What advice do you have for someone deploying straight out of AIT?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 20:22:49 -0400

I am fresh out of AIT. My NCO sat down with me and told me that First Sgt chose me for next deployment to Iraq. Grant it, my NCO is going too. It will be him and I from our shop. I haven't even started working yet. I am nervous. I am a 68A and a Spc.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 8:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 20:27:04 -0400

It is normal to be nervous the first time you are deployed overseas especially in a combat theater. Rely on your training and good luck to you.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 8:37 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 20:37:06 -0400

Don’t stress, your NCO will mentor you on what to do. Medical Maintenance isn’t that hard! Have fun!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 9:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:08:08 -0400

If you weren't nervous about deploying, I would wonder what was up. Being nervous is normal. All you need to do is focus on your mission and your job. Listen and pay attention to those that have been down range already.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 28 at 2020 9:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:15:16 -0400

Find out if you should take a laptop. The good news is, you wont be out of the wire doing patrols. Your location should be pretty secure. Talk to the NCO about timelines like training, medical, and administrative preparations. What events do you have to participate before the deployment. I think you will have less angst if someone paints the picture for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 9:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:17:12 -0400

Its natural to be nervous. But its your NCO's job to guide and watch over when you get out there. Focus and pay attention to your surroundings. Recall all your training and build off of it when you get out there. The more yo focus on your job once you get there, everything else will begin to sort itself out.

Response by PFC Nicholas Efstathiou made May 29 at 2020 2:59 AM

PFC Nicholas Efstathiou — Fri, 29 May 2020 02:59:18 -0400

You're going to be phenomenal. Remember your training, trust your brothers and sisters, and remember you are part of the greatest Army in the world.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 3:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2020 03:40:27 -0400

Stay motivated and positive. Also look at it from a financial standpoint and build up your savings.

Response by SFC Michael D. made May 29 at 2020 8:43 AM

SFC Michael D. — Fri, 29 May 2020 08:43:37 -0400

Do your job, follow direction and remember your training. It should be very fresh in your head. You'll do fine.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made May 29 at 2020 9:54 AM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:54:57 -0400

Stay close to seasoned soldiers and listen to what you're told to do. Keep your head on a swivel, always expect the unexpected.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made May 29 at 2020 1:33 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:33:22 -0400

Do what you have trained to do. Plain and simple.

Response by MSgt Alfred Lagrimas made May 29 at 2020 9:38 PM

MSgt Alfred Lagrimas — Fri, 29 May 2020 21:38:46 -0400

I dont know you, your mental makeup, your thinking anything about you . What I do know is that someone recognized your strengths n talent. You're going with an experienced NCO whom I'm sure will mentor you. You will just have to maintain your composure, n control your nervousness. I know what's going through your mind. Fear of the unknown. Trust me, you'll do good. I was in the same situation over 50 yrs ago in Viet Nam. What I learned in that year forged my military career. Good luck n no fear!