COL Private RallyPoint Member 67217 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>How many deployments have you had, to where, and did you volunteer for them or were they mandatory?  Individual or unit deployments?  If you volunteered, what motivated you to do so?  2014-03-01T10:09:15-05:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 67217

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>How many deployments have you had, to where, and did you volunteer for them or were they mandatory?  Individual or unit deployments?  If you volunteered, what motivated you to do so? 

2014-03-01T10:09:15-05:00 2014-03-01T10:09:15-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 67220

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've been on two. The first I volunteered for, and the second was a scheduled unit deployment.

2014-03-01T10:13:51-05:00 2014-03-01T10:13:51-05:00 1SG Shane Hansen 67232

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, I would guess they are all both volunteer and mandatory for me.  I volunteered to join the army and reenlist and then they mandated I go on deployments.  I have not regretted or cussed any of them though, just happy to serve my country in whatever way I can.  All unit deployments for me as well.<div>12 months to Afghanistan</div><div>15 months to Iraq</div><div>10 months to Afghanistan (currently deployed)<br><div><br></div><br /></div>

2014-03-01T10:30:47-05:00 2014-03-01T10:30:47-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 67235

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>7 months in Afghanistan<div>15 months in Iraq</div><div>12 months in Afghanistan</div><div>just  got back from 9 1/2 months in Afghanistan. </div><div><br></div><div>We're supposed to volunteer?!?</div>

2014-03-01T10:37:17-05:00 2014-03-01T10:37:17-05:00 SSG Dave Rogers 67240

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Desert Storm 18 months Volunteer second tour<div>Egypt 6 months Volunteer</div><div>Bosnia 9 month Volunteer</div><div>seems crazy to volunteer I know, but it was something I learned early on. My Squad leader said if you want to see more and do more in the army, make yourself valuable. Each mission I would volunteer for, when I was done and would come back, my previous assignment was filled, and I would get a call with 7-9 open positions and would be able to choose where I wanted to go next. Thanks to that I have seen some great places. Did not always work, sometimes the mission did not need my skill set, but when it did it was great..</div><div><br></div>

2014-03-01T10:45:16-05:00 2014-03-01T10:45:16-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 67263

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've been deployed once. It was a unit scheduled deployment, but even if it wasn't I would have volunteered. It makes me feel a part of the greater good.

2014-03-01T11:33:57-05:00 2014-03-01T11:33:57-05:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 67349

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>LTC Deaton,<br><br>I have 6 deployments under my belt and all were mandatory.<br><br>3x Iraq<br>1x Afghanistan<br>1x Pakistan<br>1x Kuwait<br>

2014-03-01T14:57:59-05:00 2014-03-01T14:57:59-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 67352

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir,<div><br></div><div>I have been on five CBT tours. I volunteered for the last one which ended up being for only three months. I had just made the MSG list and I had been training with my Platoon for a year the BC told me it was my choice. So I asked my wife what she wanted me to do so she asked do you trust whoever they are going to put in charge I said NO so she gave me a kiss on the cheek and said "Sappers Clear the Way". It was our second month into tour number five when one of my Squad Leaders made the SFC list. While on mission I received a FLIPER message "Tell Psycho 11 Congrats he is # 13 and you need to start packing your bags you are redeploying after a right seat ride". That is my story and all my deployments were unit deployments. </div><div><br></div><div>RCP 80 RC SW: 03 13 - 11-13</div><div>30,000 + KM cleared </div><div>17 IEDs found </div><div>13 found the wrong way</div><div>11 out 34 soldiers received Purple Hearts </div><div>34 earned CABs</div><div>7 redeployed due to IED Strikes but made 100% recovery's </div><div><br /><br>V/r</div><div><br></div><div>1SG Haro</div>

2014-03-01T15:07:06-05:00 2014-03-01T15:07:06-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 67363

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All 3 of mine were unit scheduled 6 monthers to the Stan. I went gladly each time, but this trip has made me quite tired of this place.<br>

2014-03-01T15:16:30-05:00 2014-03-01T15:16:30-05:00 SSG Keith Evans 67463

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I enlisted knowing and hoping I would deploy,  I've only deployed once, but I honestly had to struggle for 6 years to go to a division and deploy.  I'm proud to say I have served my country on a deployment.  Now that I'm married with children, I don't know if I'd volunteer, but I will do whatever is needed.

2014-03-01T19:16:30-05:00 2014-03-01T19:16:30-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 67470

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Cuba, Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Afghanistan all unit deployments or directed to deploy as an individual.<div><br></div><div> I did volunteer for an Iraq MTT before they were a "thing" because I loved working with locals in OIF1.  I got assigned to Atlanta.</div>

2014-03-01T19:49:46-05:00 2014-03-01T19:49:46-05:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 67631

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I've deployed twice to Afghanistan with my unit and would go again whenever I'd be needed as I enlisted knowing I would and to me it's a part of the job</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

2014-03-02T05:30:59-05:00 2014-03-02T05:30:59-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 67675

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Sir, after 16 years of service I was medically retired due to my injuries sustained from 4 deployments. Out of the 4, I volunteered for the last one and did not regret it at all. But IF I could go on jut one more, I defiantly would. As for the last mission, Afghanistan, it was to take a group of new Soldiers, straight out of AIT on their first deployment. From classroom, to ranges, field problems, vehicle training and language classes it was time for pack out and some leave to see families. Being able to see the Soldiers perform down range after all that was great. BUT, I was pulled as a Platoon Sergeant and moved into a different area and rated as an E-8 as a Staff Sergeant! Someone saw something in me that I didn’t. But the deployment was great for me as I was able to work with Armies from different Countries, give input to Officers and best of all, made friends with a few NATO SOC units. Motivation enough for me all around from start to finish. </p>

2014-03-02T09:46:08-05:00 2014-03-02T09:46:08-05:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 67677

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>3 Deployments to date:<div>7 mos Afghanistan</div><div>5 mos Qatar</div><div>3 mos BIOT</div><div><br></div><div>Volunteered for them all - that's why we serve!</div>

2014-03-02T09:58:17-05:00 2014-03-02T09:58:17-05:00 WO1 Private RallyPoint Member 67691

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I claim ignorance on this one, but is it possible to volunteer still?

2014-03-02T10:38:59-05:00 2014-03-02T10:38:59-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 67694

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Voluntold for all 3 deployments!

2014-03-02T10:41:33-05:00 2014-03-02T10:41:33-05:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 67700

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Was deployed to Iraq twice, OIF and OIF-III with 3rd ID and was volun-told, but would have volunteered had it been otherwise. Was a young SGT when DS/DS occurred and was stationed at Ft. Carson, one of the few who did not participate, and couldn't get my butt volunteered, tried Armor Branch-no go, tried walking down the hall to the G-3 and volunteering-no go (was Chief of Staff's driver, so was locked-in in the event the Div did deploy) and remember how "useless" I felt, a tanker not involved in DS/DS, so was more than ready and set when my time came!

2014-03-02T10:47:46-05:00 2014-03-02T10:47:46-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 67727

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I served 12 months in Afghanistan on a unit deployment. I guess it would be considered a volun-told deployment. But I enlisted with the understanding that I would more than likely deploy at some point. Since then though I have tried to deploy again only to be told that the mission was being cancelled and that I would be unable to deploy. Now my current unit's AO is PACOM and SOUTHCOM so the likelyhood of an actual deployment is rapidly decreasing. All I can hope for is another major war on drugs to kick off and hope to go somewhere in S. America.

2014-03-02T11:22:54-05:00 2014-03-02T11:22:54-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 67731

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've been on four deployments; 3 OIF, 1 OEF, I never volunteered because we were already slotted to go on 3 of 4 when I arrived to the units due to PCS, and my first one was when we first crossed over to Iraq, so there was no reason in volunteering because I was going anyway. However there was talk of leaving me back as Rear D NCO for my last deployment but I wasn't having any of that, so I fought my way out of it because if my Soldiers were going, then so was I. I was also one of the most experienced NCO's in the company when it came to deployments, I had done a little bit of everything, so I thought that I could help out tremendously as well. I didn't want to go through the grind of training and preparing for deployment with my SQD and then not go through the grind of deploying and leading them the way I knew how to, in my mind nobody could do a better job and would care for their well-being the way I would, not to mention I had already earned their trust in what I could do technically and tactically. We were a tight knit SQD and relied on each other at this point.

2014-03-02T11:31:44-05:00 2014-03-02T11:31:44-05:00 CPT Brandon Christensen 67784

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, I have had 1 deployment to Iraq (mandatory) from Sept 05-Jul07 with the 1BCT 34th ID. Since returning I have volunteered twise (once in 2010 for New Dawn) and then last year as a SFAT to Afghanistan, but both times they were canceled on me. <div><br></div><div>Reason I am trying to get on another deployment (still trying to this day) is because my first deployment was as enlisted and new very little about anything (E4) and now that I am an officer with 12 years under my belt, I am a little wiser and want to use my skills in a combat zone. All these years of training for "combat situations" it would be nice to put these skills to use and use them in a combat situation and see if what I learned paid off and see if I am a true leader/officer.</div><div><br></div><div>Now I know I don't need to be in combat to see if I am a good leader, can easily be done/shown state side, but this is something personal that I want to see. Everyone around me may see me as a good or bad officer, but right now I see myself as mediocre and having a deployment as an officer would really test my ability to lead and make decisions under stress.</div>

2014-03-02T12:58:16-05:00 2014-03-02T12:58:16-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 67790

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I have been on two deployments, both to Afghanistan.  </p><p>Volun-told the first time around in 2009</p><p>Volunteered for this one I am on currently</p><p>I volunteered so that I could save up as much money as possible to buy a house when I get home, and have enough in savings to not have to worry about struggling.</p>

2014-03-02T13:03:47-05:00 2014-03-02T13:03:47-05:00 SSG Dave Rogers 67885

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For those wondering about volunteering for deployment, I dont have it anymore as I have been out for 11 years, but there is a number at the Pentagon that you can call to be put on a list for willing to fill shortages for deploying units, this does not mean that you will be called every time, or that you will be forced to go, they will ask if you are able to go at that time, I turned down 1 assignment because I was going to a training course. It is easier for National Guard and Reserve Soldiers to volunteer as they are not assigned the same was an active duty soldier. You can also go through your command, but if they are short your MOS they may not be willing to let you go unless it is within your higher command. Do note that if you volunteer though that usually there is little warning time, what usually happens is as a unit is going through its pre-deployment they find out who can not deploy and you can get as little as 24-72 hours to report, so if you are planning to volunteer make sure you have everything in order and be ready to fall into the deep end. When went to Bosnia I ended up filling a much higher position because I was the only person they could get on short notice that had the skills identifers they needed for the job. There was a lot of pressure, but it was a great learning experience.

2014-03-02T15:20:26-05:00 2014-03-02T15:20:26-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 68005

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My squadron had was deploying an element size of airman. I'll say I felt sorry for those that had deployed several times, so volenteer for the this one and signed all the respected waivers. The waivers were due to the fact I just PCS'd in from a remote and wasn't allowed to go. However, I ended up at Camp Bucca, Iraq.<div><br></div><div><br></div>

2014-03-02T18:21:25-05:00 2014-03-02T18:21:25-05:00 SFC James Baber 68018

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Let's see if I can remember them correctly.  Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, Kosovo and OEF, I volunteered for; Honduras, Haiti, Bosnia and OIF I &amp; III I was in the units that were on deployment orders so I guess that is voluntold.</p><p><br></p><p>The volunteered ones I asked to go because I wanted to go to the areas that were the zones and I think during my younger gung ho years I was the adrenaline junkie my ex-wife always said I was, and since the unit I was in wasn't tagged to go, I looked for sister units or others within the BDE/DIV that were going and found slots that needed filling, OEF I think was more about patriotism than anything else.</p><p><br></p><p>Overall, I never ran from my duty and was always willing to fill in when needed or asked.</p>

2014-03-02T18:44:30-05:00 2014-03-02T18:44:30-05:00 SGT Gary Fuller 68232

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I served in the Army most of my younger years.  I joined in the Army in the 70's.  My war was Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  I would gladly be deployed If my country could still use me.  Once a Soldier always a Soldier. 

2014-03-02T22:48:18-05:00 2014-03-02T22:48:18-05:00 CPL Robert Baker 68249

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I a way sir I think we all volunteered when we signed up, however I do understand the question. I served for 2 deployments to Iraq, my first was because the unit deployed, my second I volunteered. When I returned from my first I had some issues and was diagnosed with PTSD. To often now do fellow soldiers see that as a sign of weakness, I loved the army and my brothers as well if I don't say so myself, I was good at my job. When the unit came around for the second deployment the shrink said she was going to put me on red status so I would be non eligible. Not only did I volunteer but I fought with her to keep from doing that, there was no way i was going to leave my brothers to go without me. I trained my team and they were better off deploying under my lead than someone else taking over at the last minute that they didn't know his SOP. Not only did I act for those reasons but also because I believe we had a reason to be there, I have always felt like a Guardian and I can think of no other way too die than in service of someone else's freedom, even if it happens to be an iraqi.

2014-03-02T23:17:26-05:00 2014-03-02T23:17:26-05:00 CW3 Private RallyPoint Member 68377

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I always been in operational units so never have the opportunity to volunteer to any of my deployments. I have four deployments and every single one have been unit scheduled

2014-03-03T05:18:08-05:00 2014-03-03T05:18:08-05:00 SSG Zenia Boswell 68446

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, I have one deployment to Iraq for 15 months. Although I voluntarily enlisted, I found out that I was deploying as soon as I arrived at my first duty station in Fort Hood. This deployment has been the highlight of my career, because the cohesion that I had with my S1 Shop and Unit, are unmatched. I have since reenlisted to go to Korea, with a HAAP to Fort Campbell, and was rerouted to the NCR. When I was in Kyrgyzstan, I tried to PCS to Fort Campbell, but was assigned to the NCR. Personally, because I am single with no kids, I would have rather went to a unit that was deploying, so that I could give someone the opportunity to take a knee and enjoy their family. 

2014-03-03T09:59:22-05:00 2014-03-03T09:59:22-05:00 Maj Chris Nelson 68465

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have been on 3 deployments.  1 Army (Unit) deployment and 2 AF (individual) deployments.  I volunteered in the aspect that from the first day I joined the military in 1986, I knew I was taking a calculated risk of going into hostile situations.  For the specific deployments, Desert Storm was a unit deployment.  I was in the unit. I deployed.  Second one was to Iraq (individual).  I was not jumping up and down saying "Pick me, Pick me"...but I was not doing anything to shirk it either.  I was tasked, so I pressed on with it.  The 3rd one was to Afghanistan, also individual.  I was not jumping up and down to go, but I was involved in the decission making and the leadership, along with my input determined that I was the most right candidate in the situation.  Due to me being involved, I can't exactly say I was NOT volunteering....but I also don't think I was screeming "pick me" either.... It was measuring the situation and trying to find the best fit....and I quickly relaized it was going to be me.

2014-03-03T10:22:44-05:00 2014-03-03T10:22:44-05:00 CSM Michael Poll 68471

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am punching out soon for my 11th and the answer to your question is yes to both!

2014-03-03T10:26:33-05:00 2014-03-03T10:26:33-05:00 SFC Stephen P. 68493

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My 1 deployment to Bosnia was mandatory. The entire BN went.<br><br>When I volunteered for subsequent deployments, I was turned down numerous times.<br><br>My motivation to volunteer was because I was qualified, willing, and my commander asked for volunteers. To a lesser degree, I also thought the experience would help me better relate to the soldiers I am assigned to support.<br>

2014-03-03T11:05:47-05:00 2014-03-03T11:05:47-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 68500

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have been raising my hand to volunteer for the past 5+ years. It finally paid off. I will deploy to Afghanistan later this year! I am extremely excited to have this opportunity and feel very lucky to be going with one of my closests friends as well.

2014-03-03T11:16:49-05:00 2014-03-03T11:16:49-05:00 SFC Aaron Calmes 68913

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Two for me. One in Afghanistan (Alerted in Oct 2001 and Mob'd in Dec) was volunteer because even though it was a unit deployment we had way more people that wanted to go than slots available. After 9/11 everyone volunteered. Worst part was sitting at Bragg for four months because let's just say the deployment process for the Army Reserves at that point was non existent. <br /><br />Second one was Iraq. Was only back in the US for 9 months but volunteered to go and had to sign a waiver to redeploy with less than 12 months homestation. It just felt like something I needed to do. We had a lot of new inexperienced people and I had experience when few did at that time. Got back in late 2004 but was picked up AGR recruiting in 2007. After three years there arrived to my current unit and have been off ramped twice (though whether they would have let me go at all as an AGR was never a definate).<br /><br />Feels like I haven't done enough because my last ended over nine years ago and others have gone many times since then. I don't really count the short missions to Egypt or Indonesia since those were only 1-3 weeks.

2014-03-03T21:10:30-05:00 2014-03-03T21:10:30-05:00 SSG Robert Blum 69229

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Sir I would have to Echo 1SG Hansen, in saying that in a way being in an all volunteer Army, I have in fact volunteered every single time, I may not want to go at the time, but an eager 18 year Old me knew what I was getting myself into, and between every reenlistment since I understand it all to well, and yet I continue to do it. With that said, My first two deployments both to Iraq, I just happened the new guy in a unit set to deploy. My third deployment I was on PCS orders and I was given an option, leave and see what happens, or Stay become a Leader, and serve with the Soldiers I had already gotten to know. I went. This Last deployment I had the unique opportunity to relieve a platoon from my own company with Soldiers that were once mine, I felt obligated (to them, their families, and the Soldiers I had at that time who were set to go, and I jumped up and down and stomped my feet and made all kinds of noise until I was heard and was added to the list. I even had to extend in Germany to make it happen. I would still be there If I wasn't cut short by the NATO draw down.</p><p> </p><p>Iraq March 04- March 05  (Baghdad, Camp Liberty, Abu Guraib)</p><p>Iraq February 06- November 06  ( Camp Normandy)</p><p>Iraq June 2008- August 2009 (Baghdad, JSS Justice, COP 402)</p><p>Afghanistan July 2013- December 2013 (Kabul, HQ ISAF)</p><p> </p>

2014-03-04T10:49:39-05:00 2014-03-04T10:49:39-05:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 74060

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Volunteered gladly to go and validate years of training to see if it all worked! It did, however while deployed I did volunteer in country, both times working the USO and painting in clinics and hospitals.

2014-03-11T23:39:14-04:00 2014-03-11T23:39:14-04:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 78011

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I have been deployed to Afghanistan three times:</p><p>2009 with VMA-214 "Blacksheep" to Kandahar Air Field on the Whisky Ramp.</p><p>2013 as an IA with Joint Threater Trauma System (JTTS) to Bastion Role 3 Hospital.</p><p>2014 as an IA with the NATO MMU Role 3 Hospital to Kandahar Air Field.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

2014-03-18T00:34:38-04:00 2014-03-18T00:34:38-04:00 Sgt Jack Lynch 78684

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>When I was 17 my brother's unit was being activated to go to Iraq in 2007 (Al Anbar province). I graduated high school early in order to go to bootcamp and SOI before they left, and deployed with them as an 0311 in early 2008. Would do it all over again in a heartbeat.<br>

2014-03-18T21:24:49-04:00 2014-03-18T21:24:49-04:00 PO2 John Breton 78685

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had no choice. I went where I was ordered to go.

2014-03-18T21:24:58-04:00 2014-03-18T21:24:58-04:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 78712

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Voluntold, Deployed with PSU 308 to Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Lived at Camp Spearhead. Visited Doha, KNB, and a few others. Had a blast! Ha, ha. Made lost a friends and brothers in arms. 

2014-03-18T22:08:10-04:00 2014-03-18T22:08:10-04:00 WO1 Private RallyPoint Member 88088

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Afghanistan and Kuwait I went willing and happily I wanted the experience that was the most important

2014-03-29T10:04:46-04:00 2014-03-29T10:04:46-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 119506

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir,<br /><br />I volunteered to deploy, I was in a CSH (combat support hospital) fresh out of AIT and I wanted something more. Did good things at the CSH for 4 months and requested to deploy with a different unit because the CSH was not deploying and was granted. (Afghanistan)

2014-05-05T19:04:48-04:00 2014-05-05T19:04:48-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 194368

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1 year to Iraq. I was volun-told<br /><br />1 year abbreviated to 6 months to Afghanistan. I volunteered. I decided I wanted the money and the campaign medal.

2014-08-04T22:09:38-04:00 2014-08-04T22:09:38-04:00 SrA David Holland 377581

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All volunteer, I love it. I have also been 3 times as a civilian and I want to go back again but cannot find a position there.

2014-12-19T12:34:25-05:00 2014-12-19T12:34:25-05:00 2014-03-01T10:09:15-05:00