Preparing for my first Deployment. What are some key things I should know?

2020-04-24T07:39:56-04:00

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 24 at 2020 7:45 AM

2020-04-24T07:45:04-04:00

Sit down with your family. Make sure they know how to reach you; where important papers are located; that you have a will and it is up to date. DO NOT MISS the briefing that you will get before deploying and if you have a family member who can attend, take them as well.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 9:11 AM

2020-04-24T09:11:30-04:00

Where are you going? Deployment experiences very drastically.

General advice:
Lower your expectations
Be prepared to hurry up and wait
figure out exactly what you "need" to get by and keep that on you when traveling
"Semper Gumby" stay flexible because things will change

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 9:24 AM

2020-04-24T09:24:27-04:00

If you're not already enrolled in a university, find one so you take some classes while there, as long as you'll have the internet.
Many universities have unstructured programs for military that don't require you to be online at certain times. You turn your coursework in when you're able.
I attend Columbia Southern University and i believe Southern New Hampshire has a similar program but there are many out there.
Tuition assistance pays for around six classes which would occupy a good amount of your free time.
Don't forget you send the school your JST - Joint Services Transcript.
Good luck.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Apr 24 at 2020 10:18 AM

2020-04-24T10:18:48-04:00

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Respect the country and it's citizens. Try to learn some of the language. Keep your head on a swivel and remember your situational awareness. Concentrate on the task at hand and get back safe. Good luck to you.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 24 at 2020 11:09 AM

2020-04-24T11:09:52-04:00

Make sure that your legal affairs are in order. With that said don't get a general power of attorney. Make sure that everything is specific so you don't get shafted while away. Make sure that your immediate family is clear on everything. Also make sure you have a little understanding of the host country you are going to and that you understand basic culture and customs. That will help a lot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 1:09 PM

2020-04-24T13:09:13-04:00

I cant really tell you much other than you'll come home and appreciate where you are way more, thats all i took in from mine.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Apr 24 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-04-24T13:11:07-04:00

Baby wipes, lots of baby wipes.

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Apr 24 at 2020 4:39 PM

2020-04-24T16:39:41-04:00

Get ready to be very hot. Hydrate extra at least 2 days before leaving.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 7:09 PM

2020-04-24T19:09:26-04:00

Get your family and financial affairs in order. Only bring what you absolutely need. The rest of the creature comforts you can get mailed to you. Try and get an accurate projection of your mission and try and take online courses or other career and personal enhancing opportunities. You will get bored. Amazon ships to the middle east. Usually took about 2 weeks last year. Try and get a good working relationship with those in your squad, platoon, HQ element, and supply. One reason is obvious, helps you get support you need. And two, the closer you are, the less likely and less severe any tensions will be when they due occur. They occur. Save money, deployments are a great way to save. If you do order stuff from home or amazon and stuff, buying stuff in bulk with other soldiers helps sometimes. Buy spare chargers and when you get in theater a power strip. Access to outlets can be a challenge in some places especially in transient barracks. Oh, lastly, out going units try and sell off all the stuff they bought during deployment and can't ship back. Whatever they're selling it for you can get them to go down in price. Either they sell it cheap or they take a loss on it. Any additional questions feel free to reach out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-04-24T21:04:46-04:00

Depending on where you are going look up some preventive medicine measures. I got sick when entering and leaving country (bad cold). Take vitamins and hydrate often. Stock up on any regular medications. If it’s in a hostile fire area just be prepared for a mild culture shock when it comes to getting into a battle rhythm. The things you’ve done in the states may be a complete 180 when it comes to OCONUS. Be safe and learn as much as possible.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 24 at 2020 9:46 PM

2020-04-24T21:46:09-04:00

Find out if there is internet at your location for a laptop. Take a cheap alarm. Get Crocs or thick sandals, it was painful to walk on gravel to the shower in my cheap sandals. Take a small flashlight. Good luck!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 24 at 2020 9:52 PM

2020-04-24T21:52:08-04:00

If you are going to a sandy dusty place, go to the medicals and ask for cravats to protect your mouth and nose.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2020 1:09 AM

2020-04-25T01:09:11-04:00

Know what equipment to take. See if there is overlap with the unit that u r replacing for training. What is your mos?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2020 5:44 AM

2020-04-25T05:44:38-04:00

Stay calm, the list the unit gives you follow it. Load up your A and B bag on the plane. Carry an essential bag that will hold for a week just in case you have a layover. In your essential bag, you should have things like feminine products, a couple of undergarments, etc. Link up with someone who has deployed and look at what they have, also if you have meds, have a two week supply in your bag and a 90 plus day supply already handy in one of your A, B bags. Everyone packs differently and everyone's needs are different for deployment. Be comfortable and pack for the weather. I hope that helps.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 25 at 2020 1:26 PM

2020-04-25T13:26:25-04:00

The recommendations in this string are excellent. I would add:
-You may get a whole new perspective on "social distancing." Be prepared to spend a lot of time with yourself. Take a few things to help you use your time alone productively.
-Chargers! Take chargers for your electronic goodies.
-Take padlock, flashlight (small), soap
-Read about the country and area to which you're going. Department of State website has good information on most all countries. Photo is an example of a local no-no. I learned later that it is not socially acceptable for tourists to take pictures of families in Kuwait.
-Don't be overwhelmed with the differences you may find between the US and the society where you're serving. It's their country. You can't fix it. The citizens don't want to be fixed. You adapt. Be kind.
-Try to learn some of the local languages. At least learn to say "thank you" and a generic greeting. Some locations may offer language classes.
-You're embarking on a great life experience. Make the most of it. Learn all you can. Take pictures to the extent permitted.

Response by SPC Maurice Williams made Apr 26 at 2020 4:57 AM

2020-04-26T04:57:44-04:00

Remember the following things
1. Hurry up and wait.
2. Sleep when you can, just not too deeply.
3. Don't expect anything to make sense at first, you'll get the hang of it.
4. This is a totally different culture than what you're used to so don't be surprised by things you see...or at least don't react to them.
5. If you're in the "field" Shower in the evenings whenever possible.

As long as your in a good unit with Great people enjoy the new experiences.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2020 4:50 PM

2020-05-11T16:50:26-04:00

If your going to Kuwait that's a Vacation. If your going to Afghanistan depends on what part and post. Havent been back since '15.