Posted on May 4, 2014
SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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I think being non deployable is the worst thing in the Army. Nothing worst than watching your Soldiers board the plane to deploy and you are in the rear.
I used to work for a SFC that was non deployable and couldn't even wear her vest lol. I was like seriously, why are you even here? Why are you training us on anything and will not be there when it matters the most?
In my eyes if you are non deployable i don't see why the Army doesn't start a chapter packet on the SM or Leader and send them to the house.
There is another way for the Army to downsize right there.
I think you shouldn't be able to get promoted either. Deploying is the biggest and main part of the being a Soldier. Going to war when needed. If you can't go to war or the freaking field for a field problem then why should you be promoted?
Posted in these groups: Imgres DeploymentStar Promotions
Edited 11 y ago
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SGT Kristin Wiley
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SFC Thomas,

I completely understand where you are coming from. I am currently stationed in Hawaii and I have seen numerous O-5 and below, as well as E-8 and below with no deployment patches. I find it very frustrating when these individuals are made our leaders when they do not understand the true concepts behind deployments.

However, I would be hesitant to condemn non-deployable soldiers. While I am not 'blacklisted' as being non-deployable, I am suffering from a chronic multi-symptom illness from my service in Iraq. My medical condition continues to deteriorate, but our medical system will do nothing for me. They will not even send me to a MEB for retention evaluation. I do not think I should be deployable or even in the service at this point, but our messed up system allows my mistreatment to continue. Non-deployable in my experience can mean two distinctly different things 1) You are overemphasizing an injury/illness to avoid a deployment or 2) You are truly injured/ill and are getting fucked over by the Army medical system and not being process for MEB. The least amount of Army bullshit I have experienced is when I was deployed. I honestly want to deploy right now in order to get away from the bad leadership and medical mistreatment I am currently experiencing. I'd rather suffer with less bullshit deployed; then be made to suffer due to negligence in garrison.
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SFC Senior Human Resources Supervisor
SFC (Join to see)
11 y
What I find interesting is the number of people who were still effective leaders in the first few deployment cycles into OIF/OEF that had no prior patches because they came in mid-90s or later... did they somehow not understand the concept?
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Being non-deployable does not make one less of a soldier or a leader. A soldier can be non-deployable because of an injury received on one or more previous deployments. Does this make their experiences count less because they cannot currently deploy? Does this mean they can no longer be a leader - a combat leader yes, but we still need installation and other TDA staff. I think you need to take in the bigger picture to appreciate the fact that there is a role for everyone in the service, we don't forsake our own.
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SSG Broadcast Nco
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This idea of non-deployable, non-promotable, or flagged, is assisted by the ERB. But, Soldiers who have issues that cause them to be unable to go on deployment may stem from troubled units, and issues beyond the uniform. There may be instances of 'skipping' or 'ducking', but they are so rare that it makes me laugh. I've seen a former General's daughter deploy twice, and other Soldiers disappointed that they did not make the battle roster. Just because a Soldier may have a 'slick sleeve' does not equate a problem Soldier.
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MAJ Teacher/Coach
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I couldn't agree more. If you can't deploy you are of no use to the military.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
11 y
So a senior and very experienced neurosurgeon who does highly complex surgeries every day in garrison but has a non-deployable profile is of no use to the military....? Really???? You may want to re-think your position.
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CPT Company Commander (Hhc, Cyber Protection Brigade)
CPT (Join to see)
11 y
Agreed.
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
PO2 Corey Ferretti
>1 y
Wow MAJ (Join to see) this is a post i would not expect from an Officer. In the fact that your mentality i would consider toxic. I was Active for 10 Years did 4 deployments spaninng 5 countries. Due to circumstances on my deployment to Iraq i ended up non-deployable. I loved the Navy but was Retired due to the way the Navy was going. I was Good at what i did and due to a "leader" with your mentality when i brought my issues to him. I was told you need to hide this you are not needed and will be booted. This delayed my treatment and probably extended my recovery. I hope you have a great mentor who you can run this by who can help open your eyes little better. Because this is not the mentality i would want in a Junior officer i was working under. I am happy to See LTC Paul Labrador does not share your point of view.
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SSG John Erny
SSG John Erny
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1LT Craig Thompson, LTC Paul Labrador, CPT Eric Dunn, PO2 Corey Ferretti,
That all depends,for example: you broke your leg on a training jump doing your job. You will recover from the injury in 8 weeks. Should a career soldier have their chances a promotion ruined for doing their job. The military has for the longest time viewed enlisted soldiers as expendable. It is time to re-think that. The military is going to have fewer soldiers and have to do more with them. Now of the injury is on permanent profile can they be used as an instructor, are they a subject matter expert. I have seen soldiers in the late 80's that fit that bill. The Army used them to fill a "REMF" slot freeing up able bodied soldiers to do other things.
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SSG Interception Analyst
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SFC Thomas,

I really hope you have a specific group in mind, like legitimate malingerers. Because some folks actually go through MEBs and take P3 profiles in order to continue contributing to this great nation, not to mention WTU Soldiers.


I have a permanent profile for my right knee; it imploded during a run, got cadaver replacement. I've deployed four times, most recently OEF in 2012 attached to a recon scout platoon. However, since I have a P2 profile, I can never be a Drill Sergeant, which I consider my dream job. Does that make me a bad NCO, that although I can deploy I'm not good enough create the Army's future junior ranks?
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SFC Jeffrey Wade
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why stop at booting out the people who are non-deployable? how about those with low PT scores? they obviously aren't pulling their own weight and will only slow a unit down when deployed to war. Anyone who gets UCMJ action against them should be booted as well, obviously they lack discipline and have no place in the Military. Anyone who fails a NCOES school should be shown the door too, if they cant pass the schools they don't deserve to be in, show them the door as well. Anyone late to a formation, get them out! If your late in a warzone someone could be dead from it, get them out of the ARMY! (this was written with great sarcasm)
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SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SGT (Join to see)
11 y
well,that is the way it is supposed to be, but big Army some how decided that we need those people for a war. I agree with you almost completely. The pt thing is a little rocky for me. That's why there is a minimum score, if they are barely passing they need to be put on a remedial pt program, but most people who barely pass the APFT are over weight anyways.
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SFC Cornelius Walsh
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Not trying to stir the pot too much more here, but according to your profile, you deployed once from 2009-2010. Why do you think that validity of service is directly correlated to downrange time if you've only been able to manage one year of deployment time since 1995?
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SFC Jeffrey Wade
SFC Jeffrey Wade
11 y
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SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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SFC Walsh
I have not finished my profile on rallypoint. I have been deployed 5 times and seen some of my leaders left behind while we went down range.
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SSG Jim Handy
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This cannot be a blanket policy that covers everyone. It has to be dealt with on a case by case basis. Most soldiers don't become non-deployable on purpose. If something happened to them while serving that MADE them non-deployable they deserve other options. If they are good soldiers with good records, there are jobs they can be re-trained in where they can still serve without deploying, and they deserve that option. If you are willing to kick one of your brothers or sisters to the curb because they became damaged while serving their country, YOU don't understand what it is to be a soldier and YOU are probably the one that needs to go. The military is a very large and complicated machine with many parts, and not ALL of those parts need to actually be in a combat zone!
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SGT Automated Logistical Specialist
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This is a very important issue but it should not be treated with a 'black or white' solution. Every case must be treated on its own merit. Their non-deployability does not prevent them from functioning in other areas. Yes the Army is all about training and implementing what we do in training on the battle field. If they cannot deploy to be in theater but still able to perform on their daily individual tasks, it goes to support the efforts of those on the front lines; that is what they called 'The War Effort' during World War II. It is the totality of various individuals doing their respective bits to ensure victory for all. They may not be deployable but if they are efficient in what they do...or what they get assigned to do, their efforts must be recognized. I have deployed two times and I can say there were some that were deployable but were not efficient in anything and were still able to pass the board and got promoted...Memorizing and spewing the memorized stuff...meanwhile, the colleague at the rear...the non-deployable was doing marvelously at his duties and got promoted. If you asked me, I would say the non-deploable fellow earned his rank. He worked for it. Some of the non-deployable statuses are of no fault of those SMs. It is just the way it is. Non-deployable status SHOULD not prevent anyone from being promoted, provided they meet all other requirements and earn their rank on merit. That's my take on this.
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SGT Donald Croswhite
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If you’re non-deployable you should either be chaptered or reclassed to noncombat arms MOS, based on your commander's decision. And yes, if there is a reason that you are non-deployable then you probably aren’t much use to the Army.
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SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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Unless you are missing a hand or a leg. You need to be on the bird or in the field with your Soldiers.
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MSG Senior Brigade Career Counselor
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To SGT Donald C, so sending them to the Career Counselor to reclass into a non-deployable MOS (interesting)solve what? DA PAM 621-11 by the way is a good reference.
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SSG Bas Ncoic
SSG (Join to see)
11 y
You really can not "blanket" a statement such as that. Alot of leaders get focused in on the "MOS" part of the job instead of the SM's contribution, and is this a short term Non-Deployable or perm???? Perm non I agree should not effect our gains and loss roster, and should be given the option to go to somthing that can still provide the skills they have learned. If a temp profile then is what it is...sm's get broke and can be fixed....
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SFC Cornelius Walsh
SFC Cornelius Walsh
11 y
How about the blind officer serving with Special Forces? Should his promotions and advancement end due to a combat injury? Even if he's not in the fight, he's been promoted since, and continues to serve within USASOC, and is a competitive runner.
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SPC Bryan Guzman-Piedra
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Chapter packet?

That's what you do when you fail a PT test. Certainly, if you are non-deployable, the MEB or other process that is required should be followed, and that soldier should exit the service.

But let's be careful what terms we use.
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SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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Just feel like rooting my own horn lol.
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CPO Phalanx(Ciws) Sme
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I understand where you are coming from as I was a Chief in the Navy and have seen this situation. Unfortunately my son (Cav Scout E3) has fallen into this situation and he is sick about it, but there is nothing he can do. He has had a 5 stage spinal fusion and is basically a poster child for healing, He madly wants to deploy and defend his country. Instead the recommendation from his spinal surgeon is to retain him, make him change his MOS, but not allow him to deploy. He has returned to too good of health for them to discharge but are unwilling to let him do what he desires and deploy. They are afraid that if he gets hurt it would be more difficult to fix him.. doctors words in layman terms....... So now that he is not allowed to get out and not allowed to deploy although he desires it, Should he never be allowed to advance........ I think not.....that would be Bullshit. He is still a soldier albeit in rear detachment.
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SFC Mpd Ncoic
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I disagree with this. There are a number of soldiers that may be non deployable due to previous tours. They may have been injured or developed a sickness either while or tour, or even when stateside. To punish those who can otherwise perform their assigned job would be like a misuse of "government property". Yes, it is important to be physically fit to fight...but to say that a Soldier shouldn't be able to compete for promotion is a bit far. And let's not forget, there are positions that these non deployed can fill...and what about rear d. Rear d is no cake walk.
Also, maybe a Soldier can't deploy now, but that doesn't mean that they cannot reach you something about being downrange. Don't judge a book by its cover. Chances are, there is more to the story than the picture you see. Just my humble opinion.
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SSG Signal Support Systems Specialist
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I can understand where you are coming from In this topic however, let me throw a question at you. Say "you" have served for 16 going on 17 years and then get selected for the SFC list just prior to your 7th deployment (two of which you danced very close to death) You arrive at your deployed assignment location with the mental and physical ability(or so you thought) fired up and ready to complete any and every mission tossed your way. Then one morning you wake up unable to see out of your left eye....you go to roll 1 who examine you, they send you to roll 2, they examine you and waste no time firing up a Blackhawk to Evac you to Baghdad. You arrive in Baghdad where you are then sent to Landstuhl German to be told that you have an inflamed and torn optic nerve assoisiate with Multiple Sclerosis. What rolls through your head..."Your a 7 time combat veteran...how can this happen?, My family...what will happen, I was just selected for promotion" These things did happen to me and I'm still sitting here in Landstuhl German awaiting to be sent to San Antonio for more treatment....this after I've been told that I cant go back and be with my shop (NCOIC BTW) and that I will be Nondeployable. So basically what your saying is...this is my fault and a 7 time deployer shouldnt be considered for promotion and kicked out of the Army? Yeah...well I didn't come this far and sacrifice that much to give up and lay down just because there are people like you that feel I'm worthless. Ive had a shining career and held some very rewarding positions in my time and I can still be a great asset to the Army.
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SSG Signal Support Systems Specialist
SSG (Join to see)
8 y
I hope for your sake that none of this happens to you. In fact, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. To see a promising career start to tear down over night while deployed. How exactly would you feel if in my shoes? Seriously?
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SSG Shawn Ireland
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I myself got injured in line of duty with a broken hip that the Army refused to fix causing me to become disabled and have a permanent profile. Instead of just releasing me from service, I was moved to HHC Company and assigned to the Battalion PAC. I was given three to four sections that I was soulfully responsible for though I had no training for these positions. However I ended up revitalizing all of them to fully functional section that had not been in proper operating service for better than a year. I took the Battalion Awards to where only one to two medals a year were being issued to troops who by the AR's were qualified to be awarded.. The PAC, had a computer that no one except the civilian female and I working in that office knew how to operate even though they had gone through their required AIT, so that they would know their job! They didn't. I was also given the NEO NCO position as it wasn't even being done at all. For those unaware of what that job is, it's the Coordinator of deploying all local dependents back to the states in the event of War. I was also the Battalion Adjudants assistant. Needless to say that though I was going through my medical boards for being medically discharged from active service, which took two years, I was still able to provide a function that helped all the soldiers in my Battalion. Soldiers who were just receiving certificates for things that medals were made for were now receiving them. The families finally knew what was expected of them in case of emergency and I helped train troops working in the PAC, how to preform some of their everyday jobs to exclude filling in request forms from soldiers who needed help at Finance, JAG, or to have their ID's replaced. Then when my orders came to PCS back to the states for final processing, which took a year, I worked as The SDNCO for the Third Brigade of the 9th ID. I worked a 24 hour shift and two days off. I worked for Gen. Mc Caffrey. So though one gets injured doesn't mean they should be kicked to the curb. To many good men and women are lost this way. My being a Staff Sergeant, at my last medical board was asked to stay in and they would reclassify me with a different MOS, and promised to promote me to SFC. I knew that they had no power to promote me as after E6, your promotions come from DOA. They definitely could have given me an up on it due to who I was working for and the pull that the Officers and Senior NCO's that were on my board had being they were all in high ranking potions. So to say that soldiers who are with disabilities due to their job in line of the same, isn't fair to that soldier. They can always be given the choice to do something that doesn't require combat. Not every soldier in the military goes to a war zone during conflicts. But if they remain in the same MOS and are combat soldiers, then one of two things should take place if they are a soldier in good standing. That being offered a new MOS, or being medically discharged.
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SFC(P) Battalion S4 Logistics Ncoic
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Good morning. Your opinion is very broad. You begin by addressing a personal opinion about deployability and end with not going to FTX's. Speaking from past experiences and three deployments, I know of a number of things that are worse than seeing my unit go off to war or the field and not being able to join them.
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SFC Infantryman
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I am non-deployable due to medical conditions beyond my control. I have gone through two spine surgeries including a fusion, and two knee surgeries within the last 18-20 months. BLUF: My career is over and I know it. As a permanently injured NCO, I understand that my time is done. I do not believe that my beloved Army deserves to have another Soldier holding up a promotion or only halfass leading his Squad in the field due to the previously mentioned issues. Army's first and foremost job is protect the nation. Now that I am no longer able to fulfill my obligations, it's time for me to go. There's no reason to be upset over the E-7's statements. If we cannot deploy (barring temporary problems), then we are no longer needed.

Signed,
A SQD LDR
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Sgt Dale Briggs
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Disagree. My sons non deployable right now, on profile post an Afghanastan tour for respitory problems. He's his units Deployment Manager, he can pass the Army PT test easily , and he's waiting on word about orders for the 160th SOAR. He's going to fight his profile. He's not skating, he got sick in Afghanistan, it's takes a few years to rebound and he's moving on not out. He's been promoted twice post Afghanastan, he's proven himself in this time period. Not everyone needs to carry a rifle to be productive.
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COL William Oseles
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One of the side effects of this opinion is you would be kicking outback lot of people.
* Transgender undergoing their change procedure as they would be nondeployabke during pregnancy, change and post-op treatment. (Yes I know Trump issued a ban but we have yet to see if it will stand).
* Pregnant Soldiers, a friend had a Signal Company where he averaged ~25% non-Denominal at any given time.
* Individuals injured in the line of duty but could still teach necessary skills. Should we shift all the non-Deployables to DIs? Or how about Recruiters, sort of like the Sergeant mentioned in Heinlein's book.
Could go on and on, but a blanket opinion does not work for a blanket policy.
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