How can I volunteer for a deployment (Active Duty Army)?

2014-01-20T21:44:06-05:00

I have been in the Army for almost 6 years and have enjoyed every year. I am honored to be a Non Commissioned Officer and I love to lead Soldiers every day. The problem that I'm having is that I have never been deployed, I have asked multiple times and I always get one or the other answer "we don't need cooks or the unit left before I got there. I think Soldiers should be able to ask to deploy with units that need to fill slots. Anyone have any suggestions or comments?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2013 4:01 PM

2013-12-01T16:01:27-05:00

Have you checked out the "Tour of Duty" or "PFI" websites where you can sign up for active tours? I think they're are other sites as well.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 20 at 2014 9:54 PM

2014-01-20T21:54:10-05:00

They do and are, I volunteered for 4 of my 9 combat tours during my career. It mainly depends on your units MTOE strength on whether or not the Command will allow you to go or protect you for the unit, also it is an MOS issue as well at times, there are many reasons why you could get denied and approved, just keep putting in for it, but with the current changes and cutbacks, and drawdowns, I think the opportunities are drying up as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 2:55 PM

2014-02-06T14:55:45-05:00

PFC Jones,

I would recommend talking to your NCO support chain. Many unit to unit transfers are set up between CSMs and you have a critical skill that a deploying unit might need. Do a little research and find out what units near you are scheduled for deployment and get the contact information of the senior enlisted member for that unit so that you have the information ready for your CSM.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 5:12 PM

2014-02-06T17:12:14-05:00

If you want to continue to deploy after we pull out of Afghanistan (End of this year). Then I suggest looking into Air Defense Artillery. Currently, 31% of U.S. deployments (the largest of any branch) are from ADA. We are conducting deployments to Qatar, Bahrain, U.A.E., Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, and Guam and there are Permanent Stations in S. Korea & Japan with the OPTEMPO of a deployed environment. You're not going to get your combat pay, hazard pay, etc... but after we pull forces from Afghanistan nor will anyone else. Currently half my brigade is deployed around the world, and we're on pretty regular cycles for heading out the door. Every COCOM is requesting PATRIOT and THAAD in their areas, and our branch is one of the few expanding, with plans to add several new Battalions in the next few years. I'd look into the job description for a 14E or 14T and see if reclassing interests you at all, I know the branch is hungry for new 14E's & 14T's and it may be easier to reclass than you think due to the high demand for Air Defense soldiers.

Response by Cpl John Davis made Feb 6 at 2014 5:17 PM

2014-02-06T17:17:15-05:00

I'm a Marine, but I volunteered for a ton of deployments before I got one. I told my chain of command and just walked into other battalion's offices in my spare time. You might get an ass chewing (and if so, tell them you're with a different unit. 1st Tank Battalion was who I always blamed), but who cares. I got my assignment because my chain knew I wanted a deployment and a request for volunteers was disseminated from one of my sister battalions.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 18 at 2014 12:36 PM

2014-02-18T12:36:34-05:00

Sir,

I would suggest checking with your branch manager, as they should have knowledge of open slots that need filling with units that are or are pending deployment.

Good luck and stay safe.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 21 at 2014 5:50 PM

2014-02-21T17:50:28-05:00

Not sure about the Army, but in the Air Force, when you request deployment, it is up to your command to agree or deny it (along with a position if they agree). If the BN CC says no dice, my guess is you are pretty much out of luck until 1. BN/CC PCSs, 2. YOU PCS, or 3. Your unit gets deployment orders. Good luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 6:20 PM

2014-02-21T18:20:02-05:00

Have you applied for deployed jobs on PFI or Tour of Duty?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 6:48 PM

2014-02-21T18:48:16-05:00

like the Major said check those out. Tour Of Duty is at https://mobcop.army.mil/MOBCOPHome.aspx and like I said to others, go in to it set it up and keep checking and applying.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Mar 13 at 2014 4:27 PM

2014-03-13T16:27:19-04:00

Kuwait and Africa is all I can think of, it's mainly being stationed with that unit.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 5:40 PM

2014-03-13T17:40:16-04:00

Don't know if you've tried this. Best of luck:
https://mobcop.army.mil/MOBCOPHome.aspx

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-03-15T11:11:25-04:00

Changing your preferences on ASK for branch could also help in the long run (as I have been told).

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 7:08 PM

2014-05-04T19:08:27-04:00

I'd like to volunteer for a deployment, and I have the unique opportunity to do so in my job, because I work with another DOD agency, however because I know Pashto, they will not let me because I'm determined "more valuable" at home than deployed...It's very frustrating, but I can't help it because Army said so.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 4 at 2014 8:00 PM

2014-05-04T20:00:31-04:00

NAVY = Never Again Volunteer Yourself. All jokes aside. Don't give up. Volunteer for as much as you can and want to do. Sometimes they're in a pinch and they will need you. I was backup for the Spy in the Sky Program. They didn't need extra's so I got passed over. While I was in Dry Dock (Which all sailors hate with a passion) another unit was short of a TACINTEL Technician, I volunteered and found myself in the middle of Fiery Vigil, Desert Storm, Southern Watch. If it is easy it is not worth having or doing anyway!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-05-06T14:38:37-04:00

Yes you should be able to volunteer, but as SSG G mentioned, your local level COC can do little to help you. His advice is solid.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made May 6 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-05-06T17:11:48-04:00

absolutely! My MOS does not deploy to Iraq, Afghan, or other combat areas related. Although going to Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain is technically a deployment until 1 June, it's still not anything that many would consider a "combat deployment". When I was stationed here at Hood my first time, there were very few chances to volunteer to deploy with other units and even deploy with non MOS related units, but our CSM made it difficult. He required each volunteer to have a 275 APFT, a minimum of a 36/40 weapons and no derogatory counselings. For some, that's possible, but for others such as myself, I had been in trouble in the past and been busted down and bounced back, therefore any chances to deploy were halted due to a higher standard. I even got irritated and stated to the CSM, "CSM with all due respect, there are many Soldiers in that unit that have substandard Soldiers deploying so why cant I take their place, you're keeping me from deploying due to some BS requirements, having a derogatory counseling doesn't inhibit my ability to be a needed asset in Afghanistan".... needless to say I got ripped up for that but I felt it was necessary to voice my opinion because I had a 279 APFT, 34/40 weapons and two derogatory counselings due to the same incident. So when people look at my right sleeve and see it empty, it has nothing to do with dodging deployments, but I'll always be assumed as if I had.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 12:53 PM

2014-05-20T12:53:37-04:00

Well if you are looking for ANY type of active service talk to your local recruiting center as they may have funds to put you on ADOS orders.

Response by LTC Martin Metz made May 29 at 2014 12:48 PM

2014-05-29T12:48:05-04:00

I could have coasted into retirement without ever deploying to a wartime front even with over 30 years of time between the active and Reserve. Needless to say, after 9-11 there was no way I was going to sit back. After quite a bit of effort, I deployed for OIF for one of the most satisfying assignments of my 37+ years before I retired. All I can say is that the opportunities are there: stay persistent, network, never accept "no" as the answer, remain open to new ideas / approaches.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 11:12 AM

2014-06-28T11:12:20-04:00

There is some great resources in here! One question though, for active duty is WWIAS through branch my best avenue?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 4:11 PM

2014-07-23T16:11:04-04:00

Call branch and ask for any WIAS Tasking (Worldwide Individual Augmentation System) available for deployment. I'm downrange right now as a WIAS tasker, also known as an Individual Augmentee. Although I did not ask branch for this assignment (I did not know this system existed before) an OPORD came down to my brigade for 1 soldier with a specific MOS to fill this mission and since I met all the requirements, I volunteered for it and now I'm doing 12 months in Afghanistan with a different unit. I was having the same issue you are, this was my 3rd deployment I volunteered for and always was told no for some reason but finally got an ok (guess 3rd time was the charm).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 5:46 AM

2014-08-05T05:46:18-04:00

Try this website https://mobcop.army.mil/ORDERS/UI/Security/Login.aspx?Login# should have any TCS orders (deployment) you've had since, I think 2010?

Response by SPC Michelle Foy made Jan 17 at 2017 12:01 PM

2017-01-17T12:01:42-05:00

CYAGO. Most know CYA is "cover your ass", but my grandfather (35 yr air force Chief) explained the GO means " gut out" example: your squad leader is being surveyed by the civilian supply Sgt. You are asked if he is guilty. (Theres no question) You cant cover him him no matter how much it tears your "gut out"

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 8:37 AM

2017-05-05T08:37:56-04:00

I have a question about Families if Individual augmentees. How and where do they get the appropriate support when their service members deploy? Can the spouses join the Unit FRG? What about on post childcare?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 5:41 PM

2018-06-24T17:41:34-04:00

Looking for ways to go down range. I haven't yet to see that's it's like to go down range.
Yes, I'm active duty now. I was in Army National Guard for 5.5 years and switched over to active duty. Someone, please direct me to a Deployment.

Response by Rahibul Hoque made Mar 21 at 2019 9:32 AM

2019-03-21T09:32:49-04:00

I am a social warker.... But ligel warker for human

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jul 18 at 2019 4:32 PM

2019-07-18T16:32:09-04:00

On AKO there is a Title 10 page that has advertisements for lack of a better term for deploying units that are under strength