Has anyone used Tour Of Duty? What was the process like and over all experience?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 18:08:40 -0500

Looking for opinions on Tour of Duty....Your experience and process... Yay or nay? Looking to deploy as a combat engineer in the reserves.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2020 8:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 20:16:30 -0500

I used TOD for my current position. I am a reservist. The toughest part is waiting. From the time that I applied, interviewed and received my orders it was roughly 6-8 months. A 368 is not required however I do remember needing a memo from my commander approving my tour. When I requested a second year I needed approval from an O-6. Once you apply online and upload all the supporting documentation you will be informed if you've been "selected" for the position. Once that happens your online "packet" is routed all the way up to brigade (maybe higher...for me it was brigade) for others to concur your application. S-1 from the receiving unit should be communicating with you about what is needed and where you are in the process. Active duty is VERY different from Reserves. You will not only get active time and (BAH...lol) you gain the experience which will help you further you career.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 7 at 2020 11:13 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 23:13:34 -0500

You may get your wish... better get in shape and learn your job now.. you may be in for a major wake up and nightmare come true.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 1:56 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 01:56:21 -0500

Also check dod.pfi.mil

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Jan 8 at 2020 9:17 AM

COL Dana Hampton — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:17:54 -0500

I’ve used TOD to get a position out at Fort Sill. It works much like a job board.

Be sure to inform your chain of command you are applying for a TOD and gain their concurrence. You apply on the site and up load your packet of all required documents. If your packet is acceptable, the tour manager sends you a message to schedule an interview with the tour sponsor. You conduct the interview and they sponsor selects the person they want to hire.

Once that’s done and you are selected, your state mobilization officer is notified and you will need to request a TAG release letter. The mobilization officer will coordinate with NGB for your orders. Once the orders are issued, you comply with the instructions and start the tour.

It’s really that simple so long as your chain of command support your application and your TAG will release you for the duty.

Good luck!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jan 8 at 2020 9:41 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:41:03 -0500

I've used it for a 3 year mob. As others have said, the waiting is the hardest part. In my case, it was an "urgent fill need" but it took right up to the orders start date for orders to actually be produced. Luckily, I was in a position to sign the "30 day waiver" and drive on.

The other thing to be aware of, unless it's changed, is that when you initially set up your profile, there is a LOT of data entry you will need to do. Plan for several hours with a computer and access to all your records to do it right. Once that's done, set a calendar reminder to go in and update once a year - that will only take a few minutes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 5:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:37:27 -0500

I have used Tour of Duty and found the experience to be delightful. Now, let me put a caveat on my statement. I was serving in the IRR and was actively looking for assignments and/or deployments. The best thing about IRR is that you belong to the Army, not any specific unit or commander. When I found something I wanted to apply for, I did. Put yourself out there. I didn’t get any of the things that I applied for, BUT, I got a random email from a unit looking for me to fill a position. I mobbed for 2 1/2 years and then volunteered for a deployment to Afghanistan. I got almost 5 years active duty from that. TOD, recommended.

Response by SPC Joe Greco made Mar 11 at 2020 5:33 PM

SPC Joe Greco — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:33:09 -0400

Don’t do it

Response by SPC Joe Greco made Mar 20 at 2020 3:54 PM

SPC Joe Greco — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:54:51 -0400

When I was a combat engineer in Germany I was in the field over 200 days out of the year I hated it my unit belong to NATO so when they nato went on maneuvers they sent us I was A M F Air mobile force I’ve been to Norway I’ve been to Denmark I’ve been to England Graff East German border