Will the army still send me on a deployment knowing that my school date falls in the middle of the rotation?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:12:22 -0400

I just want to know what is more likely to happen. Will I be deployed for half the rotation then be sent to school or will I be held back from the deployment to make my school date? Or will I just have to wait until I get back from my rotation? I am not getting answers from my unit so who else could I get answers from?

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Mar 22 at 2017 8:16 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:16:30 -0400

From past experience deployment trumps school. What school are you attending? If its Basic or Advanced Leaders Course try to get an earlier date during deployment train-up. Good luck where ever you go!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 8:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:20:57 -0400

They probably won't care. Fighting and winning the nation's wars comes first. On the bright side, if you get a TA recoupment notice, they will probably sign your request for a waiver with no hassle. If it is NCOES, you might have some leeway.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 22 at 2017 8:22 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:22:02 -0400

depending on if you are Mission critical and your expertise is need... But the Commander can Pull You Off of Orders with little to No Justification...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 8:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:29:08 -0400

What's the school? Chances are they will cancel it. It cost a lot of money to send someone back and forth. If the school is BLC they used to run courses at Camp Buerhing in Kuwait for folks in theater. Not sure if that's still the case. When I was in AFG they let our Ops NCO go home a few weeks early to go to ANCOC but I think that was an exception to the rule. I was actually scheduled for BNCOC (or ALC or whatever it is now) in Jan 2012 and my new unit was leaving in March/April 2012. I wouldn't have missed any of the deployment, just the train up, but it was cancelled anyhow. For some reason they rescheduled for a date that was during our deployment so it had to be cancelled yet again. The next date I could get was almost a year later and I would've have missed the cutoff for the SFC board. The whole situation left such a bad taste in my mouth that I decided to ETS when my contract was up. Of course I'm back as an O now but that's a whole other story.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 22 at 2017 9:16 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:16:00 -0400

It costs the unit nothing to return you to your duty station.
Unless your assigned to the ONLY Army unit in history that is so over strength in every MOS, Id bet you can be an asset to the commander in country.
I would hope that Professionalism, selfless service and other expected traits would lead you to WANT to deploy with your unit for as long as possible prior to going to school>
Three phases of deployment going in and getting established, maintaining transition to new unit.. The set up with all the unknowns, the learning cure is the most resource intensive... Unless your really bad at your job, unreliable, and basically a worthless SM, your help is needed in country.

Consider what you need in time back home before school, go to the Cofc with a plan, how you can go and help, but get back in time for school.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 9:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:21:58 -0400

What school? Most likely yup. You deploying. Thats part of the game. NCOES they probably will just put in a deferment for you. A civilian school? Oh yeah thats a wrap, they not sending you back for a non military school. Just from my expierence.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 22 at 2017 9:27 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:27:21 -0400

In 2003 I was scheduled to attend the Resident phase of Sergeants Major Course, Guess What? NOOOOOOO you're presents is required in Kuwait/ Iraq. I was lucky, later on that year, after things settled down (last of November) they made a special course because so many of us were deployed. Needs of the Army out weigh the needs of the individual. But this doesn't mean you don't talk with your leadership and see what can be done if anything.
While deployed I was also able to get two of my newly promoted SGTs to NCOES but all conditions of the deployment had to me met.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 22 at 2017 10:20 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 22:20:38 -0400

a lot of recruiters fail to tell people that the education you earn is a privilege while active duty. I had several Marines that had to drop out or postpone schools because of operations.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Mar 22 at 2017 11:49 PM

CPO Bill Penrod — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 23:49:17 -0400

My daughter is in her third trip back San Diego from Hawaii in five months for schools.............

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 23 at 2017 10:24 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 10:24:14 -0400

Well you should be getting answers from your unit. That being said, is this a personal school like college or is this a military education school for your MOS. Depending on the school depends on my answer.

If it's a civilian school, you can expect to be deployed. Military doesn't care about your prior commitments, because your number 1 priority is the military.

If it's a military school, you shouldn't be deployed, because you receive orders to go to military school. Military orders supersede everything else.

Chances are, you'll be transferred to another non-deploying unit until your school orders take effect.

But you should be getting these answers from your chain of command. Because they're the ones who will be giving you orders and signing you up or holding you back from the deployment.

Response by SGT Christopher 'Kit' Lowe made Mar 23 at 2017 11:57 PM

SGT Christopher 'Kit' Lowe — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 23:57:36 -0400

I was a SPC and in the middle of class when I was deployed to Afghanistan

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 12:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 00:57:26 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member it really depends on the unit. I have seen people not go on deployment, I have seen some go on deployment and then leave, I have seen them deploy, go to school and come back to theater, and I have seen the unit force them to defer the class and reschedule it for after redeployment.

Response by GySgt John Pado made Mar 25 at 2017 10:06 PM

GySgt John Pado — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 22:06:03 -0400

How about you you STFU, deploy, pull your damn weight and stop asking stupid questions looking for a way out.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 9:56 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:56:18 -0400

Assuming you are talking about NCOES....

Here is your answer, from MILPER 16-089

"C. ONCE A SOLDIER IS SELECTED FOR ATTENDANCE TO ALC, THEY WILL NOT BE REMOVED FROM CLASS UNLESS THE SOLDIER NO LONGER MEETS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OR A DEFERMENT IS APPROVED BY HRC. SOLDIERS WILL NOT BE REMOVED FROM CLASS BASED SOLELY ON OTHER SOLDIERS SUBSEQUENTLY OBTAINING MORE PROMOTION POINTS.

D. EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO SCHEDULE TRAINING FOR SOLDIERS WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR DEPLOYMENT, SHORT TOUR, OR UNIT ROTATION, PRIOR TO THE EVENT, IF THE SOLDIER WOULD HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED DURING DEPLOYMENT, SHORT TOUR OR UNIT ROTATION.
...
6. NCOES DEFERMENT POLICY:

A. ALL DEFERMENT REQUESTS MUST BE SIGNED BY THE FIRST GENERAL OFFICER (OR EQUIVALENT) IN THE SOLDIER’S CHAIN OF COMMAND. DEFERMENT REQUESTS MUST PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE DATE(S) WHEN THE SOLDIER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING.

B. OPERATIONAL DEFERMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO UNIT DEPLOYMENTS, UNIT ROTATIONS, OR A MAJOR TRAINING EXERCISE IN SUPPORT OF A UNIT DEPLOYMENT OR ROTATION. THE FIRST OPERATIONAL DEFERMENT REQUEST FOR NCOES ATTENDANCE MUST BE SIGNED BY THE FIRST GENERAL OFFICER (OR EQUIVALENT) IN THE SOLDIER’S CHAIN OF COMMAND AND FORWARDED TO HRC FOR APPROVAL. THE SECOND OPERATIONAL DEFERMENT REQUEST FOR THE SAME NCO AND FOR THE SAME NCOES COURSE MUST BE SIGNED BY THE NEXT, HIGHER-LEVEL GENERAL OFFICER (OR EQUIVALENT) IN THE SOLDIER’S CHAIN OF COMMAND AND FORWARDED TO HRC FOR APPROVAL."

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 29 at 2017 7:06 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 19:06:51 -0400

I'm so long gone it's not funny, but I'd suppose deployment and cohesion trump school, especially since your a corporal. Just my opinion, they'll reschedule your class when they can.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 29 at 2017 10:27 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 22:27:57 -0400

The one time I saw civilian school requirement trump a deployment order it took a direct order from a two star and 4 months of decisions back and forth up the chain of command. Might as well pack your bags and take the deployment.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 30 at 2017 1:06 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 01:06:48 -0400

You will go where they tell you and like it. I can;t speak for the way the Army does business, because they are a bigger service with bigger capabilities and different missions. It seems like they would have enough sense to not train you up for a deployment and then pull you back to attend a school, leaving your unit short. In the end its up to the Army. However whatever call they make they shouldnt hold it against you if you missed a school because they deployed you,

Response by PFC Bradley Campbell made Mar 30 at 2017 8:14 AM

PFC Bradley Campbell — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:14:20 -0400

someone wanting to enhance their career and future should be given some consideration. and none of us like having things going on and no one can answer the damn question. i see no hint of shirking responsibility so sftu about it

Response by SFC Kevin C. made Mar 30 at 2017 9:34 AM

SFC Kevin C. — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:34:17 -0400

I was in the same situation when my Brigade was deploying. In the beginning it was put out that if you had schools scheduled before the deployment that you would go to the school. They ended up changing those instructions and deleting everyone's orders for schools. I understand your frustration, it sucks not knowing what you are doing, one way or the other it is better to know so you can wrap your brain around it.

Response by SPC Rj Wasser made Mar 30 at 2017 10:06 AM

SPC Rj Wasser — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:06:50 -0400

It doesn't sound like this kid is trying to duck a deployment, he just wants to go to a school that he has every right to want to attend (especially considering how hard some slots are to come by). Chances are he'd only be gone a month or so, let the kid further his career and return downrange... he'll be a better soldier for it.

And Gunny Pado, no disrespect, but that's a very disheartening thing to hear coming from an NCO. Chances are this kid has deployed before, given his rank, and it seems like all he would like to do is improve himself (and his chances for promotion) by attending a short PME.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Mar 31 at 2017 1:30 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 13:30:59 -0400

I agree with most on here, depending on which school it is. If its an NCOES school, it also depends how long you have been promotable. The command will ultimately decide for you. However, I would seriously think about which one will help your career more. These deployments may not last too much longer. If you haven't deployed you don't want to be one of the only Soldiers in your unit without a deployment patch. A deployment or multiple deployments, still looks good on all military records. The military is still working with service members on catching up due to deployments. If it was me, I would deploy. You should be taken care of on the back side. Good luck.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Apr 23 at 2019 8:54 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:54:18 -0400

Are you active duty or other. I've seen active duty soldiers sent back to the states to attend training

Response by SSG Charles La Porte (RET) made Aug 3 at 2019 11:50 AM

SSG Charles La Porte (RET) — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 11:50:07 -0400

I've sent Soldiers from Afghanistan to Kuwait for WLC. The Command team probably has not given you an answer because they have to get their unit ready to deploy.

Response by SPC John Decker made Aug 3 at 2019 3:48 PM

SPC John Decker — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 15:48:37 -0400

Logic would dictate the need of answers to other questions. How long is that particular school. What is the Military's need of a graduate of your rank, of that school. That being said, it seems to me that logic is playing less and less of a role in this kind of decision. Good luck getting a real answer.

Response by SSG Charles La Porte (RET) made Oct 1 at 2019 1:55 PM

SSG Charles La Porte (RET) — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:55:15 -0400

While in Afghanistan I sent two Soldiers to Kuwait for WLC. Could go any number of ways, with no information it's anyone's guess.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Oct 1 at 2019 3:18 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:18:09 -0400

If you reenlisted for the class, then you need to talk to your unit retention NCO. Make sure you take care of all other afairs ahead of time just in case.

Response by SPC John Decker made Jan 2 at 2020 2:32 PM

SPC John Decker — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 14:32:45 -0500

I would imagine they will tell you, when they think you need to know.

Response by SPC John Decker made Apr 12 at 2020 2:09 PM

SPC John Decker — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 14:09:18 -0400

Those in your unit that you have asked, may not realize exactly why you are asking. Assuming you're not looking for a way out of deployment, explain to them you just want to know what to plan for. If you plan for deployment and the school comes through, you're not ready. If you plan for school and they cancel in favor of deployment, you're in the wrong mindset.

Response by SGT Drew Spencer made Apr 12 at 2020 2:28 PM

SGT Drew Spencer — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 14:28:51 -0400

“ Or will I just have to wait until I get back from my rotation?” In reading his question it sounds like the SM has a legitimate question and intends to do whatever he is told to do , which includes deploy . How about quit being a cock sucker and jumping to conclusions and either answer the question or YOU keep your fuckin mouth shut and move on. I’m a Marine ! We’re tough our basic training is hard.... fuckin loser get outta here

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2020 5:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:32:32 -0400

Many people deploy and still attend their Professional Military Education (PME) during the deployment. In fact, the Army (ASAFM&C) publishes Financial Management Guidance for Contingency Operations that explains how training during deployment is accounted for from a financial perspective.

https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/Sites//contractandfiscallaw.nsf/0/03FE9E946EC [login to see] BE1006F7D1C/%24File/ABO%20Guidance%20OCO%20Funding.pdf

In the end, it will be up to the your chain of command, but your question is a reasonable inquiry.

ABO%2520Guidance%2520OCO%2520Funding.pdf