How does volunteering for deployment work?

2021-07-20T21:42:04-04:00

I recently volunteered for an upcoming mobilization with a National Guard unit and I have a few questions. I'll be 19 in August, I've got no kids or girlfriend, and I want to deploy.

1. Because I am in the reserves, would I have to transfer to the guard myself to be mobilized with that guard unit?
2. Would it be appropriate to email the company commander (I obtained the application page for the deployment on TourOfDuty) and show my interest?
3. What is the best thing I can hope for from deploying if I get picked up?
4. what are your best stories from deployments?

All responses are appreciated.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 20 at 2021 9:49 PM

2021-07-20T21:49:44-04:00

Enjoy, do take some photos for later, let it all hang out while you have no responsibilities or obligations! SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2021 10:23 PM

2021-07-20T22:23:47-04:00

You shouldn't need to transfer to the Guars to take the Deployment if selected. I know there were several Guardsmen who were individual augmentees on the crew that replaced my unit on our last tour and my understanding was they didn't transfer.

Best of luck

Response by SPC Rodolfo Gonzalez made Jul 21 at 2021 1:47 AM

2021-07-21T01:47:17-04:00

1. Im not sure if you would have to go to the guard i would assume not you would just transfer to their books.( I volunteered from my state guard to guard)
2. I think so they have their email there for a reason maybe get their training nco number.
3. Best thing you can hope for is having people there that want to go , I had so many people complain everyday that they dint wanna be there blah blah blah and you have people there that are techs or atleast deployed before. Im a mechanic so we had a couple techs and people that knew way around a vehicle and with out them idk how we woudve done it.
4. I was there during covid so no much going out with me in iraq, there wasnt a specific story but just the comradery when i was there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2021 9:41 AM

2021-07-21T09:41:20-04:00

I've seen Reservists use Tour of Duty to get on deployments, they don't leave the Reserves they just get orders attaching them to whichever unit.

You should reach out to the unit.

You're a PFC that may deploy, you'll likely make SPC, stack your rack a bit, and get more experience then you would on regular drills. You should also use it as an opportunity to save money and learn tasks outside of your MOS.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2021 10:59 AM

2021-07-21T10:59:53-04:00

1. no transfer, you would remain assigned to your current USAR and receive a COTTAD order to deploy with the guard unit.
2. You could email the CO, but he's probably not directly involved in the TOD approval process.
3. the best thing you can do on this deployment is:
a. save money, then buy a sensible, affordable car when you get back, no payments, a new affordable laptop, and keep the rest in savings for when you really need it.
b. complete as many college courses online that you have time for.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2021 12:04 PM

2021-07-21T12:04:24-04:00

Interesting question @PFC Wakeem Price ... We actually had a USAR Soldier deploy with our National Guard unit when I served in the Sinai, Egypt with the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) in 2009-2010. So it can be done, you just have to get your mobilization orders processed. It's more like an individual mobilization, but you'll be tagging along with the unit's deployment and training timelines. Not sure of the whole process, but I'd say that you will be able to do it without transferring to the Guard.