What are some stereotypes of deployments?

2015-03-18T01:58:32-04:00

Sure the Jr. Enlisted and/ or future troops want to know how deployments are: bad and/or good. If you dont have a stereotype , post your own experience from a deployment that you have encountered.

Invite others to respond by typing @name

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 18 at 2015 2:28 AM

2015-03-18T02:28:55-04:00

Every deployment and mission is different. stereotypically, the Air Force go on short cushy assignments with cable TV, while the Marines get the toughest missions with the worst life support. However, it a stereo type for a reason. Its not necessarily true

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 4:36 AM

2015-03-18T04:36:02-04:00

I don't know about stereotyping but every deployment is different. What I have noticed is senior leaders telling their experiences from previous deployments and building a picture in their subordinates heads on what deployment is like. This tends to wind up being a let down to the subordinate when they arrive in theater.

EXAMPLE:

SFC Snuffy: Man, no shit there I was in 2010, surrounded by Taliban fighters, fast movers dropping scunion like 100 meters from my position etc, etc.

2014: Unit arrives in theater and you spend nine months sitting in a guard tower and teach Afghan Police how to apply a tourniquet.

It's not the leaders fault, they are just trying to share their experience and prepare their Soldiers. A lot of times it is depressing for the Soldier because they want to fight or experience the thrill of combat. No matter what your mission is, you are doing a valorous thing by just serving in a combat theater. The things you do on a daily basis are important, even if it's burning shit on detail once a week.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-03-18T10:18:22-04:00

Every deployment is different and every mission can change don't expect to be kicking in doors running down bad guys just take it day by day and u will be fine

Response by SSG Rob Cline made Mar 18 at 2015 10:45 AM

2015-03-18T10:45:40-04:00

My unit replaced 3rd ID in downtown Baghdad in April '03. That was the Wild West. We had freedom of movement (no IEDs until June/July, and those were Command Wire and not powerful); RoE was enforced, but not restricted; no DAPS or throat protectors on our IBAs; If your team saw a problem (firefight, civilian unrest, etc.), you fixed it. There was no waiting for approval from higher or from the Host Nation.
Those were the days when we took off our doors on the -1026 gun trucks and sat facing out. Why, you may ask? Because when you have a SAW mounted behind your driver, two M4s sticking out the TC side, and a .50 cal on top of the truck, nobody wanted to F*#k with you.

Oh, the good 'ol days...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-03-27T10:32:54-04:00

Honestly it depends on the time period whether a deployment was good or bad, simple or crazy. For example, when I deployed to Iraq in 2007 there were IEDs, VBIEDs, and snipers everywhere. My FOB got mortared/rocketed at least 2-3 times a day sometimes more. The FOB I was on only had a DFAC for chow and when it got hit (which happened several times) we didn't have anywhere to eat. However, when I deployed to Iraq in 2009 there were barely any attacks, we had a pizza hut and taco bell, and life was really easy.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 2 at 2015 2:05 AM

2015-04-02T02:05:06-04:00

Here's classic stereotypes:

1. Geardo. Someone who unnecessarily buys things to feel hoo-ah. Usually deeply insecure folk, tend to be types that 'almost' joined infantry or 'almost' tried out for Ranger School.

2. Muscles McFlauntly/meathead: This guy is always in the gym and just like Geardo buying way way too many supplements to look ripped.

3. People who hawk porn, gamble when they can, and/or go on social media websites to find girlfriends. OSPEC violations waiting to happen.

4. SFC Snuffy. CSM is 100% on this. Only thing I will add here, Snuffy usually comes with Monster or Red Bull.

5. The E-4 mafia. They are around, they will salute an officer they don't like, but God help that poor lieutenant of the E-4 mafia catches them by themselves.

6. You have another class of E-4's treated like untouchables. They were E-5's at one point, till someone caught them doing something on Facebook they shouldn't.

7. E-5's barking and snarling, uses condescension to enforce command. Probably newly promoted.

8. People with prior deployments. But these guys you want to stick with.

9. That one guy who knows the technical aspects of his job real well. Usually in fact he's not in a leadership position but if you didn't know any better, you could assume he was in charge. Unfortunately, this comes with any job and you will definitely see this in Corporate America. Get used to it.

10. Where is the WOC when you need him? Find the coffee pot. Fun guys though.

11. Fobbits.

12. Regulation Man. Every unit worth its salt is going to have that one guy that can quote regulations so well, he might as well just sit for the bar exam. Even a Harvard lawyer has nothing on this guy.

13. Laggards that just flipping don't care anymore. They aren't going to reenlist and just don't care.

14. Usually someone is good at computers, he usually has a over a terabyte worth of games and movies.

Geardos tend to be tiring company, their equipment will almost never get used. Hitting the gym is not a bad idea if you want to stay out of trouble. McFlaunty will warm up to you after you guys have spotted each other. Don't debate Regulation Man. For the new E-5, try not to think too negatively of them. They will learn their stride in time. You will humor in the oddest of places, like the porter shitters. This however is a tradition among soldiers that will never die. Its especially hilarious and even heart warming when you see soldiers of all rank and age engaging in the same shenanigans around the porter potty.

Some old cliche military traditions die hard. I would say its really frowned upon to give new officers grief, but it still happens. Its an old rite of passage thing, it usually eases up after a month or two. Why enlisted folk do this to young lieutenants is beyond me. They have their duty just like yours. We are all American soldiers at the end of the day. Depending on where you go, the contractors there have a way of life, keep clear of them if they have been in theater for a long time. They have a certain routine that they go about doing and don't take kindly to soldiers disrupting that routine. They see you as a transient. Don't ask about jobs with them either, some types will take offense at someone leaving the military for a private company. If living in Iraq or Afghanistan is a lifestyle you like, vs staying there for 6 months to a year and going home, apply, but do it in secret and don't tell your buddies.

Your terp will either be either two things: a piece of gold or a piece of coal. But most of these guys are cool, in fact.

Bottom line, keep to your core military values, respect rank, keep your honor clean.

Like everyone else said, every deployment is different and no two units are alike. Just remember, deployments end. Do your thing, avoid cliques, and don't be that guy.