Posted on Feb 9, 2019
PVT Unit Supply Specialist
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I don’t understand why people commit themselves to something like this if they are trying dodge being deployed? Why do people think deployment is always bad? That being sent off always mean that you’re going into war or that you’re going to die? I want to be able to deploy in my military career and experience it. I understand some people don’t get deployed throughout their career and people think I’m crazy that I do. But somebody has to do it right? I’m willing too...I understand that everyone has their good and bad experiences but I don’t want that to stop me from going...
Posted in these groups: Imgres Deployment
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Responses: 10
SSG Brian G.
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The hard cold truth? SOME join to game the system, thinking they are actually gaming the system. They look at the fact that the military will pay for their college, pay them to train in a job that they don't have to attend a college or trade school for 2 to 4 years for. Will promote them while doing so, will give them clothes, food and a place to sleep. They sign on taking a job that is 'in the rear with the gear' or at least that is their percept, not realizing that this days military is 100% across the board deployment ready from the highest general down to the to lowliest private, from cooks to infantry, medics to ammunition techs to cyber intel specialists.

It is only after they join, attend basic, AIT and hit that first duty station that the reality hits them. And now they scramble for any kind of way to NOT deploy. They want the money without the effort involved in getting it. There is a common four letter word for them and that starts with L and ends with Y.
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SGT Combat Engineer
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Anyone unwilling to deploy should not be in the military.
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PVT Unit Supply Specialist
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I totally agree.
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SSG Brian G.
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I think more than a few share a misconception that is perpetuated by some schools and universities. They look down on people that join the military. They view those in uniform and that choose to serve as some lower caste in society. As that rung reserved for people that could not make it in the real world, with a real job. Not realizing that even an average service member does more before most civilians roll out of bed.

They are led by teachers and even the media to believe that a service member really does nothing except pull a trigger or stand guard at an embassy. They think that we just get up, get dressed, have something to eat and do noting so it looks easy to them. They want that easy for the paycheck that with all the other benefits we get, is head and feet above most jobs in the civilian sector.

Think about it. E-1 through E-4 are pretty much mandated to live in the barracks. They get a room, often with roommates, at no cost - an $800 a month minimum value, free furniture - add in another $400. Free electricity, water, gas and sewage - another $250 value. Free clothing - about $400, free healthcare - $250. Then there is the chow hall, still have to pay for it but cheaper than eating on the economy. An E-1 could conservatively multiply his pay by 1.5. Currently $1600 ($2400) then there are the periodic promotions in rank with the commensurate raise in pay. Then each new year completed usually ups the pay. Then add in any kickers.

My cousin used to have that same perception. He and his friends called us lazy and stupid for signing up. So there was a challenge. He and two of his friends would live the life of a service member for two days. The 5:30 am wake up was not received well. The PT in 40 degrees did not go over well, we had to circle back a lot to get them. By the time we had finished the five mile run and made it back and stretched out, they had puked at least three times. Running the O course was just... sad. It only went downhill from there. Needless to say they did not utter too many more negative comments, especially when they learned that was a light day.

Two are still serving today by the last comms I had.
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