Should I deploy or begin ACAP?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 02:35:04 -0400

My unit is set to deploy to Iraq some point this fall/winter, my ETS will end up being about 2 months after we return to the states. This is my first contract and would be my first deployment. I do not plan on reenlisting. Should i deploy and gain the experience, or should I utilize my time left in the army to set myself up for success in the civilian sector?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 3:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 03:10:54 -0400

Hmm, that is a tough one. So i'll say that it depends on what you expected to get out of the Army. Did you originally desire to deploy and conduct your job in a hostile zone, which can sometimes be a once in a lifetime opportunity? Did you originally desire to earn a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Former Wartime Service (Combat Patch) to carve your place in U.S./world history? Did you join for college payoff? Did you join for certification? Did you join to set yourself up for the civilian sector, at minimal risk? None of the questions or answers are wrong, I'm only asking so you can think about your original intent for joining, and determine if you are still on that path; then weigh your goals against what you expect from the deployment.

If you are being given the option, that is how I would assess the situation, and come to my conclusion, without feeling pressured by my peers and superiors.

Just my opinion.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Aug 28 at 2017 3:59 AM

Cpl John Barker — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 03:59:59 -0400

Deploy, you will literally hate yourself forever if you don't and Iraq isn't that bad at the moment. You'll be fine, go get some!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 7:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 07:59:14 -0400

wait you have a choice?

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 28 at 2017 8:01 AM

SGT David T. — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:01:14 -0400

It all depends on what you want. If you are set on getting out then you have to weigh both options. ETS prep should be done as early as possible and you cannot rely on the Army to actually be helpful with it (my experience with it). I can tell you that your average civilian employer doesn't much care if you deployed or not. They are far more interested in what value you bring to their organization. We also have the problem of your average civilian employer thinking that we are a powder keg with a lit fuse. Fact is most civilians have no clue about us and there are stereotypes that they believe.

If I were in your shoes, I would probably not deploy. Then again this is based on my experiences and I was never given the option to stay back. It is really up to you. I cannot say either way what is best for you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 8:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:41:37 -0400

I would deploy. I am sure some will say you will get more benefits, and that is great, but that isn't why I would do it. We all joined to serve. This is your chance. I have 3 tours in so far and I am sure I will get a few more in. This is your opportunity to serve.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 9:13 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 09:13:58 -0400

How long would you have to extend for? If you had to extend 6 or so months beyond your deployment timeframe you still have time to ACAP. Deployments can also be a good time to save money. I was able to pay off all of my debts and still come home with a good amount of savings each time I deployed. It's nice to have the cushion when making the transition to civilian life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 12:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 12:22:45 -0400

What's your plan when you get out? There's not going to be too many civilian employers who care if you have deployed or not. It depends on what you want to do when you get out if a deployment would give you "experience" for a civilian job.

If it was me in this scenario I wouldn't. It just depends on what you wanted to get out of the Army while you were in and what you are going to do when you get out.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 9:22 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:22:43 -0400

ACAP

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 9:23 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:23:09 -0400

Iraq sucks don't waste your time nothing goes on there

Response by SGT Charles Napierala made Aug 28 at 2017 9:31 PM

SGT Charles Napierala — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:31:29 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, with your ETS being so close to your return from your deployment, you might have a hard time getting into very valuable SFL-TAP/Transitioning classes that aim to set you up for success in your career outside of the military.

In my opinion, a deployment's experience is valuable, but not in alignment with your goals and interests. I strongly recommend that you set yourself up for success outside outside the military. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), the overall veteran unemployment is at the lowest July rate since 2001, but for veterans aged 18-24, the unemployment rate has seen a 7.8% spike in comparison to last year, sitting at 11.4% for male veterans. I'm not sure of your age, but considering this is your first contract and you're looking to set yourself up for success outside of the military, I believe you fall within the 18-24 range.

Not deploying isn't degrading to your service in the military. Nobody wears a combat patch in the civilian sector and hiring managers don't ask if you've deployed before. Educate yourself instead of disadvantaging yourself. SFL-TAP classes are extremely beneficial and missing out on your classes would be a deep self-inflicted wound for your future in exchange for an experience that won't transition smoothly into your future.

TL;DR: Take your classes. Your deployment could be extended and unemployment is quite high in your age range. Reward your honorable service with continued success over lasting hardship.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 28 at 2017 11:01 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 23:01:43 -0400

Big plans ahead in civiy city? One chance to deploy, GO!

A real life experience you will recall and speak of forever!

Response by SPC Roy Heath made Aug 28 at 2017 11:11 PM

SPC Roy Heath — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 23:11:03 -0400

You actually get a choice.

Response by SPC Corbin Conwell made Aug 29 at 2017 7:47 AM

SPC Corbin Conwell — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 07:47:23 -0400

Take the deployment.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Aug 29 at 2017 10:44 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 10:44:27 -0400

In your situation, I would deploy.

It will make your ACAP timeline super tight, but it's amazing how fast the Army can work when it wants to. Still, the transition will likely suck more than it needs to. The alternative will basically have you with a year of time to kill. No matter where you ride out that year, you will be a "known loss". Sure, you'll be doing SOMETHING, but it likely won't be something exciting or critical or career enhancing.

Deployed, there is a real chance that you will get to actually exercise your MOS - If you go into construction once you get out, this could be a great item on your resume. But for me, it's more the "band of brothers" thing. I also echo the comments of CPT Private RallyPoint Member. You will likely never have relationships as tight as you forge downrange. Then again, there is always the real risk of injury or death.

Anyway, that's one guy's opinion. If it was a second deployment, I don't know if I would give the same answer.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 29 at 2017 10:49 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 10:49:13 -0400

Do you have the option of deploying and supporting your unit, but returning early to transition out in a reasonable time period?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 29 at 2017 11:02 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 11:02:54 -0400

Well seeing how you're a POG, you will do want you want. If you was infantry, no questions ask, you'd get your ass out there supporting your fellow soldiers with your unit, taking pride in deploying and doing the mission you have trained for.
But as a POG, well, you decide.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Aug 29 at 2017 12:32 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:32:06 -0400

To me, it comes down to do you have something lined up or in the works for when you get out? If you do, and you can get yourself further along towards that between then and now, then I'd say don't deploy.

On the other hand, although not knowing what your mission is expected to be, the deployment might give you valuable on-the-job experience for later on if you continue in that field. Also, as others have said, the extra pay is a very nice cushion for when you get out - especially if things don't go as planned. I ETS'd right after a deployment, and having that money in my account came in very, very handy until I could find a decent job.

Also, while a deployment probably won't be pleasant for the majority of the time, it would give you an opportunity to test and prove yourself as a Soldier - possibly even as a leader; I don't know what your position is within your unit - and give you a unique perspective on life and just how good you have it back here in the States.

Who knows? At best, you'll come back with some good stories and some camaraderie you're not likely to find any where else.

Response by SPC Justin Edwards made Aug 31 at 2017 12:10 PM

SPC Justin Edwards — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 12:10:24 -0400

If u don't plan on reenlisting, then it would be purely for the experience. I extended to deploy with my unit, because I hadn't gotten the chance to, and I was less than a year from ETSing. I'm glad I did, sometimes, but sometimes it weighs me down. It has certainly changed my life forever, and I'm glad I did experience it. It is a shared experience of a very small percentage of our population...so most people will never understand it, but for those who have been there, and done it...you'll share a bond that is unique and unparalleled.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2017 10:10 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 22:10:02 -0400

Brother I would take the deployment. It will be some of the best worst times of your life. And if you don't do it, you will always look back and regret it. You will also make memories with people whom you will remember the rest of your life.

Response by SGT William Brown made Sep 3 at 2017 10:20 PM

SGT William Brown — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 22:20:36 -0400

If it were me in your position and I were getting out think of your future and do everything you can to succeed in life after the military