Posted on Jan 20, 2014
How can I volunteer for a deployment (Active Duty Army)?
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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?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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.
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CPT (Join to see)
SGT Hill,
Can you provide clarification on what is happening 1 June with Kuwait deployments? Are they no longer going to be considered deployments and no longer rate the awards/SSI-FWS/etc?
Can you provide clarification on what is happening 1 June with Kuwait deployments? Are they no longer going to be considered deployments and no longer rate the awards/SSI-FWS/etc?
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SGT Chris Hill
Kuwait will be considered a PCS, no more IDP or hazard duty pay, which also means no more SSI-FWS.
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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.
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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.
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Changing your preferences on ASK for branch could also help in the long run (as I have been told).
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Kuwait and Africa is all I can think of, it's mainly being stationed with that unit.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Being Guard I know we used to be able to go to the state website and volunteer but for some reason that doesn't work. Do you know of any other ways to volunteer? Or if finding a Unit that is deploying to just contact their readiness NCO and request a slot, not sure if thats the correct way to go about it.
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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.
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Maj (Join to see)
Thanks bud, however I'm not sure that would help as I'm at a geographically separated unit. I was hoping there was a centralized list of possible deployments for pilots that I could tap into. I appreciate it though.
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SFC James Baber
I had figured you were at a separated unit based on your location, but your branch would still have a list of units with slots that need filling for short tour deployments and others as well, it never hurts to ask, the worst that can happen is they say no, and the best is you get a list of a few dozen possibilities.
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Capt (Join to see)
You could try https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/
Search the 365's. Also, you can contact your functional at AFPC by a/c and crew position.
Search the 365's. Also, you can contact your functional at AFPC by a/c and crew position.
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