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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Simple answer is no.

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.

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.

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.