If I arrive at my unit after they've left on a deployment, will I still go?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 03:56:07 -0400

this question is for a friend who doesnt have a rallypoint but asked me to post the question. they'll be arriving to their unit shortly after it departs on a deployment (like a month after). Will they still be sent on that deployment a little late? Or will they just wait at their duty station until their unit returns?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 4:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 04:57:18 -0400

It depends; if he/she have an MOS that is required forward, late Deployment it is. However if the unit has all required personnel and reached force cap, rear D it is. Too many variables. Besides, if they joined during a time of war, they can expect a little rotation.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 6:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 06:15:42 -0400

The SM will deploy if needed. The unit should let the Soldier know before he departs on PCS. Some Soldiers elect to leave their families at the old duty station or near their family since they will deploy shortly after arriving at new duty station. It could be as quick as two weeks depending on any training requirements; SRP and equipment draw.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 7:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 07:37:59 -0400

Will all depend on whether or not they need them to fill a position down range or not.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 8:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 08:48:17 -0400

Tell your friend to sign up for Rallypoint.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 11:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:14:21 -0400

Your friend will have to contact his gaining command to find out. Every command have their own way of doing this when a Soldier arrives after the deployment begins. My last unit sent everyone that came in up until 90days before re-deployment. So if your friend want a definite answer, he would have to contact his new command. Good luck.....

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 11:58 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:58:10 -0400

With COVID this answer can be tricky depends if you are Mission Essential, how long they have left, and if you are filling a critical MTOE slot with someone leaving or PCSin themselves. I would just plan as if you are and be thankful if you don’t, unless you want to deploy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 3:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 15:59:48 -0400

It is at the unit's discretion

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 10 at 2020 2:44 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:44:18 -0400

My second deployment, I arrived to the unit 2 weeks after they had departed. I was the senior enlisted in my Company and promptly became the acting 1SG.... For 4 weeks until I, myself, got on that shiny bird.
My last unit, I arrived 2 months BEFORE they deployed. But their deployment team was already set, so being the senior enlisted... I promptly became the Rear-D 1SG, and remained in that position until they returned, at which time I dropped my packet and retired.

It's a crap shoot. If it is a long deployment (9+ months) and you are arriving only a month later AND are up to date on required training, expect to be on the very first bird out. May not happen, but go with that expectation. If you arrive with less than 3 months left in the deployment, chances are very low that you will be sent forward. Could still hapen, but not likely. In between those two extremes, it's anyones guess. Well, actually it is the Commander's decision (with advice from S1), but you know what I mean.