How do you feel about those who have not deployed?

2015-05-06T17:05:00-04:00

There are many members of the military who have not deployed/had the chance to deploy. Does this detract from their service? I guess I am just seeing how other Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors view those who haven't deployed. I personally have not been tagged to deploy in my 5 years in whether it was the positions I held within my units (command staff), my career field was only tagging specific rank/skill level, or my new controlled tour (which it appears likely I can get the experience once my deployment bucket comes back around). I feel fortunate not to have had the stress on myself and the family but sometimes feel I am missing out on experiences my co-workers have had. Also do you feel it is an experience that is vital for leadership?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made May 6 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-05-06T17:08:31-04:00

As long as you serve in the best way you can serve and you continue to serve in the ways that you are requested to serve then you are doing what you can.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 6 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-05-06T17:14:54-04:00

Deploying is like losing a bad lottery. I have talked to older veterans and some told me they did not deploy even war time, with a hint of regret of shame. I tell them it does not matter. Thank you for your service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 5:17 PM

2015-05-06T17:17:55-04:00

When I was an instructor, it was the biggest hurdle for me to get over. My fellow instructors with combat time had instant street credibility. I received some of my best evaluations, though, from Soldiers who saw me as less on the first day of class due to my "missing" patch, but left on the last day of class knowing that they had received excellent, relevant training, from a competent professional Soldier. One I remember clearly stated, "I will never look at Soldiers without combat patches the same way".

My point is this: You make an impression on those around you in everything you do. Your assignments were of value to the military, and your experience is valuable to your professional development. You may get a tour, you may not, but the impact you have on your juniors, unit, and military is up to you.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 6 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-05-06T17:20:34-04:00

You don't choose where Uncle Sam sends you.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 6 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-05-06T17:26:32-04:00

Deployment or being deployed does not define you. I agree with all the comments. The fact is not all people who serve need not go to war to be considered more of a service member than those who have. Instructors, Recruiters and Rear detachment personal, to name a few, are just as essential for all services to function as deployed.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 6 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-05-06T17:30:35-04:00

As long as you didn't try to dodge a deployment, most of the times, deployments are out of an Airmen's control.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-05-06T17:33:33-04:00

I think us that never deployed are more judgemental about our service than others.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 6 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-05-06T17:50:43-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I want to say that a deployment does not matter, but I would be lying.

Now that I have deployed twice, both of my deployments where involuntary. I do find it strange to meet service members over 20 years that have not deployed. I honestly question 'How did they not serve overseas in a deployment at some point in their career?' It creates a little bit of a trust issue, it should not, but it does.

Deployment is a vital experience for the military and especially for leadership.

All the services have plenty of great leaders who have not deployed, they are still great people, but they will need to overcome a minor bias from me.
Ultimately, I want to judge everyone on their character, integrity and results, without regard to their past accomplishments.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-05-06T18:03:53-04:00

I have been "on the hook" so many times, I started to think I was a worm. I have had more deployments "turned off" than I have been on. I have NEVER, EVER even considered trying to get out of a deployment. I have lobbied, begged, pleaded, and groveled to deploy. Ultimately, it has always been outside my span of control. I've been denied due to manning constraints, wrong rank but right skill level, line remarks changed, deployment length changed, redirected by AFCENT, deployed location shut down, mission change, you name it. Some may think that's good luck, but I harbor the guilt of not fulfilling my duty and taking my turn where others have had to so many times. It's a two-way street. Anyone who chooses to serve has my respect, but if you "opt out" of your responsibilities as a Service member, you're dead to me.

Response by SSG Clayton Blackwell made May 6 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-05-06T18:12:05-04:00

I don't have any lack of respect for anyone that did not deploy, unless they actually dodged it. Everyone that served signed the dotted line, swore the oath and agreed to put themselves in harms way if called upon to do so, and possibly give there life for others.

When desert storm started I was a field artillery school instructor and was very disappointed my initial orders were not to deploy, but to ready IRR soldiers being reactivated. I felt I wasn't doing my part, but I was. I was fortunate to deploy a few times and I wouldn't trade the experiences I gained from those. But I also came to realize having been both combat arms and intel, and having been both deployed and support for deployments, it takes everyone doing their job to make the depoloyment work. It's all service no matter how it was accomplished.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-05-06T18:13:49-04:00

Normally, the only time it bothers me when someone hasnt deployed is when they try and tell me how to do my job when I am in the field/deployed. Otherwise, their not getting deployed doesnt bother me and doesnt make me think less of them.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 6 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-05-06T18:36:26-04:00

You're in the Air Force. We don't do the Combat Patch thing. If you don't tell folks they probably won't know. Do your job to the best of your ability. Demonstrate positive leadership. Get all the training and education you can. You'll come out just fine.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 6 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-05-06T19:55:04-04:00

You swore an oath, put on a uniform and stood a post. That's all that counts. Timing is everything and its possible to go without a deployment but that doesn't make your service any less credible.

Now those that have willfully dodged deployments more than once, that's another story completely.

Response by SMSgt James Williams made May 6 at 2015 8:07 PM

2015-05-06T20:07:11-04:00

The only time it bothers me is when someone does everything they can, to get out of one. I chose the job I'm in, it comes with a high deployment tempo. You are in the job you are, it doesn't have the same tempo. Why would I hold that against you? None of it makes one job more or less important than the other. Besides, if I didn't like deploying so much, I wouldn't have stayed in for so long.

Are you missing anything? Yes.
Will not going deminish your overall service? Absolutely not.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-05-06T20:11:20-04:00

I think it only bothered me one time. It was a cover of the Naval Reserve magazine. I don't recall the year, but it was around the time for the 'Sailor of the Year'. There were a group of 1st Classes (PO1/E-6) that made the cut. I happened to look at their ribbon racks and not one had any campaign ribbons on any of them. I was thinking that there were so many 1st Classes that have volunteered or volun-told to go out in Iraq or A-stan that could have done an outstanding job leading sailors or completing a vital mission and not one could be found to be in that group.

I got over it (kinda). Sure were a lot of NAM's with stars though (Navy folk know what I am talking about).

Yeah... I'm hating... Leave me alone!! :D LOL!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-05-06T20:11:45-04:00

I judge my lack of deployment experience more than others do.

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 6 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-05-06T20:46:44-04:00

If the are actively performing their job in the military, it does not matter to me if the deploy or not. They are no less of a servicemember for not deploying.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-05-06T21:48:27-04:00

You can't always have an effect on whether or not you deploy. Do your job to the absolute best of your ability and everything else takes care of itself.

Response by CPL Rob N. made May 6 at 2015 10:34 PM

2015-05-06T22:34:06-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I will try to lay it out how I felt when I returned from Iraq.

I received my MOB orders in February 2003 as a reservist to Iraq. We had soldiers that stayed back for numerous reasons. I didn't reach theater until early May. I spent 15 months in theater for a total of 18 mnths. with the same individuals 24/7 365+. We had good times, we had bad times and we had horrible times. They were my family none the less. When we returned to the states, there was several new soldiers assigned to my unit. Those were the soldiers I distanced myself from. Not so much intentionally, but because I didn't have the bond that was created with the ones I served with, both the ones I deployed with and the ones that stayed in the rear with the gear. Now I realize that I should have been teaching them instead of pushing them away.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 6 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-05-06T22:46:05-04:00

Someone who hasn't deployed through no fault of their own, such as in your case SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, should not feel bad or less of an Airman than others who have deployed.

On the other hand, a member who goes out of their way to avoid deploying (I can only speak for the Navy) such as purposely inuring themselves or getting pregnant (please don't put me on blast, we all know it happens) can and should be held accountable. Furthermore, that person will have to jump through hoops so to speak if they want to earn/gain my respect and trust back!

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 11:01 PM

2015-05-06T23:01:21-04:00

Deploying has nothing to do with the equation. The character of service is what it's about. Not everyone has the opportunity to deploy...not every MOS is needed in theater. That said, EVERY MOS is NEEDED.

Did you do your job to the best of your ability? If so, then I consider you to have served honorably. I have seen those who HAVE deployed, who served with less honor than those who have not.

It's not about the deployment; it's about the service.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 7 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-05-07T08:48:55-04:00

I was never deployed during my term of service and I feel as if I've missed out on something important too. It is no fault of my own, my number just never came up. I served the best I could regardless.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made May 7 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-05-07T09:56:40-04:00

I don't look down on those who don't deploy. I know some mos's just don't deploy that much. I do however get angry when someone in a deployable status somehow finds ways out of deploying. That screws over others who have to pick up their slack. A friend of mine is deploying for her 1st time in 19 years. It was just her mos that didn't allow her to deploy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-05-20T13:13:25-04:00

Deployments are an experience that varies greatly between each service member. Each should earn valuable insight and knowledge that should in some way be shared and used to the betterment of their subordinates and branch. Though deployments can be a valuable and unforgettable experience, they do not necessarily make one better at performing their duties, just more stories to tell.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-05-20T13:24:04-04:00

Deployments are an unforgettable experiences that vary greatly between service members. Depending on their experience they should learn valuable lessons and insights to share. Although unforgettable they don't necessarily make one better at performing their duties or being a good leader just better at telling stories.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-05-20T13:26:47-04:00

For those who have not had the opportunity to deploy, I see it as just that. It is not your fault if you haven't deployed because you have not had the opportunity to. Then there are those who have been tasked to deploy a dozen times but always find "excuses" to not go. For the later, I try my best to still have respect for them, but am unable to do so.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made May 20 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-05-20T13:42:30-04:00

I volunteered for every deployment and TDY that came down. Could never get a long term to save my life.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 23 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-05-23T10:41:28-04:00

This will likely torque a few off, but non-deployment can hurt you when it comes to promotion boards. The way not to be hurt is to have reporting seniors properly deal with it on the FITREP/EVAL. (Hint, opportunity to properly engage the CoC beforehand.)

We have a lot of great service members who don't deploy through no fault of their own. Having sat a number of boards at Millington, we look at what a member has done, how well, and where they are compared to everyone else in the zone. So deployments, great job doing them, etc. tends to be more of a gold standard. Read the precepts. There's been some words added over the years that say "will not be disadvantaged because..." but there is no direction that Reporting Seniors ignore the topic. It is a strong cue for them to proactively deal with it.

What kills some at the board is the Reporting Senior who doesn't recognize a person doesn't have an operational deployment under their belt and then stays silent. Words such as "volunteered three times but..." is a good cue that the service member is ready, willing, but the deployment gods never punched the button. If the service member is a poor performer, we've seen words like "retained at whatever backwater in lieu of..." Along with the grading and the rest of the narrative, a pretty clear negative picture can be painted.

Lame FITREP/EVAL writing does more to improperly help or hurt service members than anything else I can think of at the boards. Many Reporting Seniors don't realize they have to choose the 1/3 that will get a boost, the 1/3rd they won't harm, and the 1/3rd that likely have good people but do not measure up as high as the rest. I know we send good people home but when it comes to numbers, you have to press (the button) on.

Reporting Seniors who don't purposely have three groups, in favor or smushing everyone together will likely see few get promoted down the road. Read up on how John Wooden (The Wizard of Westwood) would "discriminate" and you can see what I mean. Smushing people together ensures the great ones won't be seen for what they are.

Is the system anywhere near perfect? Not by a long shot. However, ti's a long way better than commercial sector whims, denial of promotions because they're worried about the competition, etc.

My personal experience is I had a reputation of doing whatever the bosses needed and doing it well. Sure I got yanked a few times to go out there, but I do know my mane was in many more conversations that never panned out, most of the time because the OP didn't happen.

Moral of the story for nondeployeds. Always be visible with your willingness to step forward in whatever capacity that will ensure our National success. You'll get talked up by people you don't even know. Good seniors will start scrubbing the system to find you a great opportunity. Just be ready to pounce..

Response by MSgt Jason Miller made Jul 7 at 2015 8:41 PM

2015-07-07T20:41:43-04:00

I am retired, But I always thought it was a BS way to decide if someone was worthy of promotion, or if they were leadership material. I too volunteered to go all the time and things would just happen to where I would not go, and it took until my 13th year before I deployed, but not by choice. But not getting to deploy does not have any bearing on how hard you work, or how good you do your job.

Response by SFC David Drury made Dec 6 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-12-06T16:28:13-05:00

The way the world is now, eventually itll be your turn. All you can do is train train train. Make sure you and your Airpeople, soldiers, marines etc. Are as ready as possibly can be expected. Sooner or later you or your subordinates will be greatful for the time and effort you put in to prepare. If for some reason we all have no control over and you never deploy, believe me, you are the lucky few.

Response by SSgt Leonard Nichols made Dec 9 at 2019 6:31 PM

2019-12-09T18:31:40-05:00

I look at these comments and thank all of you for your service. I never deployed in 28 years. However, I did submit numerous AA Forms trying to do so and was denied each time. Unfortunately, I never did get to deploy. In my time in the rear as Admin Chief or Personnel Chief, I did do everything I could for my Marines who were deployed. I took it as my personal responsibility to do at least that for them.

Response by SPC Alexander Bendyna III made Jan 31 at 2020 9:17 PM

2020-01-31T21:17:28-05:00

I was served in a combat arms role in the Army and went on two deployments to Iraq. I have no problem with soldiers who did not deploy so long as they were not actively dodging deployments. We all have our jobs to do and those jobs support the mission.

Response by Cpl Travis Fryzowicz made Mar 21 at 2020 10:27 AM

2020-03-21T10:27:18-04:00

you are doing what the military NEEDS you to do, they say there is the need of approx 20 soldiers just to keep a deployed soldier with his or her needed supplys

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 12:23 PM

2020-09-01T12:23:31-04:00

I have no problem with some people not getting deployed to combat zones.

I do have a big problem with scumbags who figure out ways to get out of their duty to serve in a combat zone when they get orders to go. I have two Nephews in the Marine Corps. One has been to Both combat zones Iran’s Afghanistan multiple times. The other has skirted around the Marine Corps, gotten billets that keep him from going and has just gotten his 2LT bar (he enlisted as a private). One I admire, the other disgusts me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2021 3:56 PM

2021-02-21T15:56:45-05:00

I joined the Army in 1977 at 18 years of age. I deployed to Iraq in 2006 from the Reserves. Trust me, I didn’t ask for it. I was given an opportunity to get out of the deployment due to a family hardship, but I went anyway. My thought was this. My Command was scrambling to find a replacement and they found me. I got an 18 day notice to go. Although it put a damper on what I was doing at the time I knew if I took the easy way out, the next guy would have even less time to prepare so I didn’t take the easy way out.

Do I feel different abut those that didn’t deploy? Not really because the military never really gives you a choice - so I don’t blame them.

Does going make you a better leader? I don’t know, but I do know this, you do learn a lot about yourself when you do go. Maybe that makes you a better leader.

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Feb 21 at 2021 7:00 PM

2021-02-21T19:00:32-05:00

I think all should deploy. If they got out of a deployment on purpose they should get out or be put out! If luck has it there number just did not come up oh well but they are missing out on leadership experiences.