How should I navigate WOC school and an upcoming deployment?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 May 2019 09:51:30 -0400

I've been selected as a WOC with no WOC school date yet. I have been involuntary transferred to a unit that will deploy by the end of the year. It is very possible that my WOC date will be during my deployment. This will be my 4th time going down range and been working towards and wanting to become a WO for years. In your opinion, would my new command let me stay for WOC school? I haven't even drilled with them yet? Can I leave downrange early to attend school? Can I get out of this deployment? In your experiences, have you heard any stories about my situation? How could or should I navigate this? Thanks for you input.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made May 17 at 2019 9:54 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Fri, 17 May 2019 09:54:59 -0400

I would be pushing hard to get a class date. That would make a big difference.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 17 at 2019 10:10 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 17 May 2019 10:10:45 -0400

You need to request a class date ASAP. No-one looks out for your career better than you. Having said that, duty first. You can not fault the unit for deploying you. Many Soldiers have huge plans interrupted for deployments, college, babies, graduations, civilian job opportunities, they all play a factor in each life. So help your unit help you by getting a date. Thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 17 at 2019 10:42 AM

1SG Eddie Smith — Fri, 17 May 2019 10:42:22 -0400

Be prepared to deployed and then redeploy for your class date.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2019 1:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 May 2019 13:28:05 -0400

If you want to be a WO the do it. I’m not entirely sure in regards to WOC, but normally an officer producing program puts you in a non-deployable status. Now that is not saying that the military can’t bend those rules but like everyone else suggested, I would be pushing hard for a school date. You have already been accepted so at least you have that going for you, but if you get an actual date for school you will have a much better chance of fighting the deployment. You mentioned duty, but part of your duty is to yourself and your career. Take it from someone who knows from personal experience don’t sacrifice just because you feel obligated to deploy. It’s your dream brother, fight for it.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 17 at 2019 1:39 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 17 May 2019 13:39:15 -0400

try to get a class date to best of your abilities! it doesn't guarantee you to get you off the deployment but can definitely help!!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2019 7:41 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 May 2019 19:41:07 -0400

I’m almost positive HRC orders (once received) will dictate whether you go on deployment or not. Once you have been slotted for your class, it is then up to you to either contact HRC and push back your class date or continue with the slotted date. I’m not 100% sure about this, but I experienced something similar to this. I was deployed and received orders (4th time deployed). I didn’t want to give up my slot, so my unit sent me home early and the rest is history. Don’t delay it if you want to continue down the WO path. You are in control of your career. Inform your chain of command and keep them informed.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2019 5:44 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 May 2019 05:44:30 -0400

I deployed without a school date as well. Usually it's within 6-9 months from the date of selection. With that being said, you're not a warrant yet so it would behoove you to deploy with the same mentality that you would have had you not been selected. Your unit does not have to let you go to school immediately. They could always contact branch for a deferment since you technically have 24 months to go to school after being selected. The only thing that will help you get to school (on time) is if you remember that you are an NCO in the United States Army and have a job to do and Soldiers to lead. Kicking and screaming will likely deter them from releasing you. Don't worry, you will get to Rucker. It's what you do between now and then that determines how soon that will happen. I hope this helps.

Response by CW3 Alexander VanArsdale (RET) made May 18 at 2019 6:07 AM

CW3 Alexander VanArsdale (RET) — Sat, 18 May 2019 06:07:32 -0400

You will be notified by official military mail and date will be given for school. Best wishes.