Before arriving at my initial duty station, can I request joining a unit that deploys often?

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 17:54:26 -0400

I leave for ny new unit at fort knox Kentucky. Is there a way i can request to join a unit that deploys a lot and very soon to my arrival.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 6:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 18:37:40 -0400

You can try when you get to Reception, but the chances are not likely. Your orders will tell you where you are going. Now, it could very well be that your new unit could be ramping up to hit the ramp. But, even if they don't, stay in long enough and you will have your turn.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 30 at 2017 8:07 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 20:07:19 -0400

With out knowing your MOS or the unit you are going to, its a tough call. Best bet is to get there and see the lay of the land 1st.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 8:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 20:18:22 -0400

Simple answer is no.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Oct 30 at 2017 9:09 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 21:09:19 -0400

Be careful for what you ask for, it may come true. Pentagon planners have unit deployments scheduled years in advanced, pending any urgent events. Costs lots of money to deploy. Training cycles are affected. Resources have to be in the right place at the right time. Be patient. Enjoy your time at Fort Knox.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 10:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 22:13:41 -0400

Just focus on reporting to your first duty station, meeting your new chain of command and focus on your new unit's mission. Don't worry too much about deployment because if you do get a opportunity, be prepared to train up for it.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 31 at 2017 4:24 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 16:24:09 -0400

Can you request? Sure. Will your wishes be factored into account? No. Your gaining unit has slots it needs to fill. If your unit isn't indicated on your orders, the post in processing will be looking at unit strengths and sending personnel as needed. Don't be in a rush, you'll get your turn eventually.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Oct 31 at 2017 8:38 PM

SSG Kasius McCall — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 20:38:44 -0400

Short answer to your question is no. If you haven’t learned yet, the Army will put you where it wants you unless you know someone who knows someone. You’ll go to reception, then you’ll go to wherever your pinpoint orders tell you to go. Have fun.

Response by SSG Chris Cherry made Nov 1 at 2017 7:42 AM

SSG Chris Cherry — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 07:42:19 -0400

You don't want to deploy shortly after you arrive at your first duty station. BCT/OSUT/AIT do not create combat ready soldiers. Your unit does that. Imagine an 11B, fresh from Ft. Benning, thrust into combat 2 weeks later and having never run a single battle drill with his team/squad/platoon/company. Get to your first assignment, pay attention, speak little, listen a lot, and work hard.

Response by SSG(P) Dan Keene made Nov 1 at 2017 11:06 PM

SSG(P) Dan Keene — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 23:06:34 -0400

When I was at Knox there was only 1 FORSCOM unit, 194th Armor Brigade and they deployed often and were reputed to be super high speed. I got out from Fort Knox in Aug 1992. Be careful what you ask for. 1st in is usually the hairiest.

Response by LCDR Glenn Adwell made Nov 2 at 2017 9:34 PM

LCDR Glenn Adwell — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 21:34:22 -0400

Fort Knox has very, very few deployable units, if at all, and they are not very large. Fort Knox's primary mission is ROTC Cadet Command and HRC.