How can I increase my chances of deploying?

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 19:02:09 -0400

I got out of the Marine Corps Reserve in 2015. I am looking to join the Army Reserve or National Guard as a 12B. I'm dying to go on a deployment as I did 6 years in the Marine Corps reserve and never deployed. Local NG unit just came back from a deployment. I can't reach the local reserve unit. I've also checked on Tour of Duty for 12B slots, and there are none. Any tips?

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Oct 1 at 2020 10:03 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 22:03:16 -0400

Have you talked with a NG or AR recruiter? I would start there, maybe they can get you in touch with the commander and 1SG so you can ask questions about the company and what their OPTEMPO is like.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2020 10:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 22:52:15 -0400

They’re cutting deployments short and drawing down. You’re going to be hard pressed most likely.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2020 11:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:25:28 -0400

CPL,

If you REALLY want to deploy, you'll go Active Duty. ARNG units deploy "routinely" every 6 years, and depending on the job and unit that could be even less. I was fortunate enough in my 8 year career to have the opportunity for 2 deployments, but that was because I moved around. If you're okay with going 12B, you might as well go 11B or 19D, my 12Bs who went overseas with me did practically nothing but gym and the DFAC, but I don't look at them any differently.

Most people won't discuss deployment schedules with you over the phone, due to OPSEC anyway. Just get in, and then once you arrive to your unit ask if any NG units are deploying for which you can volunteer. You likely won't be doing your job if you volunteer however, you'll probably be backup infantry, working in supply, etc. But if deploying is all you care about, I'm sure you'll be gracious with whatever duties you're given.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2020 1:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 01:27:34 -0400

The only 12Bs going anywhere in the Guard in the next few years will likely be in the SFAB. 5/54th SFAB out of Ohio is an Engineer unit. There may be a few other 12Bs deploying, but they will be few and far between. You may have to decide which is more important to you, being a 12B or going on a deployment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2020 3:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 03:07:21 -0400

In general, deployments are becoming fewer and farther between. In the National Guard, it is very unit/BN specific. I have been in the Guard for 10 years and have been fortunate enough to deploy three times (including my current deployment).
There are still deployments, but many of them are not "combat" deployments. My unit just returned from a SecFor mission in Qatar and my old BN went to Kosovo. I know one of Oregon's EN units went to do a SecFor mission elsewhere in the Middle East. Because my unit was short personnel, we took volunteers and I had a 12B SGT as one of my TLs.
If you are looking at TOD/MOBCOP, try looking for 00F/00G positions. Those are non-MOS specific.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Oct 2 at 2020 7:40 AM

MSG Greg Kelly — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 07:40:14 -0400

look in your state find a unit going and transfer is easiest

Response by SSgt William Quinn made Oct 2 at 2020 8:39 AM

SSgt William Quinn — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 08:39:18 -0400

Volunteer and sign up for every training opportunity available to you. Being qualified in as much as possible makes you more eligible and more valuable for deployments. I was the training NCO for my squadron, I was trained in everything and had the pic of every deployment. I'm sure each branch may be a little different but that was my experience in an AF SPEC OPs unit.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 2 at 2020 10:47 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 10:47:27 -0400

CAARNG has two BN's of Engineers. Seems there is always one unit from each of those BN's on the ball to go somewhere. The 579th is out of Santa Rosa, the Combat Engineer unit is in Petaluma (Santa Rosa is the Parent of the Petaluma Unit). If you are down South, you would have to contact the 578th. Both units frequently get call ups for fire fighting, HRF missions, and o course support to what ever overseas mission comes to pass. If you really want to go somewhere, push hard to get in the Army Sapper School. You may get lucky and be able to work as part of your enlistment, if not submit a 4187 like everyone else. I am going to step out and say odds are you will go from being a Corporal to a Specialist. It is the way of the Army.

Response by SPC Carmen H Ramirez made Oct 12 at 2020 10:41 PM

SPC Carmen H Ramirez — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 22:41:30 -0400

Become a combat medic.