Do I have to go?

[LindseyPilger]

My parents think that the minute I graduate from High School, I'll be sent to Iraq. No matter what I say, they don't get the message! What do I tell them to make them get the picture?

[catie11]

Well you have to go through all your training before you are deployable. And you could be deployed as soon as you get through with it, but if you know what unit you are in they should know when their next deployment is because everyone is on a cycle.

SPC Kinnick

[Chris89]

Well you have to go through all your training before you are deployable. And you could be deployed as soon as you get through with it, but if you know what unit you are in they should know when their next deployment is because everyone is on a cycle.

SPC Kinnick

First you have to go threw Basic Training
Second you have to go threw AIT
and then if you out of school
You Could get Shiped off.

[LRSU_Dog]

It is important to know that deployment in support of our National Objectives by units of the Army National Guard is a reality. The truth is the once you are "through", or have completed, your Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training - along with being 18 years of age and having completed your High School or GED - you will be what is considered as "deployable".

As mentioned previously you need to be in contact with your assigned unit to get the correct and timely information about the subject - on this forum you can only get speculation.

As far as talking to your parents, that may be the tricky part - because you need to be truthful and upfront about the realities of being a soldier - and the fact that you will support your local community and state, as well as federal (national) mission requirements.

If you do your "homework" on the subject, to include talking with outher soldiers, if possible, it will help you to get a view of "the big picture" which, until you do, you will not be able to share this view with others, such as your parents. Include them in your recruiting and retention process, this will help them to understand more what your goals entail, and the realities of being a soldier.

[johnreapergrimm]

they are right about that you are supposed to go through basic training before you deploy so i wouldn't worry about that just quite yet

[Sergeant Handwork]

Getting deployed depends on each soilders situation. Depends on MOS, unit, the countrys needs in theatre over seas at the time of completion of your training. There have been many circumstances where Soilders have not been deployed at all, but there are no guarantees of not being deployed.This is one of the chances you have to take when you join the United States military. Personally, I would tell your parents that you are now an adult and are ready to do something for yor life. If you want to take the time to serve your Country then that is your personal decision. if they do not respect that decision then that is up to you to decide if you are going to abide by their wishes or do what you want for your Country. That is totally in your court, and I am unable to tell you what to do, just my personal advise.
Hope this helps, take care