do not have the strength to go through the toil of earning this degree again (at least not while my two little ones are still babies like they are now), and a deployment would render the work I've done so far moot. I would have to start at the bottom again, and I just don't have the strength anymore.

That's why I was asking. I'm going to give my all to SOMETHING, but I've learned that I can't give 100% to EVERYTHING. Just trying to get things straightened out in my head.


What state are you in? I want to transfer. I never knew you could at some point during the day or night during deployment look in on your children or spouse. Hear stories EVERY day about what is going on...be able to shuffle things around and with some hard work attend some very important events. Not miss a birth. A death. I understand you said not a whole lot different...but...I disagree.

I think you may have answered your own question. If you honestly do not have the strength for it....then you cant. Although, I bet if you muster up the knowledge you have gained over the past few years, you have it within yourself. You just have to remember...when it comes to an order, it comes first. Until that time, do what makes you happy. I've never gone for a Masters or Phd...but do know with todays technology, unless your job during deployment just will not give you any time....i've known many soldiers who have continued and even completed degrees while deployed. Maybe its not possible with your Mos. If the degree is important enough, i'd talk to my professors about alternatives and other avenues. A job has to be held for you while deployed, something should be able to be worked out for schooling also. And who knows, maybe you would never get deployed. But playing with words and numbers...how many months you can be deployed in a specific time period...likely will not stand. If the country needs you, you are there for your country.

[logcutter]

Thats the way it ought to be. Theres the way it is. Well said WIBecky74.

[VTguard]

I think you all should cut KBug some slack. There is nothing wrong with asking these types of questions before joining. Making a major decision like joining the military is one that requires thought and asking questions before taking the leap is certainly part of that process. It is much better to ask these questions at an early stage in the process, and really think about if you have what it takes to be a soldier, then to wait until you get orders to deploy and all of a sudden realize that you are in over your head.

Unfortunately, not everyone has what it takes to be a soldier in the Army National Guard. It is sometimes difficult to balance a full time job or college schedule, a family, and a military career all at the same time. For those who are willing to serve, the rewards are tremendous.

[logcutter]

Sorry Sgt. Fletcher, your not up to speed. KBug is a soldier already. Thats what started this whole thing. He stated that a deployment would screw up his education right now. Thats something we hear alot of and thats what set this off.

[kswat07]

I think you all should cut KBug some slack. There is nothing wrong with asking these types of questions before joining. Making a major decision like joining the military is one that requires thought and asking questions before taking the leap is certainly part of that process. It is much better to ask these questions at an early stage in the process, and really think about if you have what it takes to be a soldier, then to wait until you get orders to deploy and all of a sudden realize that you are in over your head.

Unfortunately, not everyone has what it takes to be a soldier in the Army National Guard. It is sometimes difficult to balance a full time job or college schedule, a family, and a military career all at the same time. For those who are willing to serve, the rewards are tremendous.


I agree 100%. There is nothing wrong with asking questions. That's how we decide what is the right thing to do. The military is not for everyone. The benefits that the military offers are minimal considering the sacrafices that any soldier, sailor, airman, or marine makes defending this country. If somebody's goal is to finish college and defend our country there is nothing wrong with that. Just think of it this way if you think that currently not a good asset to the guard then do not join until you are sure that not only you will benefit from the guard but that the guard will benefit from you as well. Good Luck!

[dproffett]

Sorry Sgt. Fletcher, your not up to speed. KBug is a soldier already. Thats what started this whole thing. He stated that a deployment would screw up his education right now. Thats something we hear alot of and thats what set this off.


logcutter...
I think you have missed a point or two as well... Kbug is indeed already serving, but you forgot to mention that he has already served on one 12 month deployment... you dont know his MOS, or any of the details of his deployment.
Give him a break. He's 100% correct about the difficulty of pursuing higher education on the level he's at. It's exremely difficult. I'd rather be back out in the field eating dirt any day. He has every right to be concerned about investing time, money and his family in pursuing his Masters or PhD, only to have it all tossed in the trash can due to a deployment. There is much more involved in it than using the Guard as a source of income... and there are alot of other ways out there to get support and funding for college, and if he didnt already have that sense of duty and commitment he wouldn't have joined in the first place. He's already proven that in my mind by deploying in the first place.
I mean no disrespect to anyone, I completely understand the concepts of honor and duty, and serving my country. I have and will do whatever my country asks me to do, without complaint.
logcutter, you mentioned that you wouldn't want to be deployed with a soldier with that kind of attitude... there are alot of attitudes on a deployment... some of them are a lot worse than the one we are talking about. And what about the attitude that judges so harshly without looking at the details?
Just my 2 cents... I'm not trying to start a war here, we have enough of those already.

[logcutter]

You guys are not reading. He is already in the Guard.

[XNikkiX]

Off the topic slightly, I chose to serve with the guard for that reason alone, to serve with the guard. The college money didn't affect or influence my decision to join or not to. Maybe i'm just crazy, LOL. I want the whole package from joining. I figure the best will be training me in my MOS, so further college is not warranted for me at this time.
I have a slight weight issue, barely passed the tape, but it's being worked on as we speak. THAT'S the only reason I haven't gone to swear in yet. I figure, the military is putting a lot of their time and effort into us, so if you're like me, join if ONLY it's in your hearts! It seems so much good will come from the whole experience. Joining is HUGE to me, i'm already making sacrafices to join, as leaving my kids and family at times, luckily my boyfriend just gave me the OK to go ahead and do so, it's so much easier with support. Take care everyone, ask those questions before you sign and it's too late.
The only STUPID question is the one you NEVER asked! Love you all, Nikki

[oldspice]

I'm in Florida. One of the local Guard groups is deploying to Washington DC. Their function is air defense, so they'll be stationed around all important buildings. Now, I don't know about you, but if I had to be deployed, that sounds like a good one :)

[logcutter]

you dont know his MOS, or any of the details of his deployment.

Does not matter what his MOS is. Or the details unless he was wounded and is recovering which he did not mention.


He has every right to be concerned about investing time, money and his family in pursuing his Masters or PhD, only to have it all tossed in the trash can due to a deployment.

No, he does not. He is a soldier. The Army comes first. Not school.


I'm not trying to start a war here

Too Late.

[dproffett]

The way I see it, the whole concept opf the National Guard is to have a force made uyp of normal, every day people, Citizens, available to call up when needed. Ever heard of the term 'Citizen-Soldier?'
One joins the Guard so that they can continue living their life while serving their country as well. If one wants to put 4 or 6 or any number of years aside to serve their country they would and should join the regular service. You and I have both already done that.
It is ridiculous to assert that a Soldier in the Guard should stand by for 6 years and wait for a deployment that may or may not happen. He is perfectly within his rights to pursue his education. And to mention another overlooked point, Kbug never stated that he did not want to be deployed, or that he wouldn't. He merely asked a question in order to help him understand how a deployment is going to affect his Graduate program. It really is alot of work to toss in the can. And as far as his faculty holding things for him, it is a pretty sad fact that most of those in the higher education arena look to those in the military, any aspect of it, without much good will. The likelyhood of them making allowances for a deployment in the middle of a Masters or Doctorate program are pretty slim. They aren't like employers.
Something else to consider: I dont know what Kbug's field of study is, but he might be the civillian doctor that saves your life one day... you never know. On the flip side... he is likely an Officer... you dont know that either. He may be the one giving you your orders one day too.
And as far as using the Guard or any other service as a tool to get ahead... why not? In this world, and especially this country, one must take advantage of every opportunity out there in order to survive.
If you or any other member of this board are truly in it just to serve, then I'd like to throw out a challenge...
I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU DONATE YOUR ENLISTMENT BONUS TO A CHARITY OR A CHURCH.
Better yet, give it to a Veteran's Memorial foundation. The Memorial in Denver could use some help.
If you can't do that, or wont, then dont lash out towards those who join up for the financial, educational or any other outside benefits.
Email me or post a copy of your tax receipt and I'll eat my words.


D

[Yankee Papa 3]

And as far as using the Guard or any other service as a tool to get ahead... why not? In this world, and especially this country, one must take advantage of every opportunity out there in order to survive.
If you or any other member of this board are truly in it just to serve, then I'd like to throw out a challenge...
I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU DONATE YOUR ENLISTMENT BONUS TO A CHARITY OR A CHURCH.
Better yet, give it to a Veteran's Memorial foundation. The Memorial in Denver could use some help.
If you can't do that, or wont, then dont lash out towards those who join up for the financial, educational or any other outside benefits.
Email me or post a copy of your tax receipt and I'll eat my words.


D
^Wow,right on.People need money and education to live a life.Plus,no offense, most recruiters tempt people with money and benefits and they don't mention the possibility of actually serving your country:mad: Yeah, that kind of annoys me.When/If I become a recruiter i'm going to tell the bittersweet truth and if they can't handle that then oh well.

[JB27]

Well said dropoffet. I think we all know that we have a chance of being deployed and fighting for our country. There is nothing wrong with using the benefits in exchange for that. I thought it was a good question to ask. Logcutter needs to chill out on the John Wayne act. Go overseas and let your actions do the talking.

[logcutter]

...
I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU DONATE YOUR ENLISTMENT BONUS TO A CHARITY OR A CHURCH.
Better yet, give it to a Veteran's Memorial foundation. The Memorial in Denver could use some help.
If you can't do that, or wont, then dont lash out towards those who join up for the financial, educational or any other outside benefits.
Email me or post a copy of your tax receipt and I'll eat my words.D


Its not the same thing. My accepting my pay does not keep me from deploying. As far as "He might be the Doctor who saves my life someday". Yeah, he might be. Unless he had something more important to do for himself that day and did not show up. Will he be donating the cost of his education to the Memorial foundation? I really doubt it.
FIRE BACK. IM HAVING A REAL GOOD TIME.

[logcutter]

There is nothing wrong with using the benefits in exchange for that.

That's right. As long as it does not interfere with your duty. If you are called up you go. Period.


Logcutter needs to chill out on the John Wayne act.

Thanks, but no compliments are necessary. Maybe I am a little over the top, but that's only because I love the Army and my country.



Go overseas and let your actions do the talking.

Packing my bags as we speak, friend. And yeah, this is my first deployment to Iraq, but not my first time in the fire. Not by a **** site.

[dproffett]

Thats right. as long as it does not interfere with your duty. If you are called up you go. Period.

I agree that it is an honor, but I think some of you may have misunderstood my intentions. I have nothing against serving.



Go overseas and let your actions do the talking.

Packing my bags as we speak, friend. And yeah, this is my first deployment to Iraq, but not my first time in the fire. Not by a **** site.[/QUOTE]
Good Luck, God Bless and dont forget to duck.