Would you look down on someone who hasn't deployed?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:02:23 -0400

Would you or do you look down on people who have been deployed? I am honestly quite embarrassed to say that I have been in for almost 8 years and do not have a deployment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 6:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:03:34 -0400

No, because they were here defending the homeland.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 6:15 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:15:51 -0400

You shouldn't feel embarrassed it's not in your complete control if you deploy or where. You do your job that's all that really matters. I have not deployed as well and would love to go I did deploy but it was a ship deployment. At the end of the day wether you been to combat or not is not a reflection if you as soldier. If you still want to deploy you might get your chance still judging by the way things are going. Just continue doing your job well that's all that matters.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Jul 7 at 2017 6:16 PM

SSG Brian L. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:16:59 -0400

I would say its nothing to be embarrassed about. True a deployment patch is often viewed as an indication that a soldier knows what right looks like or has completed some sort of right of passage but not many soldiers get to pick their deployments. You should look at like your time hasn't come yet but when the nation calls you will be ready. Not everyone career is identical. Hold your head up like a true American Soldier and wait in line... dont let anyone take what you have worked for this long away from based off of something that is outside your control.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jul 7 at 2017 6:25 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:25:21 -0400

Dude, you should feel blessed that you've somehow avoided a deployment in that long. I've got friends who've been gone more than they've been home. My wife will have a total of 18 months deployed in her first 4 years once this deployment is up. While it's great to put your skills to use in the "real world" type experience, it's also a real pain in the ass for many reasons. You fall behind on schools, you miss out on other opportunities, miss out on family stuff, etc. While it's a thing to be proud of if you've done it, it's not the end of the world if you haven't. I respect anyone who puts on a uniform every day, whether they're stateside or some awful hole on the other side of the planet.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Jul 7 at 2017 6:26 PM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:26:31 -0400

In today's military with about 1.2 million active, I believe there is a significant number who will never deploy because of job, critical assignment, or support personnel. I have never and will never look down upon a fellow member regardless of assignment or opportunity to deploy overseas in a war zone.Those not in zone are simply deployed throughout the world or at home doing what they do best defending the 99% of Americans not in uniform.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 6:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:28:22 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I never deployed. Granted, was only in for 2 yrs before med discharge & served between GW1 & GWOT. Was in line to, but discharge happened before TDY did. I think, as long as you're pulling your wait & aren't obviously skating by, no one will really look down on you outside of glory-whores.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 7 at 2017 6:28 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:28:49 -0400

The only people I look down on are shorter than me and even then I look up to quite of few of them

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jul 7 at 2017 6:35 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:35:54 -0400

Really the only people that bother me are humans... the rest I'm fine with.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jul 7 at 2017 6:48 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:48:29 -0400

I wouldn't be embarrassed about your current situation. Years later, after you leave the military, it won't matter to civilians...they want to know, what have you done today? I've been out of the military for seven years now, and pretty much an unknown.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 6:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:57:15 -0400

It depends on a number of factors really. Have they been a victim of luck and/or circumstance? Then no.

Do they think they're hot snot when they're really just a cold booger on a stick? Then yes, probably so.

Have they been hiding by their own choice in non-deployable assignments? Then yes, most definitely.

I don't think there's a blanket answer for this.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 7:03 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:03:58 -0400

I wouldn't be ashamed of your circumstances and certainly don't look down on you. And I will say, if you want to deploy there are potential options (have you looked at the Guard/Reserve website Tour-of-Duty to look for missions?). So, for the most part... My answer to your question is: No. Especially those new 2LT-CPT and PVT-SPC who haven't even been in that long. I myself have deployed four times in 18 years and been on standby for deployments twice that (and that is not even counting the numerous state missions I have been activated on), and I am in the National Guard! That being said, I do find it odd when I see senior officers/NCOs (O5's and above and E8's and above) who have slick-sleeves in this day-in-age. I'd like to say I don't judge them because you never know what someone's circumstances are, however, I do find myself wondering how someone who has been in for over 12 years somehow has not deployed. To me, unless there are some rare circumstances (which is possible), it is very hard--even in the guard--to avoid a deployment for that amount of time without actively trying to... But again, you never know what a person's individual circumstances are...

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jul 7 at 2017 7:06 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:06:46 -0400

No. There are plenty of things that go on that could keep someone from deploying. But also keep in mind that it doesn't look favorably in terms of promotion and advancement in the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 7:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:08:51 -0400

Your in the reserve that is not that uncommon to not have deployed.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 7:14 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:14:38 -0400

The only way I could ever look down on someone who hasn't deployed is if that person made it their mission to NEVER deploy. Otherwise, I don't care if they deployed or not.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Jul 7 at 2017 7:24 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:24:36 -0400

It depends on their circumstances. If they've had many opportunities and purposefully dodged a deployment, which I know some SNCO's that have, yes, I look down upon them.

If it's through no fault of their own, they've asked and been denied due to their position, or as in your case, haven't been in long enough to really have a chance, nope. You can't control what's out of your control.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 7:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:33:42 -0400

In my mind there are folks who haven't deployed and then there are deployment dodgers who actively go out of there way to get out of deployments. I definitely look down on the latter.

Response by Cpl Kirk Lurch Davis made Jul 7 at 2017 7:36 PM

Cpl Kirk Lurch Davis — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:36:48 -0400

No as they earned the same title I earned (Marine) and went through the same Boot Camp hell I endured, We are brothers and sisters ti the end regardless of duty stations.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 7 at 2017 7:39 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:39:26 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I Did 21 Years, It wasn't Until the Last 3rd of that Career of My Career that My Skills were pushed to the Most in an Unique Environment, Of Course Not.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 7:47 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:47:14 -0400

Did you fulfill you duties as assigned?

If so you have nothing to be embarrassed about.

One often finds oneself in a situation where one's duties are decided by others.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jul 7 at 2017 7:54 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:54:01 -0400

No.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Jul 7 at 2017 7:58 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:58:25 -0400

I ran into plenty of deployment dodgers in a short 8 years. I have a special level of disdain for someone who goes far and wide out of their way to avoid deploying.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 7 at 2017 8:01 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 20:01:28 -0400

I'd want to talk to them to find out how they were able to pull it off.

Response by Michael Alexiou made Jul 7 at 2017 8:02 PM

Michael Alexiou — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 20:02:50 -0400

every job is important... no "I" in team

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Jul 7 at 2017 8:12 PM

SSG Wayne Wood — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 20:12:27 -0400

It depends in the circumstances. What's your MOS and where HAVE you been serving. It's none of my business where you've been or what you've done - but apparently it's eating at YOU. And you're the one who has to look in the mirror each day.

I know a lot of guys who have served honorably but have never heard a shot fired in anger through no fault of their own. When I first came in it was the tail-end of Vietnam - all our guys were home and I never went. I felt as though my service was somehow not as good as those who went. Buddies who had been would tell me I hadn't missed a thing. When I got my "turn" to go to a combat zone I realized they were right - I hadn't really missed a thing.

If you've been doing the job and haven't been actively avoiding combat I guess the Army has you in a place it thinks is more valuable to the overall effort. No shame. But if you've been dodging... but I get the feeling that's not the case.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Jul 7 at 2017 9:41 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 21:41:08 -0400

I watched Operation Just Cause as well as Operations Desert Shield and Storm on TV during my Active Duty time. During Desert Shield I watched thousands go through our base in transit to the desert, and wondered why the hell can't we go? I volunteered for deployment when our squadron was finally tasked to provide personnel just prior to Desert Storm kicking off, but was denied since I held certification in a critical position, and even then they wound up in Qatar. If the military decides they are not going to deploy you there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Maybe you are confusing embarrassment with dissatisfaction of not being given the opportunity.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 10:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 22:14:28 -0400

Hmm, it depends on the era. If they served in the Army from 2001-2012(ish), weren't already high senior ranking, and hadn't managed to accidentally fall into a deployment, then maybe. Deployments were plentiful during that time; so much to the point where specific issues were raised to the SMA to flush out deployment dodgers from homesteading in TRADOC and non-deployable units past the normal rotation time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT saying everyone who hadn't deployed was a deployment dodger; there are too many circumstances the individual Soldier can't control. However, homesteading in order to avoid deployable units, was absolutely an exploitable issue at that time; meanwhile those in the "deployable" force were getting hit with constant deployments, creating some disdain toward "slick sleeve" Soldiers from the same era.

Nowadays when I see a slick sleeve, I just remember that I'm "Army Old", and the overall deployment optempo is much different, on top of the constant cycle of new Soldier's filtering through.

Response by SFC Peter Krarup made Jul 7 at 2017 10:28 PM

SFC Peter Krarup — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 22:28:41 -0400

If you feel the need to deploy, there's the DAMPS-A program that will find you a slot somewhere in the CZ. I did 9.5 years Active Army, '76-'86, never got deployed because there weren't any wars going on. I came back into the Reserves from '05-'15 and volunteered to go to Afghanistan for a year. Nothing quite like getting shot at to make you understand certain truths.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jul 7 at 2017 10:48 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 22:48:18 -0400

I wouldn't worry it, unless you've purposely avoided assignments that would have had you deploying. Since that doesn't appear to be the case, sleep soundly.

Due to assignments, I've only deployed once since 9-11. That was to GTMO, with no combat patch authorized. So I'm wearing my combat patch from Just Cause which was 27 plus years ago. No one cares. Nobody will care in your case either.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 7 at 2017 11:10 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:10:22 -0400

Yes, I was a 22 yr old E-6 in combat while the Army couldn't get senior NCOs in Europe to go to Vietnam. It was called "Homesteading" while youngsters like me were doing the soldiering and meeting the guy you replaced back in country. Later they stopped promotions except in the war zone.

Then again when they did get there all they did was complain about their retirement and occupy a slot a soldier could have filled.
(nothing personal)

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 7 at 2017 11:12 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:12:41 -0400

The hard truth is that those who do deploy cannot do so without the support of those who don't. Full stop. That said, EVERYONE writes the same blank check, and so long as you're willing to go if you're called upon, and not actively trying to avoid it, then it's not on you whether or not you ever do -- it's on the Needs of the Service.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 12:07 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:07:03 -0400

I can definitely relate! This July will be 10 years since I've been in the military and I don't exactly feel shame as I have not been hiding from deployments but I have learned when to put in my two cents and in what matters. Therefore, if I was in a team meeting where the topic is in reference to actions or tasks in deployed environments I definitely look to those who have experienced this and will rely on them as they have first hand knowledge. Having not deployment myself doesn't mean that I won't learn from their experiences but I am cautious on what matters to address until I have the necessary information to make an informed choice. I am truly grateful for the diversity of knowledge that I have in the battle buddies around me and I learn something from all of them every day!

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Jul 8 at 2017 12:20 AM

CSM Eric Biggs — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:20:29 -0400

When I went to 11B BNCOC put on by the Washington National Guard RTI, in 2007 everyone of the students had at least on combat tour. Not 1 single instructor did. yes we all looked down on those instructors.

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jul 8 at 2017 12:29 AM

MSgt Jason McClish — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:29:55 -0400

Not at all if it wasn't their call. If they were slated to go and weaseled out of it, then yeah, I probably would.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jul 8 at 2017 12:55 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:55:35 -0400

I wouldn't look down on anyone that didn't deploy, they did serve their country in uniform. have friends that didn't deploy to a Combat zone even though they volunteered many time to do so. I the long run You serve where the Military service decides they need You. As an example, one of Friends in Army Special Forces kept volunteering for Viet Nam and was never sent, He spoke German and was used all around Europe instead. One of His close friends though did spend three tours in Viet Nam with the Special Forces, both retired in the rank of Sergeant Major with each spending 30 years on active duty. Both have My mutual respect. SPC Cody Voye, thank You for Your service.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Jul 8 at 2017 1:26 AM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 01:26:28 -0400

I always resented those who were able to go but found a way out of a deployments. During Desert Storm I saw single parents, female soldiers get pregnant, and of course physical problems that suddenly appeared as the deployment approached. It put a strain on units to replace those who shouldn't been there in the first place if they were not committed to serving their obligations fully. Someone else had to deploy in their place.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 4:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 04:39:59 -0400

No. Times change, we have to be realistic and realized that there are fewer deployment opportunities nowadays. Maybe, if you would asked me this question over a decade ago my response would have been different.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 6:03 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 06:03:57 -0400

Very odd that you haven't deployed,but that's pure luck I guess. As long as you perform eell on duty theres nobresson to look down on anyone that hasn't deployed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 9:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 09:45:40 -0400

I only have a problem with the one's that act like they've seen it all, when they haven't deployed.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 8 at 2017 11:33 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:33:07 -0400

No, I would not

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 8 at 2017 5:40 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 17:40:05 -0400

No,I think everyone deploys when they take the Oath,where your deployment is of no great matter,you can be called upon at any time to put you life on the line for our Country.

Response by SPC Anthony Schepis made Jul 8 at 2017 7:29 PM

SPC Anthony Schepis — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:29:41 -0400

My deployment was in Kuwait. We got rotated to both Jordan and Iraq for a while. We pulled security even though Iraqi and Jordanian security was tight. On top of that other foreign soldiers were pulling security as well. I remember everyone was excited to go to Iraq but everyone hated it when they got there because we were more worried about leadership hovering over us about ridiculous stuff. The civilian contractors were like why the hell are you guys even here lol. My point is deployments are nothing special unless you actually do real missions. Even then it doesn't make you more high speed. I've seen staff sergeants with tons of deployments who can't get promoted.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2017 7:07 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 19:07:32 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member John Milton's poem's last line applies - "They also serve who only stand and wait". Not everyone gets the call, and as long as you are willing, you are serving as you agreed to do. Keep your head up!

Response by SFC Fred Youngs made Jul 9 at 2017 11:08 PM

SFC Fred Youngs — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:08:32 -0400

No I would not. But I was in from 1974-1998 was in Maintenance I was at Ft. Bragg when Grenada Kicked off I was a Motor Sergeant and some My Mechanics were picked to go with Bn. Advance Party I told the LTC I should lead the Maint. guys as I was Sr. to all the Maint. NCO's except the BM NCO the LTC said No I was Married!
Then Desert Storm came along and again I was left behind to be the Rear Detachment 1st Sgt. to all the sick, lame, and crazy in the Bn. who were left behind. The in 2006 I was Pulled out of Retirement and sent to APG, Md. as an Instructor. I asked the Major who called me if I could go to Iraq or Afghanistan and he No. So I went to APG and wound up being NCOIC and Platoon Sgt. So No do not put them down or feel different of them ask them before you think bad of someone who does not wear a Patch on Right sleeve. I wound up staying on Active Duty from 2006-2010 and enjoyed every minute of it.
Thank You very much!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 3:39 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 03:39:38 -0400

No - I would tell you to thank your friends, colleagues, god, or just dumb luck. I deployed - there are pluses and minuses - mostly a whole lot of god awful horrible minuses. That said - deployment is not some manly right of passage of some sort. It is too often a long, arduous, uncomfortable and dangerous grind - that eats up those fortunate or unfortunate enough to go - in ways that affect them always. Failure to deploy other than shirking your responsibilities is no good reason to look down on anyone. If you signed up, put on your uniform, and did what you were asked to do - perhaps a bit more if you are particularly committed - then you did your duty - and you should hold your head as high with honor and self respect as the rest of us. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by SPC Justin Holten made Jul 11 at 2017 4:11 PM

SPC Justin Holten — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:11:42 -0400

I was on a time duty for 4 years. Never deployed. We came close while I was in Korea, but no go. I did have a platoon Sergeant who proudly said he'd never been to war but he'd gladly send his kids to go fight. We never liked him anyways and that made it worse.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Jul 11 at 2017 4:33 PM

SFC Shane Funkhouser — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:33:39 -0400

If they haven't deployed just because that's the way it worked out for them then no I don't look down on them. If they haven't deployed because they found a way out of it or faked a way out of it then they are shitbags and I have no use for them

Response by PO3 Tom Clouser made Jul 11 at 2017 4:36 PM

PO3 Tom Clouser — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:36:00 -0400

I struggled with "never-deployed" guilt for years before i saw Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon as USMC Lt. Col. Michael Strobl. There's a scene at the VFW the night after he arrives in LCpl Chance's hometown, when Lt Col is confiding in a retired Marine:

LtCol Mike Strobl: I stayed home. I was trained to fight. If I'm not over there, what am I? Those guys, guys like Chance... they're Marines.

Charlie Fitts: And you think you're not? Want to be with your family every night - you think you have to justify that? You'd better stop right there, sir. You've brought Chance home. You're his witness now. Without a witness, they just disappear.

Thank you Charlie Fitts for setting me straight. And for slicing onions 4th ou ninja.

Response by Sgt John Watts made Jul 11 at 2017 4:42 PM

Sgt John Watts — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:42:35 -0400

I spent 8 years and never deployed. 97-05. I wrote the same blank check everyone else did. The Corps decided I could best serve doing other things. I don't feel like I served any less. I am still a Marine.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2017 5:01 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:01:27 -0400

In my opinion, I wouldn't. Speaking from experience, I'll be in 7 years before my first deployment and as an NCO no less. My first assignment was under Air Force Global Strike Command. So with that, my unit had ceased deploying a few years before I got there. You fast forward 6 years, a new base, and a new MAJCOM and now I can finally deploy.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made Jul 11 at 2017 5:17 PM

LTC Russ Smith — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:17:22 -0400

If They deliberately avoided deployment they are no better than the draftdodgers during Vietnam. The Army National Guards full time force in particular has been very guilty of this since 9/11. Mostly their full time officers. For example, in California one individual went from Lieutenant Colonel on 9/11 to 2 stars currently and has never left the state headquarters. What a joke. The National Guard even had a four-star general, the first National Guard General to be on the Joint Chiefs of Staff with four stars & no deployments. How embarrassing. A slick sleeve four star. I have no use for such people or the senior officers who see to their promotions and schools over the warriors.

Response by LTJG Edward Bangor Jr made Jul 11 at 2017 6:51 PM

LTJG Edward Bangor Jr — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:51:16 -0400

If you're actively trying to avoid going on a deployment, then I have a special level of disdain for you. If you simply haven't been sent out to sea or into theater, then we simply needed you more where you currently are. There's plenty of reasons why someone hasn't been OCONUS in their career, it doesn't mean they weren't crucial to what happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere else we are operating.

And if it bugs you personally that you haven't gone on a deployment, you can always ask your detailer about any IA billets that need to be filled.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jul 11 at 2017 7:00 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 19:00:19 -0400

In the civilian world it's like talking to someone who graduated med or law school & never practiced. Or, I was good enough for the Olympics but I didn't go. Granted, many times it is not the fault of the service member. If their command held them from deployment, then that is shameful that the command give not give that person the opportunity. If everytime a deployment came up & they weaseled their way out of it, then they are a slug. They should get the boot & let a qualified person take their place. We are supposed to be a fighting force, not some training position. 16 years of war with no deployments & no patch on the right sleeve does make me shake my head if they have any rank. They trained, they never did.

Response by SCPO William Akin made Jul 11 at 2017 7:12 PM

SCPO William Akin — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 19:12:16 -0400

I don't "look down" those that haven't deployed or had boots on the ground.
I do have a more common bond with those that have done so though..

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2017 8:55 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 20:55:12 -0400

Don't want to beat a dead horse here, but I have had the pleasure of working with soldiers senior to me who have not deployed but are very proficient in all aspects of their MOS. These soldiers had volunteered their names for deployment, but weren't needed at the time. Still, they remained professionals and kept themselves sharp on their various soldiering tasks, ready for whatever came their way. Now, being in the ARNG, I have seen dudes that have become more civilian than soldier, and deployment was the last thing on their mind. But as a fellow specialist, I'm sure you've seen both ends of the E-4 spectrum. Some guys will take time out of their day to teach the new PFC in his platoon how to disassemble and properly maintain the 0.50 cal, while other specialists would rather nap the rest of the day away until night ops. If you stay proactive with your tasks, complete all your training objectives with good motivation, and you don't shirk your duties, then you have nothing to be ashamed of; you are a part of the team that is the Army.

Response by PO3 Richard King made Jul 11 at 2017 10:54 PM

PO3 Richard King — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 22:54:34 -0400

I deployed on CVN-69 and 73 but never counted them as a deployment since I wasnt going door to door like the Marines and Army. Always felt like I cheated!

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jul 11 at 2017 11:33 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 23:33:18 -0400

Would totally depend on the circumstances. I have no respect for service members who try to wiggle out of doing their part.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 12:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 00:09:02 -0400

There's plenty of Soldiers that have deployed and they are complete scumbags.

Response by SFC James (JD) Flemal made Jul 12 at 2017 1:49 AM

SFC James (JD) Flemal — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 01:49:40 -0400

During my 38 year career, 24 Active and 14 Reserve I expected to deploy continuously with 19D, Combat Medic, and Medical Health Care Recruiter MOS's. Almost deployed as a Combat Medic during Desert Storm. 9 months in the Emergency Room at Womack on the Crash Team and "The Suture Guy", in the rotation to deploy. You don't know what it's like to train all that time, ready to go to the "Big Dance" only never to get the call. I'd like to say I was never looked down on, but felt it quite often, mostly by Command level Senior NCO's. I've been told so many times that I was lucky never to have to go, but as a retiree, I feel I've never been able to fulfill my responsibilities as a Senior NCO.

Response by CPO Glenn Moss made Jul 12 at 2017 3:04 AM

CPO Glenn Moss — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 03:04:50 -0400

"They serve who also only stand and wait."

First of all, not everybody in the necessarily gets deployed for a variety of reasons. Many rates are supporting rates...yet their overall role in the military machine is no less important.

For example, there are people whose job includes making sure servicemembers get paid. Life sucks for the deployed servicemember if he or she cannot be assured that his/her family is being taken care of back home.

Ultimately, the goal is "ordinance on target". Whether that's artillery from the Army, smart bombs from the Air Force, machinegun fire from the Marines, or TLAMs from the Navy, that's the goal. Every single servicemember has a role in that, from the supply clerks to the pay clerks to the medical personnel, to the recruiter, to the grunt. They ALL support that goal.

For those who may not deploy due to medical conditions? Well, that's medical.

The only people that I would look down upon would be those who dishonorably attempt to shirk their duty. Beyond that, who am I to say?

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jul 12 at 2017 8:53 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 08:53:56 -0400

I knew a guy who was sent to Korea right out of AIT, and was still there when he made E-7. He was a good intel guy, who had never deployed through no fault of his own. Years later, I was deployed to Afghanistan when a series of unfortunate events resulted in my Commander and 1SG being sent home. Our replacement 1SG turned out to be the wife of a friend of mine who I knew had never deployed. In fact, she had never even had troops before. She had been sent to a staff job as a young E-4 and was so good at it that she stayed in staff positions until she was an E-8. I couldn't believe that they were sending this person to lead us in a combat zone. As it turned out, she was an outstanding 1SG and I would have deployed with her again. Needs of the service always outweigh personal desires. These two examples are of Soldiers who never actively avoided deployments but due to the needs of the Army, managed to never go. I respected both of them immensely, and the fact that they didn't wear a combat patch never mattered.

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Jul 12 at 2017 9:35 AM

SPC Robert Patrick — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 09:35:55 -0400

6.5 years in the Army going where they tell me to go never once deployed. If you performed your duties while in to the best of your abilities then there is no shame but if you actively tried every which way to get out of going then that's on you. A fucked up spine prevented me from going to Hood after South Korea and Had the Army start MEB process. If it wasn't for that I would still be in doing what I have known since I was 19.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 9:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 09:40:59 -0400

I don't look down on them. If I see someone without a combat patch and they are SSG or higher it makes me wonder why they don't. Maybe they just didn't feel like wearing it. Maybe they didn't deploy yet. Oh well. I don't know someone's duty assignments or life and why they haven't. Shit happens.

I have heard people who purposely don't wear the combat patch just to see how much crap they get. I've thought about it.

Also let's realize that some people deploy and don't do a damn thing the entire time they are there.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 12 at 2017 10:25 AM

SGT Tony Clifford — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 10:25:31 -0400

It depends on the reason I had a soldier who was ashamed of the fact that he was leaving the Army after 3 years without deploying. He got sent to Korea right after OUST. When he rotated stateside they sent him to a unit that just returned from deployment. I told him that he did exactly what he was ordered to do and there's no shame in that. I told him that if he's really that embarrassed he could re-enlist. The guy did fulfilled his obligations as a soldier and he didn't need to prove anything to anyone. Now had he purposefully dodged deployment, that would have been a different story, but he never was given the order to go. I feel that your circumstances sound similar.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 12 at 2017 10:32 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 10:32:44 -0400

If the military gives you an MOS that limits your deployment with regular units or assigns you to instructor duty where you can't deploy that's not your fault and you have nothing to be ashamed of.

Those who deploy and have combat experience are always going to think of themselves as superior to everyone else that isn't a combat veteran despite whatever potential or demonstrated ability you might have to exceed their performance... It just is what it is. Some will act like they were out there pulling triggers and their only claim to fame is that they were in theater [but never saw hostilities]. If they want to thump their chest let them bask in their glory. It's a shallow one and fleeting. People eventually see through it -- especially if they are a shitbird in garrison. You just have to focus on your personal and professional development, being the best you can be, so that should you be called, you will fight like you trained and then you can have your share of the glory.

Now IF, on the other hand, you malinger and purposely dodge deployments, you should be ashamed because someone else is having to pull up your slack. Ultimately it is you that has to look at yourself in the mirror and you have to like what you see. Don't pretend to be something you're not.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 10:49 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 10:49:04 -0400

Let's be honest. People do look down on those who haven't "been there" yet, and always have since before you or me served.
Having said that, you serve at the pleasure of the officers appointed over you, and whether you go or not is not your decision to make. Even those who find assignments to "hide" in, had their orders approved by someone.

Let me tell you a story. When I was a brand new E-2, I reported to 3/3 Inf, fresh back from the Gulf War. Me and two other graduates were the first assigned there since, and the only ones without combat patches. We heard it to no end, especially from PFCs who had been in the Army only a few months more than us. Ironically, the few Vietnam vets still around were some of the few who put the harassers in their place.
Over time, more and more noobs showed up, and not having deployed became less of a novelty. By the time I had been in four years, Soldiers who had been to the Gulf were a shrinking minority; now they are rare indeed.
Someday in the not-so-far future, Iraq and Afghanistan vets will be a shrinking minority as well.

This will pass... and you will very likely get your chance to "see the elephant".
In the meantime, be professional, became an expert at your field, and do your part to train for the next conflict that comes our way.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jul 12 at 2017 12:03 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 12:03:29 -0400

The fact that your an E-4 and a reservist, I wouldn't question it. If you were a Staff Sergeant with 8 years of active service and in a combat MOS, I would question it. Active duty guys don't look down on you because we know, well at least I know that your rotations are different from ours. Your good buddy, Just keep training and your call will come one day. Well maybe.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 12:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 12:05:20 -0400

Absolutely not. There's more to the mission than being in combat/down range. Training is essential while others fight it's important to be training and stand ready when the call to duty comes.

Response by LCpl William Chamberlin made Jul 12 at 2017 2:42 PM

LCpl William Chamberlin — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 14:42:25 -0400

I'm a "Peacetime Marine" - I served from 1992 - 1997, and inactive reserves until 2000. There were deployments from my battalion, but most of us didn't go out at any given time. As a 2621, we weren't exactly priority, but we weren't barred, either. Closest I came was we WERE going to be going to an excercise in England between us, England, Denmark, and Norway, but Denmark and Norway bowed out, so it turned into almost a thirty day sightseeing tour of Royal Marine training areas.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Jul 12 at 2017 5:30 PM

SFC Quinn Chastant — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:30:37 -0400

Look down upon for not deploying? Why? In WWII there were thousands of soldiers serving in CONUS who never went overseas, the functions they performed were just as important and valuable as those who did go abroad. The same applies to Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Grenada, Bosnia, Kosovo. Those were all hostile fire pay zones. Guard duty at Gitmo during Operation Sea Signal in the 1990's and dung this current Global Conflict, may not be viewed as a deployment in the same fashion as those who've gone to the sand pits. however those Soldiers Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen are also providing a vital function. It isn't so much that they are avoiding overseas duties as they have volunteered to serve our nation where the various Services deem their abilities serve the nation best. Similarly not all draftees during the Vietnam Era served in Vietnam, many served in Korea and West Germany as well as other locations globally & Nationally. They served, don't disparage them if their duties didn't take them to nasty places.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 13 at 2017 12:21 AM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 00:21:26 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member That really depends. Today, as we are in another postwar drawdown (Yes, I know we still at war), it is more and more the norm. It is also rank dependent. In during the height of OIF and OEF... I did look down on any senior leader without a right sleeve patch. I knew Colonels who retired in 2010, 11, 12, 13, who had never shared the load... In our branches, no excuse for that unless you avoiding...

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 13 at 2017 8:00 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 08:00:01 -0400

I don't look down on people that haven't deployed but I know from experience that I connect better with vets that have deployed then vets that haven't. I remember when I was stationed out in Colorado Springs I was apart of a peer support group that mainly focused on combat vets just because we can relate better with the struggles we have.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jul 13 at 2017 9:43 AM

SGT Eric Knutson — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 09:43:34 -0400

I understand that some people never got to draw the short straw for reasons outside their control (unit not selected, critical position in the rear, injuries they were still overcoming, etc) and I try not to hold that against a person. What gets under my skin though, and will cause me to look down upon THAT person, is when they start trying to tell me how to do my job, and then downplay the deployed time. I remember one NCO who was a Drill during Desert Storm, telling me and a few other NCO's to "Forget the crap you did in war, and get back to doing things the RIGHT way." When the "right" way almost got people killed over in Saudi. He would also then go on to rub his Drill patch and tell us that we did not know what stress really is. People like him, loose all respect from me, but again, it is through their own actions and words.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Jul 13 at 2017 10:15 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:15:38 -0400

Who looks down on Gen Marshall of WW2 fame? War fighting is not all dust and blood. The Cold War was won by the R&D and Procurement folks out building the USSR.

Response by Cpl Armando Mireles made Jul 13 at 2017 10:18 AM

Cpl Armando Mireles — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:18:42 -0400

I never deployed in my three service. We should not be ashamed or looked down upon, since we all sign the blank check and will go to wherever they send us. No questions asked!

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jul 13 at 2017 10:48 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:48:55 -0400

No.

Response by TSgt Lars Eilenfeld made Jul 13 at 2017 12:42 PM

TSgt Lars Eilenfeld — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 12:42:35 -0400

No why would you?

Response by Sgt Diego Rodriguez made Jul 13 at 2017 4:30 PM

Sgt Diego Rodriguez — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 16:30:38 -0400

I wouldn't feel too bad about that man, I was in for 8 years from 08 to 16 and never saw one deployment. I was overseas stationed in japan during my second enlistment and saw funny stuff but look at it this way, I met an Admin Gunny (E7) in my first unit 16 years in and not one deployment ribbon but was well decorated. "Deployments do not make you any better or less" he said when I was in the same position 3 years in and it sat in the back of my mind and I put it to rest knowing I did all I could while I was in. Sucks in one way but hey you did something that most are afraid of doing.

Response by SGT John Hamby made Jul 15 at 2017 2:12 AM

SGT John Hamby — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 02:12:26 -0400

no i would not, because they are still serving their country

Response by SGT Anna Kleinschmidt made Jul 15 at 2017 5:28 AM

SGT Anna Kleinschmidt — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 05:28:52 -0400

Every mission is important. Every one has a function that makes it possible for the successful completion of another persons mission. When we sign that paper and take that oath we agree to do and go where Uncle Sam needs us most and that is what is important! Hold your head up high and be proud that you were brave enough to take that oath not knowing where you would end up.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2017 7:27 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 07:27:55 -0400

As a Navy guy, I attended Advanced Combat Skills training MTT/BTT training at Camp Funston at FT Riley in 07 on my way to a one year tour in Iraq. MANY of those Soldiers were on 4th, 5th or more deployments to Iraq or Asscrackistan. While in Iraq I saw an Army Times article on a rather high percentage of Army who had not deployed to either location. Like most Military Times articles, there was not enough information to show a breakdown of MOS's and those in what would be considered not a routinely deployed skill set. All I know is that many of my Army brothers were not real happy, 15 month tours back then. Salute. Going to the Army Navy game in Philly this year with retired COL Pat Kilroy, a battle buddy I met at "Funtown".

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jul 15 at 2017 12:11 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 12:11:42 -0400

Absolutely not. They signed that blank check just like I did.

My number came up, theirs didn't. Luck of the game.

Response by SGT David Petree made Jul 15 at 2017 8:26 PM

SGT David Petree — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 20:26:58 -0400

No . I have 25 years . I only went to Germany . Not Vietnam . Waited for orders for the First Gulf War . Never cam . I always followed my orders , No Sham in that .

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 6:14 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 18:14:14 -0500

If you are actively avoiding deployment, you should get out of the military entirely.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 8 at 2019 6:49 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 18:49:39 -0500

Lots of things here. Could be mos, could be medical, were you on profile or restrictions? Did you go to your ncoic and volunteer? If your not actively trying to dodge it, why would anyone look down? Somethings just are what they are, you can’t cut your own orders.

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Mar 8 at 2019 11:09 PM

SSG Daniel Brewster — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 23:09:31 -0500

This is an old thread, but I’ll still offer my two cents. I was a peacetime army guy active 83-87 and reserves through 92. I trained as an infantryman. I probably served for the only ten year period in the last fifty when we weren’t in some type of conflict. I’ve often thought if I had stayed in I would have been deployed - and often wondered how my life would have been different. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be tested by combat. But perhaps that’s a stupid thing that only guys who have never seen combat say. Imagine if you were trained as a world class chef - but were never allowed to break an egg or prepare a meal?

As to guys who sign on the dotted line and actively hide from deployments? Yeah, that’s not cool. You took the King’s silver and all that.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 12:00 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 00:00:20 -0500

I have yet to deploy and it’s frustrating. I am deployae in every sense of the word and volunteer to go, but it just hasn’t happened yet. There’s a feeling that I can’t truly earn the right to be called a veteran unless I deploy. I want a little military with my military, if ya know what I mean?

Response by SrA Chris Livingston made Mar 9 at 2019 12:31 AM

SrA Chris Livingston — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 00:31:56 -0500

80 to 87 active, 4 more years IMA reserves. I was in places were our mission was the home station as most of us. Some commands and bases lived for mobility. Some were concerned with the tools of "deterrence", presenting to the world that we would come back at you with greater force, nobody wins. Thus ensuring the rest of the "sane" world would most likely not, start something. During my time there were some dust ups here and there that our dedicated mobility organizations dealt with. Most in the AF were limited to where the platform or airframe they worked on existed. Fighters can be sent to more remote and smaller areas than the " buffs " tankers, transports etc. The folks who I respect are those who "commuted" to "war". Driving from the house on base to the alert facility or out to a hole under a plain looking house out in the "badlands". For they were ready to either go " the distance " on a one way trip or hope to be able to rotate a small piece of metal before they were vaporized. They lived the real "combat" of the cold war. To be the true first response of the big one while sitting in the comfort of the states and still around the stability or normal life. From one day at the kids ballgame to the next day the possibility of global destruction without all of the travel and logistics of deployment into a known war zone. The stress of the magnitude of their responsibility was far greater that the gravel cruncher / trigger puller who is worried about him and buds and their counterparts they will be going up against. They are living in it for months at a time. Not just a 7-day or 24 hr alert tour then back to the house. The stateside life of the cold war; Our real enemy was the " cold " . Uncle Sam positioned his most dangerous assets farthest away from the nicest area's to live. The most fighting we did was the snow each day to get the car out and to work and back. A first assignment at a SAC base was a great motivation for overseas or any deployment away from there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 1:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 01:30:34 -0500

If the person dodged a deployment, you can tell, I look down regardless of rank. I did 4 deployments in 6 years.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 2:19 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 02:19:53 -0500

You can never really tell whether someone tried not to deploy or was a victim of circumstance.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 9 at 2019 4:43 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 04:43:06 -0500

Yes. No. Depends. I will say that when I went to a retirement ceremony for a CW5 and the senior enlisted (nominative CSM), officer (MG), and warrant (CW5) of the entire branch were sitting on the stage with less combat stripes COMBINED than me (at the time I was around 18 years TIS, they had a total of around 80 or so), I definitely lost a bit of respect for my branch leadership. I probably should not have, but I did.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 9 at 2019 6:33 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 06:33:51 -0500

Depends on how long they'e been in and whether they're talking big shit. Some people just never get the call to deploy. Others talk as if they've done it 100 times. I look down upon and have zero respect for the latter.

Response by CPL Derek Davis made Mar 9 at 2019 7:26 AM

CPL Derek Davis — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 07:26:58 -0500

That is honestly a blessing nothing to be embarrassed about. Yes it’s an experience of honor in the military but at the same time it’s not always pleasant experiences. Regardless you are essential in the military whether state side, war zone or stationed overseas. Out of the veterans I know typically the only time someone is looked down on is when they are program surfing in the VA trying to find anything they can get 100% service connection while never leaving the states or serving a full contract. Of course there are exceptions.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Mar 9 at 2019 1:21 PM

1SG Dale Cantrell — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 13:21:04 -0500

Yes, we all signed to serve , avoiding any assignment on purpose is wrong and possibly cowardly

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 4:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 16:56:43 -0500

If you have more than 7 years of service, and haven't deployed, you are hiding, and branch continues to send those who have deployed instead of those who haven't.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 9 at 2019 8:00 PM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 20:00:32 -0500

To be honest brother, I have always just kept to myself. If I payed more attention to what others are doing or not doing then it kinda takes away from what I am doing and why. I signed up to go to war and I am glad I got several opportunities to do just that. If I looked down at others that dont, it kinda distracts me from the reason I did and it isnt really productive. I have never been the kid of guy that compares my effort to others, I focus on the stuff that matters.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 10:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 22:12:18 -0500

For the most part no. You go where you get assigned. I had a good friend who was in the 82nd in the 80s and again in the mid 90s. He had just transferred units, when the unit he had just left deployed to Grenada for Urgent Fury. While we were in DS School, his unit deployed as part of Operation Just Cause. Then, a year into being on DS duty, Desert Storm kicked off. We heard they were taking CM Soldiers to augment units. We almost had orders until the clerk noticed our DS patches. He stopped typing and asked what our unit was--D Co, 82nd CML BN. Clerk then asked where our headgear was. We had left of DS hats in the waiting area on purpose, and he didnt find it humorous. He proclaimed our Soldiers would deploy before us, and a few did.
So, no, unless the Soldier deliberately avoids it through questionable means.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Mar 9 at 2019 10:59 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 22:59:08 -0500

I was in for a mere 2 years but was deployed for 19 months. I went where the Army told me and did what they wanted me to do. Deployed or not, it is the same for you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2019 1:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 13:41:48 -0400

No, I do not look down on a Soldier who has not deployed. There are many fine Soldiers who will deploy if required to do so, but simply have not at this time. Major operations ended in Iraq eight years ago and five years ago in Afganistan. Yes, there are still small operations going on in these regions. The reality is however, that we will soon have a new crop of Majors and SFCs who have never deployed. I believe they will do fine when the call comes. I too went on my first deployment as a 40 year old Major and completed two more after that.

Response by Paula Minger made Apr 21 at 2019 6:16 PM

Paula Minger — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 18:16:36 -0400

Only if they claim PTSD

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Apr 21 at 2019 7:27 PM

SFC Scott Higgins — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 19:27:39 -0400

No. When you serve, you serve at the service's discretion. You can't control what unit gets deployed or the rotation schedule.

Response by SN Kristi Kalis made Apr 22 at 2019 9:05 PM

SN Kristi Kalis — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 21:05:44 -0400

Not deploying is usually not a choice. What about all the people who serve in peace time? What about people who have skills that are not deployment skills? There is no shame in never deploying. There is shame in dodging the draft and getting fake medical reports issued for you.

Response by LTC Brian Croteau made Apr 28 at 2019 5:46 PM

LTC Brian Croteau — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 17:46:46 -0400

I spent over 20, active & reserve. Uncle Sam didn't ask me to go anywhere... Not your "fault" if Uncle Sam doesn't have you in a unit that is deploying, or that you leave before it does, or arrive after it gets back. If you really-really-really-really want to "go over there" (wherever "there" is...), then you can volunteer.

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Apr 28 at 2019 11:29 PM

MSG Frederick Otero — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 23:29:11 -0400

No, nuff said.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Apr 29 at 2019 11:01 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 11:01:38 -0400

Okay. So What? I joined the Army in 1987, and I saw a lot of Soldiers Deploy for Desert/Shield/Storm. I didn't go, and I wasn't looked down on because I didn't go. In 1999 I deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge, then in 2003 to Iraqi Freedom. I didn't look down on other Soldiers because they never deployed. I did look down on soldiers trying to extend their tours in Korea once they found out they were going to Units in the States that either were Deploying, or already deployed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2019 9:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 May 2019 09:42:06 -0400

I do not look down on anyone serving in the military period!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2019 5:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 May 2019 17:19:36 -0400

Not really. There are things to consider in my opinion. I look at it from a job recruiter perspective. Is a 42A Human Resources Specialist doing anything really different overseas than at home? No. Then they are proven in their field. If their field requires combat to be proven such as combat arms MOS then there is a question about how well they can do their jobs under fire. But I will still at least get a sense of them by seeing if they have done more than the minimum amount of schools. For instance if an 11B never deployed but he has Soldier of the Quarter, Honor Graduate at School, and takes every opportunity to put in for schools or assignments then that can at least give me a sense of who they are.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 8:36 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 May 2019 08:36:52 -0400

When OIF/OEF first kicked off ... there were the few Reserve and Guard Members that came to medical and admitted to a long term chronic healthcare concerns that had bee fine for them to collect drill pay ... but suddenly made them non-deployable. But for the most part, the people I worked with AD and Reserve/Guard deployed in a voluntary status (USAF).

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made May 12 at 2019 6:59 PM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Sun, 12 May 2019 18:59:39 -0400

I don't look down on anyone who hasn't deployed. After my many deployments I know their time is coming.

Response by SGT Mary Martel made May 13 at 2019 10:40 AM

SGT Mary Martel — Mon, 13 May 2019 10:40:21 -0400

Unfortunately I had a supervisor who was not able to recognize that Soldiers do not cut themselves deployment orders...good times

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 9:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 May 2019 21:17:05 -0400

Don't and never looked down at non deployed individuals, most of our food and equipment in the field came from non deployed persons, to include our pay. Support legalistic, keep the fighting in the field with all you need to be there, like BULLETS.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2019 7:25 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 May 2019 19:25:03 -0400

I look down on myself for that reason. 4 years in and I've done nothing but voice my desire to get to a ship. Yet every turn they send me to shore command or ship going to the yards.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2019 2:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 May 2019 14:39:39 -0400

In my younger years yes I did, but I was a combat veteran before my 21st bday and a SGT in the first two years. Now I am medically retire at 34 as a SFC and a lot more wisdom under my belt. I watch guys including myself get called up 3+ times within 5 years. I had some kids get out because after 6 years they couldn’t get a deployment and these were infantry and cav guys. Just the way it worked out. So no i don’t look down on those that didn’t deploy, if your my bro I may crack jokes but you served and the majority didnt

Response by SSG Gary Runcie made May 26 at 2019 2:55 PM

SSG Gary Runcie — Sun, 26 May 2019 14:55:53 -0400

I enlisted ( Not drafted) in Nov. 71 long story short had orders for Vietnam got to Oakland replacement and filled out the obligatory dream sheet and prepared for the jungle, much to my surprise my orders were changed and I went to Okinawa instead. I did not ask for it but I didn't argue either. My luck I guess.

Response by CPL Larry Fett made May 27 at 2019 4:33 PM

CPL Larry Fett — Mon, 27 May 2019 16:33:05 -0400

I served in the 101st airborne from 1957 1960 I was there never saw combat ,we were exposed to risks.I don't feel I owe any appologies

Response by SGT Willie Norwood made May 30 at 2019 7:36 AM

SGT Willie Norwood — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:36:46 -0400

I will never look down on any soldier who hasn't deployed. Everyone who hasn't deployed is a dodger. I almost went my entire first enlistment without deploying but it was not my choice. I was a HR specialist af the time. Being in that MOS I know that soldiers don't control who are deployed forward or not so if one never was given the opportunity to deploy, oh well. I eventually deployed forward but it wasn't too much of a hostile environment (SOCCENT-Qatar)

Response by SGT Willie Norwood made May 30 at 2019 7:48 AM

SGT Willie Norwood — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:48:51 -0400

Soldiers should spend more time getting an education and building up their skills while they are in and preparing for the day their military service ends instead of worrying about a combat patch which will mean absolutely nothing when you go to look for a job after service.

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Jun 5 at 2019 4:25 PM

PO1 Scott Cottrell — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:25:53 -0400

It depends, if someone is talking about things that happen on deployment and never deployed, then yes, unless you have been there don't talk like you have.

My last ship, within my division (10 sailors) there were two people who had any deployment experience (The LPO and myself). We went to "Team Training" (Team building on a simulation system), the all but one of the instructors who run the simulators had no deployment experience. After passing their performance test (required for us to go to sea), my LPO said he wanted to run the simulator again the way it will happens in the "real world". Well most of the instructors got upset. But we had passed their test and he wanted the rest of our division to see what it will really be like when we deploy. The one instructor with experience set us up with a "real world" simulation, and we ran that the rest of the week we were there to help qualify our people.

Response by SP6 Jeffrey Miller made Jun 6 at 2019 12:54 AM

SP6 Jeffrey Miller — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 00:54:37 -0400

You don't say if you're Regular Army or Reserves. I wouldn't look down on you either way. I'm a Vietnam veteran, but I enlisted to go into intelligence, a relatively safe job. I certainly didn't hold it against draftees who were deployed to Germany or Panama. In your case, I'd just consider myself lucky that we haven't had a major war in the past 8 years with a call up of hundreds of thousands of troops to go into combat. Yet.

How's your Farsi?

Look, I'm a proponent for at least a 15 million man Army so they DON'T have to be deployed. Nobody picks a fight with a 15 million man Army. They pick fights with under-staffed and over-extended armies. They know we can't use our nukes except as a last resort, and our troops are so spread out all over the world that we couldn't put together a 1 million troop invasion if our existence depended on it.

While I"m totally on board with an all-volunteer military, I don't like the concept of the Reserves. Leaving families in a position where they don't know what's going to happen and can't plan anything is totally unfair to them. I'd rather see them in the Regular Army learning skills that are transferrabble to civilian life, in addition to combat training.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jun 6 at 2019 10:32 AM

SGT Juan Robledo — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:32:09 -0400

Why? It's only a matter of time before that other soldier gets to deploy

Response by LTC Doug Allston made Jun 6 at 2019 11:19 AM

LTC Doug Allston — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 11:19:54 -0400

It all depends on the military specialty

Response by Tona Cornelius made Jun 6 at 2019 1:33 PM

Tona Cornelius — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 13:33:30 -0400

No I would not. My son's unit was ready to deploy out of Campbell and he and two others were injured in the last exercise before deployment - the unit left, and my son was medically discharged. He was disappointed because he had trained (MOS 92Y) and wanted to go. Sometimes deployment plans change at a high level (POTUS and/or SECDEF. But no, our guys and gals are serving regardless of deployment and I as a parent of 2 who had military service and one other still active, I thank you for your service. Hold your head high soldier and stay focused ahead.

Response by CDR Jaime Yslas made Jun 6 at 2019 2:51 PM

CDR Jaime Yslas — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:51:55 -0400

Every member of the service is valuable and does their part.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 6 at 2019 11:23 PM

SFC William Farrell — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 23:23:15 -0400

NO SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2019 11:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 11:53:26 -0400

NO I don't like the ones that try to get out of a deployment who hasen't been deployed

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 7 at 2019 12:18 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 12:18:49 -0400

It was a mixed bag in the 1980s as well among the Airborne Corps at least. Most of the 82nd deployed to fight in Grenada and the 101st stayed out of combat. Then you also has SF deploying to various theaters around the world some saw combat others did not. Then you had the deployments to Honduras as well which was a peacetime deployment bordering a insurgent area. Have to say that back then nobody cared one way or another. I think the difference this time around is deployments ran up to 12-18 months early in the GWOT, which is a "hardship" deployment. If I had a "hardship" deployment that long in a warzone......yes I would care if others sat comfortably in the states. However, in your case your 8 years is primarily after the high intensity back to back abusive 12-18 month deployments...........I would not worry about it if I were you. The people that it really bothers are few and far between at this point. Also, I have to tell you that even if you asked or attempted to volunteer back in the 1980's for deployment, the lines were so long it was very difficult to get on one and your 1SG usually would not allow you to leave the unit (unless you went around their back....which sometimes worked but also ticked them off). It's really the needs of the Army or Army Reserve now and you don't have a lot to do with what they need.

One other thing I would mention about the 1980's. We did have troops in then that never ever left the CONUS, not sure how they pulled that off but the single soldiers were doing the heavy lifting on overseas assignments to Korea and Germany. Yes there were some married folks that went too but for the life of me I could not understand during the Cold War the folks that stayed in the United States for like 14-18 years without an overseas tour. Was it accidental or by design? Who knows but back then the DoD didn't police the burden sharing as well as they do now.

Response by SFC Francisco Roman made Jun 7 at 2019 1:41 PM

SFC Francisco Roman — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 13:41:29 -0400

Not all are ready for that world, IT'S a calling in the heart of some of us that have more than life IT'S self. Some of us believe that we the fewer ones can make a difference in our lives as well as for others. For the ones that don't go out IT'S not there time, now those that hide from their calling they need to find them self. With all that being said God's be..

Response by SSG HECTORi925i9i0 Valdenegro made Jun 7 at 2019 6:21 PM

SSG HECTORi925i9i0 Valdenegro — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:21:52 -0400

I am sure there were many who avoided the draft and the biggest one is Mr Bone Spurs ! What an example from our CIC

Response by SPC Steven Oxley made Jun 8 at 2019 6:46 AM

SPC Steven Oxley — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 06:46:00 -0400

I went where they told me & I did what I did. It is what is.

Response by Cpl Anthony Paton made Jun 8 at 2019 11:26 AM

Cpl Anthony Paton — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 11:26:00 -0400

In the amount of time I was in the military I had to do 2 wills when in the Marine Corp. Why look down on that person he joined the military just like I did. Different jobs different circumstances.

Response by SPC Larry Weigel Jr. made Jun 8 at 2019 1:19 PM

SPC Larry Weigel Jr. — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 13:19:17 -0400

To me it depends on how you define “deployment”. If one is saying that deployment is only to a hot zone then that’s a problem. I was stationed overseas but never to a hot zone but to me that was a deployment. I really don’t care if you stayed state side the whole time, if you served we’re family.

Response by Sgt Dennis Stevens made Jun 8 at 2019 4:26 PM

Sgt Dennis Stevens — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 16:26:30 -0400

No, I look down on those who pre-judge those who have not deployed. Whatever the reason not all should deploy. Many, as I did, I looked forward to it and volunteered, some wait for it to come to them, but I would like to know no matter what someone has my 6 and for that I am grateful. I am also grateful for the support that I got form those who did not or do not deploy. We are all part of the same team, lets stop eating ourselves from the inside out. Division comes in many forms as this type of defeat comes as a concer, slow and without hope... Think before you act or answer. Lets lift up our fellow worriers and not shoot the wounded.

Response by LTC Philip Marlowe made Jun 8 at 2019 6:59 PM

LTC Philip Marlowe — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:59:47 -0400

Don't think I'd look down - I just wouldn't acknowledge or have any respect for them. I encountered a situation like this in 1994 when my unit deployed 100 PAX to Germany to support Kosovo operations. A 1st LT decided his new day job was more important than deploying and got his employer to write a 'can't live without him' letter. I was a Major (as were most of my colleagues in the ACofS G3 section and he sat at lunch sniveling about having just gotten married, new kid, car, house and job and how horrible it was to deploy to GERMANY! Well, he got out of it and he lost not only my respect, he lost all respect of my fellow officers and pretty much all of his soldiers.... He actually asked a colleague of mine "Why is Major Marlowe mad at me?" I wasn't mad - disgusted is a better word. When we returned from deployment - he was gone. Nuff said about that. EDITED: Dodging deployment is what I'm talking about. Not every soldier gets called upon to go and do where the actions is. Some find a way - e.g. a LTC in Korea got himself sent TDY to Desert Storm (go figure)….that's a bit extreme but I only have concern for those who would 'dodge' their duty.

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Jun 9 at 2019 9:34 AM

GySgt Thomas Vick — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 09:34:41 -0400

I agree with the latter statement there are those that dodge deployments any way they can, those I do look down on, because someone else is liable to get hurt, or even dead because of there coward-est.

Response by SPC William Clark made Jun 9 at 2019 10:44 AM

SPC William Clark — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 10:44:44 -0400

What do you mean? I was never deployed so I did not deploy. I was on leave when I got called back early over Kuwait. And we did some prep and packing...but we did not get sent. Then I got orders for one of the few duty stations that did not get canceled: Johnson Island. But even then our company did not go. (5th MP Co Ft Polk)

If it would have been sent I would have gone no question.

But anyone that could have gone was deployed and made up a reason to not go? Yeah, I would have an issue with that.

Response by SSgt Gordon Olayvar made Jun 9 at 2019 3:27 PM

SSgt Gordon Olayvar — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 15:27:58 -0400

In My Humble Opinion, which don't really mean squat in life's BIG PICTURE!!: I Dont want to judge a person for whatever reason they didn't deploy, all that mattered was that those who did were operating at 100% mission focused, that is honestly all I'm concerned with, focussing on issue's not related to me frankly is just wasting time.

Response by SrA Brett Stratton made Jun 9 at 2019 4:27 PM

SrA Brett Stratton — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 16:27:59 -0400

No. Some jobs have it where deployment just isn't possible. There are even those in those jobs who WANT to deploy, but can't. The only people you need to look down on are those who can potentially deploy, but actively try not to because of petty reasons ("I don't feel like it." "I only signed up for the money." "I don't want to deploy there, it's scary.").

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Jun 9 at 2019 6:33 PM

Sgt Dan Catlin — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 18:33:03 -0400

My deployment was to the "Rose Garden," Nam Phong Thailand during Nam. Combat support ops. Not bad duty considering what was happening in country at the time. I, like most went where I was sent. I would never look down on anyone who voluntarily raised their right hand during that time; or for that matter on those who didn't head for Canada when they got their draft notice.

There were others who did head for Canada, both when they got their draft notice, and some already in when they got their orders. Those I have nothing but contempt for. Especially when the deserters were pardoned and allowed to finish up their time. So we had billets filled with lazy, worthless men just checking off their calendars, and we had to pick up the slack for them. For those my contempt borders on the psychotic.

Response by 1SG Jason Almond made Jun 9 at 2019 9:35 PM

1SG Jason Almond — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 21:35:09 -0400

I served from 97-2017- 10 years active and 10 years AGR. I saw reservists actively manipulate their assignments to avoid deployment. I’ve seen an active duty serviceman refuse to deploy and was chaptered.

Yes- I look down on those people. If you just never happened to be in a unit that got the call at the time, that isn’t on you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 10:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 22:26:38 -0400

First of all deployment is part of the Job. Some people will do 20+ years and never deployed because they are unfortunate to to be in units that never does. That's why the army stop using deployment as promotion point. Also, there is no way you can know a deployment dodger, becuase some SM could have valid reasons to be undeplorable. I wish i can deploy soon...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 12:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:11:58 -0400

Not at all. Every soldier has experience to bring to the table. Now if I knew for a fact that the soldier in question had dodged deployments (and I know a couple) my answer would be different. But overall the servant warrior class in America I’ve found yearns for opportunities to prove themselves

Response by SSG Robin Lawson made Jun 10 at 2019 12:16 AM

SSG Robin Lawson — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:16:01 -0400

No it''s not the individuals decision the military decides. However when training up for my deployment I met active Army E7, E8 and E9 who had never deployed and as National Guardsman on my second deployment that didn't make since.

Response by CW2 Nick Chadwick made Jun 10 at 2019 5:44 AM

CW2 Nick Chadwick — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 05:44:44 -0400

Don’t feel down, it can be helpful that you will bring some fresh ideas to the next fight. You’ll always have people from the last war with you, and they will still be trying to fight the last war, perhaps when next tech changes the whole equation. Instead of IEDs on the roadside you’ll likely be more eyes up watch for those drones with explosives and armor-piercing rounds. Learn new tech, don’t get set in your ways, don’t fight the last war, fight todays war.

Response by PFC Sylvio Ramsey made Jun 10 at 2019 5:56 AM

PFC Sylvio Ramsey — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 05:56:26 -0400

I feel that everyone that serves should have the opportunity to be deployed like everyone else unless there is a medical issue preventing their deployment.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Jun 10 at 2019 7:11 AM

1SG John Highfill — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 07:11:59 -0400

Spent 28 years as a mil tech in a reserve unit we called them draft dodging reservist then when the Middle East started to call NG and Reservist you should have seen the retirement papers being dropped by then they had 25 or more years in

Response by COL John Hudson made Jun 10 at 2019 8:28 AM

COL John Hudson — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 08:28:35 -0400

I made a career choice to "Be Available," actively seeking out opportunities to deploy. I've personally known 'homesteaders' who openly refused to do or go anywhere - then act surprised and filing objections when not selected for promotive positions. Many characteristics act as discriminators when one is being considered for advancement: Schools attended, accolades received, actively seeking the 'hard jobs', efficiency report results, and yes - deployments. I was boots on the ground in Vietnam, volunteered for the Balkan Conflict as well as Iraq (having called DA so many times I was told to stop bothering them!). My name was first on every list for Basic Officer Class, Advanced Class, as well as Command & General Staff College. Due to the uniqueness of one position (Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer/EPLO) - I was requested by name to attend Residency courses at the Army Senior Service School as a monitor (two years in a row), actually playing my position in the classrooms (I was in Iraq during year three and could not attend). It should come as no surprise that I was promoted top block from CPT to Major, then 'above the zone' for both LTC and COL. I also beat out almost 100 candidates for a new Battalion command slot when that came around. This world we live in today demands 'competitive' candidates for advancement, and sitting at home on one's duff does not provide the necessary background for success. I went to night school for six years while working two jobs to obtain the education I felt I needed to be competitive. While not the best method known to obtain college degrees, it was the only program available to me under my circumstances and I pursued it to a successful conclusion. Anyone out there can call their Branch POC to investigate deployment opportunities and have their name put on a list. Punching a ticket for risk arena assignments is an excellent mark on anyone's record, speaking well for future advancement placement.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jun 10 at 2019 8:30 AM

COL John Hudson — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 08:30:31 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 10:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:22:41 -0400

prior to the events of 9/11 and the subsequent Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; most of the Army had not deployed. Not being deployed can be for a variety of reasons. For example, there is not a mission or reason to deploy the units you are in.

I wouldn't see a reason to look down on someone who hasn't deployed. I would say 70 percent of the personnel in my Unit have not deployed.

Response by Brad Miller made Jun 10 at 2019 5:49 PM

Brad Miller — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 17:49:43 -0400

If you haven't been dodging -- if it just works out that they needed, say 20 bodies and you were #21 -- not your fault! Ready to go, there, just didn't get picked.
On the OTHER hand if you're stacking the deck to make sure you DON'T get picked -- that's pretty sleazy, because that mean's some other poor barstid is doing the dirty and dangerous work that YOU should have been doing.
First case -- definitely not!
Second case -- definitely.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jun 10 at 2019 7:04 PM

PVT Robert Gresham — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 19:04:25 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, there will always be "neanderthals" who will look down on you (It even happens on Rally Point), if your rank, MOS, job title, time in service, or deployments (or lack thereof), even going so far as to count how many deployments you had..... I've chosen to omit deployments from my history on Rally Point. I'm proud of my accomplishments in the military, but I got tired of hearing from certain members how my rank wasn't high enough, or that I should have had more deployments. Never be ashamed of what you have done !! As long as you have an honorable discharge it doesn't matter what branch, what component, or where you served. You served your country and you have every right to be proud of your service !! Anyone doesn't see it that way doesn't deserve your attention.

Response by 1SG Jeff Shelton made Jun 10 at 2019 10:29 PM

1SG Jeff Shelton — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 22:29:46 -0400

I want back in so I can deploy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 11:00 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 23:00:44 -0400

In the post-9/11 military, it can be easy to feel bad if you've never had a combat deployment, but for decades before 9/11 it was not uncommon for people to go an entire career without deploying. My ex-MIL retired as an E-8 and *almost* deployed once, which was called off the day before she was supposed to ship out. 25 years and she never once left our shores.

For me, it's all about willingness to do your duty when you are called upon. I've deployed a few times, but I would never look down on someone who didn't have the opportunity. I've also known people who would purposefully (never proven, but sort of understood) get on a profile to avoid deployment then miraculously get well just in time for a cushy TDY. Those people I have no respect for.

Bottom line, you don't get to decide whether or not you are called upon to go. As long as you are squared away for the moment that day comes you are alright in my book.

Response by SPC Brandon Israel made Jun 11 at 2019 10:10 AM

SPC Brandon Israel — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 10:10:11 -0400

I'm pissed off everyday that I missed my shot. My first unit was in Korea, my second unit was at Fort Campbell. They were just coming back. Missed the second time cause I got hurt during training and the docs wouldn't let me go. The whole reason Y I joined was to deploy after watching wat happen during 9-11

Response by SGT Donovan Leeds made Jun 11 at 2019 1:52 PM

SGT Donovan Leeds — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 13:52:49 -0400

I served for 10.5 years and my only "deployment" was to another base in Germany (while I was stationed in Germany). I was tapped to go to Tuzla but complications with my wife's (now ex-wife) pregnancy, caused me to stay behind with another soldier taking my place. Probably just as well because it turned out to be an E-6 position while I was still an E-4 and the E-5 that went in my place (very solid soldier) said he struggled with it.

Response by PO3 Andrew Reath made Jun 11 at 2019 4:43 PM

PO3 Andrew Reath — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:43:36 -0400

No, wouldn't look down on them. It all depends on M O S and roll of the dice.

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Jun 11 at 2019 10:05 PM

MSG Kevin Elliott — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 22:05:19 -0400

It would depend on the reason. Did they have a valid reason, (DS, Recruiter, something else), is it because of their unit or MOS; then no. Is it because they were staying back just to stay back or to get out of deployments, then yes. Just because someone hasn't deployed doesn't mean they can't do their job and can't lead soldiers. Some folks who deployed don't know their jobs, and can't lead water down hill. Look at the total person and the total soldier, then make your judgement.

Response by SGT Daniel Durkovich made Jun 12 at 2019 6:56 PM

SGT Daniel Durkovich — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:56:51 -0400

Stay lucky. I have a neighbor that has 20 in and spent 15 as a recruiter.

Response by SPC Mike Counts made Jun 13 at 2019 12:06 AM

SPC Mike Counts — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 00:06:08 -0400

A veteran is a veteran. I ETSd in 1990, right before Desert Shield started. It 's not my fault that there wasn't a conflict going on during my enlistment. Therefore I stand with my first statement.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2019 4:48 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 16:48:50 -0400

Why are you embarrassed? Time and chance happens to us all. Did you avoid it? Or it just hasn’t happened yet. Mass rotations ended in 2011. There has been less of a chance for you, with under 8 years to deploy.
Many soldiers spend their whole 20+years having never deployed. There is a sense that you haven’t done your part (as they tell me), but so long as you’re not purposefully trying to evade deployment, then there’s no reason to be embarrassed.
Learn your craft, know your drills, understand your soldiers, and be ready for when the call does come...it’s only a matter of time.

Response by Sgt Barry O'Quinn made Jun 16 at 2019 9:22 PM

Sgt Barry O'Quinn — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 21:22:11 -0400

It would depend on the situation. As an ICBM crewman, deployment wasn't really in the cards for us. There was only five possible bases I could have been assigned to, three operational and two training bases and they were all in the CONUS.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jun 16 at 2019 9:29 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 21:29:05 -0400

I would have a hard time doing so. I never deployed during my service and it had nothing to do with me. I was a Lance Missile Crewmember. Colin Powell ruled us out immediately for Desert Storm and called VII Corps and only a few elements of V Corps to deploy to Saudi. Sucked seeing my friends go but I still did duty back home although we got no war patch on our right shoulders and nothing beyond the NDSM. Not everyone goes when war comes and it's not your choice to deploy or not.

Response by CPO William Rys made Jun 23 at 2019 7:06 PM

CPO William Rys — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 19:06:55 -0400

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I would “look down” on anyone who found a legal way to avoid a deployment. Not everyone is a “hero”, and always volunteering for the toughest missions.

All we are required to do is the job we volunteered for, which is to serve in whatever branch of the military we joined. If there happens to be some totally legal and ethical way to “game” the system and avoid a long deployment, why be a martyr???

I did 20 years in the Navy, and Hell yes, I did whatever I could to not get orders to a ship that was deploying. Usually it involved reenlisting at the appropriate time to request a ship that was just returning from a cruise, entering into an extended yard overhaul, or class of ship that rarely deployed...

Now, it’s a totally different story if someone used dishonest or nefarious means to avoid doing their job. Faking an injury/illness or making up some story is just malingering or shirking a responsibility.

In the Navy, we knew the difference between “skating” and “malingering”. Skating was somewhat viewed as an accomplishment, especially if it involved careful planning and manipulating to avoid arduous duty... Some of us “Skates” were admired for our “skills”, dubious as they may have been.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Jun 23 at 2019 7:30 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 19:30:14 -0400

These days for the most part just about every one will go a combat zone, And to combat.
People rage on POGS all the time, But most of them go to combat as well.
Just my thoughts.

Response by Cpl Henry Busby made Jun 25 at 2019 2:02 PM

Cpl Henry Busby — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:02:27 -0400

HELL NO! You took the oath and wear the uniform.

Response by SSG R R made Jun 29 at 2019 8:37 PM

SSG R R — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 20:37:15 -0400

Depends on the reason.
Have they not had the opportunity to deploy? Or have they actively been looking for ways to get out of deployment?

For example, the Soldier keeps getting assignment to nondeploying units vs. Soldier seeks out nondeploying units or finds a "reason" to be on rear detachment while the rest of the unit deploys.

I've seen females that were pregnant and could not deploy, by the end of the 6 month post partum period they were pregnant again.

It all depends on why they haven't been deployed.

Response by HN Richard Duncan made Jun 30 at 2019 12:55 AM

HN Richard Duncan — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:55:40 -0400

Fuck no, I was station on the USS Austin LPD 4 and there where was a lot of the ships crew, That was not not deployed to the Gulf (91). Whether we deployed or not we are veterans. USN 86 to 91.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Jun 30 at 2019 11:25 AM

SGT Tim Tobin — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 11:25:23 -0400

I was the NCOIC of a flight clinic as an advanced medic 91C. I was never asked to deploy and I would if I was needed. For every troop deployed there are at least 20 who support their mission. All are important and all serve

Response by SGT Raymond Zannetti made Jul 1 at 2019 2:21 PM

SGT Raymond Zannetti — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:21:15 -0400

If the person did something to get out of the deployment, then yes. If, like my case, the Army changed their mind, then no. Me and 4 others from A.I.T. were given orders to go to 'Nam. We got as far as Korea, taken off the plane, and told we were needed there. Although at the end of my tour, I was sent to Nam, T.D.Y., to help load up equipment from the country and onto boats. Funny thing was when I re-enlisted in '74, I had orders for a 6 month T.D.Y in Okinawa and a tour in Thailand, but as soon as I got to Korea, they took me off the plane and told me I was needed there. The more I complained, the further north I was sent until I ended up on the DMZ. They finally told me "orders can be changed and all you did was re-enlist for overseas Pacific. If I wanted a long tour, they'd give me one there". No thanks! The DMZ was certainly different from my previous tour, which ended 4 months prior, in Seoul. Who knows what goes on in the minds of the deciders. ha!

Response by MSG Tony Carey made Jul 6 at 2019 8:37 AM

MSG Tony Carey — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 08:37:12 -0400

Depends. I'm grateful for those troops who stay back and take care of all the stuff when I'm forward where I want to be. It takes us all to make the machine work.
However, slackers need not apply. Dont become my liability. Stay home.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 9:23 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 09:23:10 -0400

No. Not everyone who wanted to go had the opportunity. I volunteered for three Iraq deployments and went to Afghanistan and Kosovo.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 6 at 2019 9:27 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 09:27:35 -0400

I tend to talk with veterans when I go to the VA Pharmacy. They enjoy telling their stories. The ones who never went to war are somewhat inclined to feel a little guilt. I tell them it was not your turn, I am glad you did not go to war. It helps to make them feel better.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 2:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:05:20 -0400

Centcom wouldn’t let me go without 90 days stability off medication. Here I am 7 months later, still stateside, and pissed as hell only that I couldn’t go.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 2:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:15:45 -0400

I deployed for five out of my first six years. If a person really wanted to deploy, there is a way. I heard plenty of excuses, I gave them the contact info for their branch manager and let them know that you are willing to deploy and the persons song quickly changed. Deployment Rogers are a dime a dozen.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2019 5:01 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 17:01:11 -0400

Absolutely not.....unless they are using some kind of influence, etc., to keep from being deployed.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2019 6:32 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 06:32:41 -0400

I’m overseas now trying to get myself pushed out with another unit if possible to get a deployment patch, I’m over here so I might as well get something out of it that I feel proud to have and that I did my country a great duty

Response by Sgt Drew Turnipseed made Jul 18 at 2019 1:13 PM

Sgt Drew Turnipseed — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 13:13:10 -0400

Sometimes one simply does not get tasked; in that case-it is what it is. Those who actively try and not go over; fuck you!

Response by SGT Brian Black made Jul 18 at 2019 3:20 PM

SGT Brian Black — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 15:20:38 -0400

When asked about my Service, I always make clear that I never heard a shot fires in anger. For better or worse, we didn’t have much going on 84-87. I also make clear that I am proud of my service, but that my “sacrifice” was zero.

Response by CPL Lee Spinner made Jul 18 at 2019 4:46 PM

CPL Lee Spinner — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:46:37 -0400

Unless you're one like a former NCO of mine that bragged he would never deploy you're good in my book. Hold your head high

Response by SPC Ruben Marin made Jul 18 at 2019 5:14 PM

SPC Ruben Marin — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 17:14:04 -0400

I never deployed and I was in 7-01 - 9-06. I came on orders a couple wks before my unit was deploying the first time I had an opportunity. I begged to stay, but was sent back stateside to my new unit. There I had another opportunity to deploy. The first time volunteers were sought and said no bc I had just been marriedsnd was trying to get to Hawaii with the wife. When denied I prepared for deployment and eventually was injured to where I was given a medical. Anyway, the point is that looking down on anyone shouldn't happen. Yes we signed up, but ppl go through stuff in life that at the moment adding a deployment to the mix just makes life 10x worse. A coward on the other hand is just a coward and nothing more. If you don't want to deploy bc all of a sudden you're scared if death, you will be the first person clearing a building, or a little time in Fort Leavenworth for displaying cowardes. But those whom didn't deploy for other reason shouldn't be treated differently for it. It happens!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2019 7:49 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 19:49:14 -0400

If they are dodging deployments they should get out, it's not fair to the others that have to carry their weight. If you just didn't get the opportunity good on you, it's likely that you won't encounter the issues a lot of folks have when they return.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2019 6:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 18:47:09 -0400

Never. I do tell any lower enlisted willing to listen, if a deployment comes up and you can get on it do it. I have recommended quite a few and the have got on missions to Egypt and Poland. It is good for there careers and everyone had come back a better person and thanked me.
In todays military , deployments are getting scarcer and harder to get on.
I have tons of respect just for them being in and willing to do there part.
Now the ones that dodge there duty should rethink where they are

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jul 22 at 2019 11:31 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 23:31:32 -0400

Only if they have had the opportunity and weaseled their way out of it.

Response by SFC Tracy Scott made Jul 28 at 2019 1:15 PM

SFC Tracy Scott — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 13:15:39 -0400

I believe with todays military and the reoccurring deployments its got to be difficult to skirt deployments, but having said that, taking into account occupation, pcs cycle, I'm sure its possible, but I don't look down on them for it

Response by SPC Aldo Nova made Aug 2 at 2019 2:24 PM

SPC Aldo Nova — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:24:11 -0400

I wouldn’t look down on that person. Being in a combat zone turns into a personal thing eventually.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 2 at 2019 3:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 15:26:06 -0400

I congratulate them as it was not their time.

Response by SGT Anthony Graham made Aug 19 at 2019 7:42 PM

SGT Anthony Graham — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 19:42:26 -0400

I think a few others covered it but here's the thing. Some people just dont get that opportunity. Others ACTIVELY try to avoid deployments. The latter is the ones that most people "look down" on. But there will always be that sense of "I've been there, and you will never understand until you have been there". That's why so many veterans are disconnected from the civilian world. We're different.

Response by 1SG Jose Claudio made Aug 25 at 2019 7:27 PM

1SG Jose Claudio — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 19:27:58 -0400

Not really, we should be teaching those that havent deploy in our expierances and what we learned, sometimes the hard way so they dnt make the same mistakes

Response by LCpl Allen Luze made Aug 25 at 2019 8:36 PM

LCpl Allen Luze — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 20:36:26 -0400

I was in the Marines from 1978 - 1981. There was no conflict to deploy to. After MOS school I was stationed with Air Wing in 29 Palms, a 3 year posting. Which meant that I never left the States. Because of that I have had many Vets not only look down on me, some would not consider me as a vet. 1LT what would you do then?

Response by SSG Don Smith made Aug 26 at 2019 4:07 PM

SSG Don Smith — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 16:07:12 -0400

I enlisted as an 11 Bravo in 1968 and I was never deployed.

Response by SPC David Buttrey made Aug 28 at 2019 9:08 AM

SPC David Buttrey — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 09:08:44 -0400

The only ones I look down on are the ones working the system to dodge deployment because some people will never deploy due to their job, etc.

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Sep 3 at 2019 2:32 PM

SFC Erin Barnett — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 14:32:15 -0400

I wouldn't because I'm one of them. I have been all over the world in 25 years, to include combat zones, but never in one long enough to qualify for a patch. My wife and I ran down to the JP and got married because we were under orders for the first Gulf War, but we were told to stand down before we went anywhere. When it kicked off again, we were sent to Bosnia on SFOR-14, a NATO mission. Anyway, lots of folks from the 80's and 90's went lots of places, but never received a patch. Our sister unit, flying Chinooks, has been to the sand box 7 times. They carrier the table Schwarzkopf used for the Desert Storm surrender.

Some times its just luck of the draw, or unlucky depending on how you view it.

I think I read somewhere that the rules for a patch have changed anyway.

Response by CDR Tom Davy made Sep 8 at 2019 8:40 PM

CDR Tom Davy — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 20:40:27 -0400

After 18 years, I am surprised at those, especially with many years in service, who have not deployed. It may not be fair, but I "wonder" about a ten year+ veteran who never deployed.

Response by PO2 Michael Martin made Sep 8 at 2019 9:10 PM

PO2 Michael Martin — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 21:10:13 -0400

I think it all depends on the situation. Nobody "WANTS' to be deployed but you are in the armed forces and you took an oath to defend our country from anyone who threatens it. Now if you are not trying to get out of going, I think it's a, " good for you", but, if you are actively trying to get out of deployment, to me thats just like desertion. You knew what was expected of you when you put on that uniform. You may get shot or killed or missing a limb but it's your duty to serve. I agree with the Cpl.

Response by Capt Wayne Klug made Sep 9 at 2019 5:15 PM

Capt Wayne Klug — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 17:15:51 -0400

Geez..... seven years with SAC stationed at Grand Forks and Offutt. Either sitting in the egg or sitting in an EC-135 flying around in circles. Nope, I never deployed.

Response by PO2 Kevin Hill made Sep 11 at 2019 11:23 PM

PO2 Kevin Hill — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 23:23:16 -0400

Did 10 years in the Navy and only did one Westpac Cruise. Majority of my time was in Japan, considered "Forward Deployed". I would not look down on someone who hadn't "deployed" based on duty stations, unless the bragged about it an made a point of it. It often is the luck of the draw when it comes to getting your orders.

Response by SFC Jimmy Greene made Sep 14 at 2019 1:40 AM

SFC Jimmy Greene — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 01:40:07 -0400

I would never look down on anyone, unless I am picking them up.

Response by FA Joe Kirby made Sep 26 at 2019 3:43 AM

FA Joe Kirby — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 03:43:20 -0400

A Vet used to boast about playing in a military band got hurt when some gal said he's not a "real Veteran". I told him I'm not that impressed with his band duty either. I am more impressed with the fact that you signed a contract, basically signing your life over to the USofA for 4 years to do whatever your country needs of you. He got to spend 4 years playing a tuba? Good for him, at least he signed up....

Response by MSG Robert Ford made Sep 26 at 2019 9:19 AM

MSG Robert Ford — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 09:19:26 -0400

I would never look down on soldier for not deploying... first off the Department of Army has all our numbers so if you are picked then you go... but for sure everyone can not deploy cause there has to be personnel back to support the fight...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2019 1:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 13:56:26 -0400

I have no problem with SM’s who have not deployed, it’s basically a luck (or unluck) of the draw. But if your that guy walking around like a “been there done that” , until deployment time then tries to duck and run, well that’s the guy I have a problem with.

Response by SrA William Hallman made Sep 26 at 2019 6:39 PM

SrA William Hallman — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 18:39:12 -0400

In my time, Viet Nam era, I requested and got duty in-country. 2 year duration-of-enlistment tour. I did what I thought was right. You never know (what you're made of) if you don't go. Yes, I was young and unmarried so I was pretty sure I was bullet proof. Bottom line, if you enlisted you made a promise to put it all on the line some day.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Sep 26 at 2019 9:18 PM

Sgt Ivan Boatwright — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 21:18:06 -0400

NO MORE THAN I LOOK DOWN ON TRUMP FOR PAYING A DOCTOR TO AVOID VIETNAM. WHEN ASKED TO SERVE.
THEY JOINED AND SHOULD SERVE. I WANT TO RESTART THE DRAFT BUT ALLOW THOSE WHO HAVE REASONS, FEAR, PERSONAL RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, OR SCHOOL, TO SERVE AT LEAST 2 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITY OR SOMETHING TO DO FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THEIR PAY SHOULD BE SAME AS MILITARY.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Sep 27 at 2019 10:34 AM

PO1 Frank Reiffenstein — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 10:34:24 -0400

No I am not going to look down on someone who signed up to go into the military. I spent 20 years in The Navy. Compared to some I know I didn't have as many deployments as some with less years. Choose your rate you choose your fate. Words to live by.

Response by COL G Wade made Sep 27 at 2019 1:04 PM

COL G Wade — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 13:04:04 -0400

Just because someone hasn't deployed doesn't mean they weren't prepared to do so. As an ARNG retiree, I have come across many in the CMF11 with one or no deployments, as well as some from fields such as 12, 31 and 60 with multiple deployments. As a life member of both ROA and MOAA, I've come across many from both the the USAR and NG (and USNR/USAFR-ANG/USMCR) who have fallen into these categories. And more than a few who have volunteered for multiple deployments.

Response by SPC Frank Doxey made Sep 27 at 2019 4:46 PM

SPC Frank Doxey — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 16:46:58 -0400

I served with the 101st airborne in Kentucky for 2 years and in Vietnam for one year. I respect anyone who served in the states in a combat area. We all do our part and often we go where Uncle Sam wants you to go. The majority who serve over seas are in support groups who never fire a shot. I was in the signal Corp and never did see combat. I often think I should have transferred to a combat unit but never did. Thanks for serving wherever you were.

Response by SGT Noah Moses made Sep 27 at 2019 5:18 PM

SGT Noah Moses — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 17:18:39 -0400

Your serving your country, have always believed that not everyone who serves need be in combat there's always enough work to go round and someone needs to do it.
I severed in the Army for 7+ years originally got draft notice in the little brown envelope like millions of others. Made a decision to go ahead and serve. Deployed to Vietnam right after "AIT" and Gunner training. Did what was asked and still breathing. Its all good, God's got this.

Response by PO1 Joseph Glennon made Sep 27 at 2019 11:06 PM

PO1 Joseph Glennon — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 23:06:30 -0400

For me, that always depended on three things:
Branch of Service
Rating / MOS
Time served

Here's why:
There are various different deployment requirements for the different services. As the joke goes, the Air Force is the branch for the smartest enlisted; in all other branches, the officers send us out to die, and stay behind the line. In the Air Force, the enlisted send the officers out to die (fixing their equipment so they can send them back out) over and over, while *they* stay back behind the line.

Rating / MOS - in the Navy, I was a Boatswain's Mate... that's pretty much akin to a grunt in our shorebound brothers. My first Master Chief put it like this, "Sailors were meant to be on ships, ships were meant to be at sea. There's no finer Sailor than a Boatswain's Mate."
While there are some jobs in the Navy that aren't expected to deploy, the overall majority do have a place on a ship. And, some of those that can't find an empty rack on a ship still deploy (SeaBees, for example).

Time served: I can appreciate someone who intended a far different path, then wound up as an undesignated Sailor being sent to a ship after 2 years of school (for example). Let's say that ship just got back from deployment when the newby reports aboard. Now, the ship heads to the yards ... and, the Sailor winds up being in the Navy, undesignated in Deck department, has technically been a Sailor for 4 years, and has never even done a one-week cruise. I can accept him without any ill-will.
But, if you've got an E6 Boatswain's Mate with 12 years in, who was always able to avoid deploying ... no. He'll get no love or respect from me. Sailors were meant to be on ships, ships were meant to be at sea.

Response by SSG Jose Flores made Sep 28 at 2019 11:34 AM

SSG Jose Flores — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 11:34:11 -0400

Nope! There were times where I wished I could’ve deployed more but just didn’t get the opportunity. The ones I am disappointed in are the ones that dodge deployment. Deploying gives you the opportunity to displays your full potential of your duties.

Response by SSgt Jim Sanders made Sep 28 at 2019 12:59 PM

SSgt Jim Sanders — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 12:59:31 -0400

In a critical career field that constantly deploys I do. Having been Security Forces in the AF we are always going somewhere. Having deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq back to back and looking at a possible 3rd trip back I was criticized because maybe 2 was enuff to that dump. While their were some that did everything they could to get out of it and did. Those that are willing to sell out others and break them and yet do nothing but sit back and make rank by stroking off the superiors gets old and infuriating.

Now health issues are one thing but lazy and an ass kisser are quite another. I deployed 6 times while many never did. No wonder the career field is suffering, breaking and losing the good ones

Response by COL Fred Hogan made Sep 28 at 2019 3:10 PM

COL Fred Hogan — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 15:10:15 -0400

HHHHell no, I would not look down on them, you think that somehow that makes (you better?) someone bad by not deploying?.....service is service....we don't need crap discriminations like this. However, I do admire those that have deployed. And I've been there, done that. I thank all that have served regardless.

Response by SPC Clayton Ellzey made Sep 29 at 2019 1:27 AM

SPC Clayton Ellzey — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 01:27:02 -0400

I was slated to be activated along with 29 other members of my reserve unit for the Gulf War .
Guess what the one guy who had a combat arms mos didn't get activated.
Don't feel bad .
Essayons

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 29 at 2019 12:29 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 12:29:04 -0400

I am going to concur with most of the other posts. Sometimes you just aren't in the right place, time, MOS, unit, etc., I was in an MOS for years that simply didn't deploy. Not my choice. I finally had to volunteer for a support mission (non-combat) just to get my boots in the sand before I retired.
If you or your unit haven't been called on to deploy you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Be patient, be prepared and above all else make sure your people are ready when the time comes.

Response by Sgt Mark Mountain made Sep 29 at 2019 3:50 PM

Sgt Mark Mountain — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 15:50:19 -0400

Some people can best serve stateside. As long as you are not actively avoiding deployment then your service is simply needed here. I had many deployments during my service but that is because I was a Land Surveyor (USMC 1421) and my services were needed overseas.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Sep 29 at 2019 5:47 PM

SSG Everett Wilson — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 17:47:29 -0400

There are many factors for some folks not to deploy-I do look down on leadership who did everything to get out of the deployments. I had a Sgt (E5) who thought it was best that SSG's and above and Sp4 and below deployed as he could get better chances of going to schools and advance his career. When he asked for a transfer the OIC of my section and the NCOIC ensured that he was transferred to a unit deploying. When I was a BNCOC went out to formation and all the Airborne folks in the school were gone-DUTY is important. All my deployments were all volunteer-no hiding in the barracks for me.

Response by SSG Terry Kelley made Sep 29 at 2019 6:51 PM

SSG Terry Kelley — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 18:51:16 -0400

Deployment does not make a soldier. there has been many thru the years that did not make a deployment. FOR THOSE THAT HAVE NOT, INSTRUCT THEM FOR THEY MAY GO.

Response by MSG Mark Stinson made Sep 29 at 2019 11:06 PM

MSG Mark Stinson — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 23:06:35 -0400

On my A-401 team in the Nam we had one NCO that never went in the field on a combat mission that lasted 30 days every deployment. I didn’t really care one way or another but I would always want to go out on every combat mission. No, I didn’t have a death wish I just found it thrilling and what an adrenaline rush. I also had confidence in our support, such as artillery, CAS (Close Air Support) and reinforcements if needed. At times for a few seconds I really felt sorry for the little NVA soldiers. But everyone knew who would not hesitate to go on combat missions. As for me I’d prefer being in the group that goes out to find the NVA. The monicker stays with you long after it’s all over. I belong to a Facebook group of former Green Berets and even now the ones that held back are still shunned and I sit back with the knowledge that I went into the field at every opportunity. It’s a good feeling. Unlike most of the Bronze Stars that are handed out like participation trophies; mine came with a ‘V’ (valor). For example during the 10 years that the 5th Group was in the Nam over 12,000 Bronze Stars that were awarded with only 2,131 that came with a ‘V’, that would be approximately 120 every year. Which seams like a lot but you have to remember that our missions kept the vast majority of us in the field and about 25% were with MACVSOG running operations in Laos, Thailand, and North Vietnam with entire teams of three USSF and three Indigenous soldiers that simply disappeared.

Response by PO1 Jae Kwon made Sep 30 at 2019 12:10 AM

PO1 Jae Kwon — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:10:33 -0400

Absolutely not, full stop.

Response by WO1 Peter Buck made Sep 30 at 2019 11:02 AM

WO1 Peter Buck — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:02:53 -0400

I was deployed for 6 years many years ago. Deployment during a time when the military forces were low was sop over the 14 years of my active duty.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 30 at 2019 11:08 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:08:22 -0400

I don't look down at all on People who wear a uniform of the United States Armed Forces and are serving their country, they are already doing more than most people ! You go where the Military needs You, if its a deployment You go, if Your needed elsewhere well that's where You go. You can take justifiable pride in the fact You are or have served You country and own no apology to anyone ! Hold You head high and thank You for Your service !

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Sep 30 at 2019 11:15 AM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:15:19 -0400

No. Having not been deployed will never take away from the fact that you raised your hand and took and oath just like we did. Service is still honorable without a deployment. But, there are some who would say different, and frown upon those who haven't. I have served since 1983, and the majority of that was deployed. You're still a soldier. Your day will come, just be ready when it does!

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Sep 30 at 2019 11:40 AM

LTC Ken Connolly — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:40:21 -0400

Everyone in the US Military supports the point of the spear. As long as you do your part to the best of your ability, then you should be proud of your accomplishments and service to the people of the United States. In any case you can contact your assignments person to request a combat deployment. More than likely the Army will accept your offer.

Response by CPL Rik Rodriguez made Sep 30 at 2019 2:07 PM

CPL Rik Rodriguez — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:07:07 -0400

I was never deployed. I did OJT Ft Ord and worked as a OR Tech at Silas B Hayes I loved being in the Army. Despite all the things that they forced me to do that I would never do as a civilian that were un ethical. The Army popped my bubble real quick.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Sep 30 at 2019 10:22 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 22:22:17 -0400

If someone finds a way to dodge deployment they fall into the same low category as those who were draft dodgers in the 60s and 70s. With our citizenship in this great country, and then the responsibility we willingly accept when we join the military I have little to no patience with those who shirk doing what is required of them. What both of these categories of folks fall into for me is traitor. I, for one, don't think any draft dodger should receive any form of amnesty, and those who are part of any branch of the military who dodge their responsibility deserve brig time, dishonorable discharge and no VA.

Response by Col Jonathan Brazee made Sep 30 at 2019 10:51 PM

Col Jonathan Brazee — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 22:51:24 -0400

Short answer? No.

Deploying is not always in the control of the military member. For my first three years at Lejeune, I never deployed. My battalion was the last one to enter the UDP program, so we spent my entire time waiting for the next deployment. As soon as I left, the battalion went to Grenada. I was in 3d Recon at the time, and we were hoping to get called, but no go. For my second grunt tour, we did a Med Cruise and Oki, and as soon as I left that, they went to Liberia and Iraq. I was at the drill field by then, and I volunteered to go, as did all of my peers, but not one of us was sent (although they took several of my DIs.)

I finally went to Iraq for OIF, but that was after using every trick in the book to wangle my way there.

Response by 1SG Thomas Jasak made Sep 30 at 2019 10:56 PM

1SG Thomas Jasak — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 22:56:47 -0400

Absolutely not!!! I deployed 4 times and still would not look down on anyone who volunteered to join the military to defend our country in any capacity

Response by SGT Jeff Everhart made Oct 1 at 2019 10:10 AM

SGT Jeff Everhart — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:10:47 -0400

No, because we're all fighting for the same goal. At some point deployments will hit everyone.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 11:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 11:12:19 -0400

I'm a reservist that joined in 2010. I volunteered for a "domestic deployment" (their description) for FY 2013 but haven't been to a combat zone. I go where my unit sends me. I won't dodge it. I aim to get my 20 and don't doubt my chance will come.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Oct 10 at 2019 9:47 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:47:51 -0400

You go where you're told, when you're told and if you don't actively seek some way to not deploy, then who cares if you did or not? There's a big difference between them and those who fake illness, call a Congressman or get spouses or parents involved in begging on your behalf to get out of orders. This is especially egregious if it requires someone else to have to do back to back deployments because of their absence.

Response by SSG J F Texas made Oct 13 at 2019 2:18 AM

SSG J F Texas — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 02:18:06 -0400

Did you do something that caused you to be left off deployment? Then maybe. We all know there are jobs and people that do not deploy due to their mission at home. There is no shame in being mission critical where you are at.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Oct 13 at 2019 10:46 PM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:46:37 -0400

Whether an individual has deployed or not is not up to you to decide. There are people an ice you who know answers to questions you don't even know to ask. Worry about yourself. Be the best you can be and help the others along. Don't judge. On a slightly controversial note. Would you want to bet your life on the actions of someone who doesn't want to be there?

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Oct 25 at 2019 7:06 AM

PO1 Todd McMillin — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 07:06:59 -0400

As someone whose deployed several times for the US Navy and married to another Navy Veteran who didn't get deployed because of sexist policies and prior bad conduct of coworkers I can respect those folks who wind up doing "Shore Duty Only" assignments. Reservists and others whom are unable to deploy because they're assigned to be "Home Guard" deserve just as much respect as those who are/were deployed.

However, I had one coworker whose spouse had a chronic/terminal disease and had been on 'indefinite shore duty" but had done deployments in the past. Therefore while I respected his service he should have been rotated to the Active Reserves vs being allowed to stay on Full Active Duty rotation which prevented his skills from being used. He was assigned to Instructor Duty until retirement and was training future fleet personnel; but it was still a fact that he spent nearly a decade on shore duty during a time of needed leadership in the fleet would have been more useful vs putting in lesser leadership in positions of authority to be sent to sea.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2019 11:06 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 11:06:18 -0400

It depends, if they just havent had a chance that's one thing, but if they dropped a Recruiter packet Sep 12 2001 then I have no respect for them.

Response by Cpl Ronald Everitt made Nov 3 at 2019 10:57 PM

Cpl Ronald Everitt — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 22:57:36 -0500

If it meets your point here's some food for thought,even for me should there ever be a next time someone looks down their nose at me for it when my DD-214 of 1972 states five times I went to Vietnam though what my DD-214 of 1972 does not state of those five times never once was I boots on the ground. First I'd like to say to the whether Friend or Foe that while you're looking down your nose at me makes me at your nuts level so first off as always I went where so-called ordered and secondly what's it to you anyway by treating me in such a demeaning manner, so get what I mean while you're looking down your nose at me that makes me at your nuts level ???

Response by PO2 Rick Egli made Nov 6 at 2019 3:30 AM

PO2 Rick Egli — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 03:30:34 -0500

No because I myself was never deployed. The closest was getting the insurance papers signed, up at zero dark thirty and locked out of barracks, loaded on trucks and taken to the airfield, Had drug dogs walk our 782 gear and steel pogey bait out of flack jacket pockets, wait until it was getting hot on tarmac , and told to Never mind, and go home. Never told why we stood down. Rumor had it that Nixon was the reason, I don't know.

Response by MAJ Vic Artiga made Nov 8 at 2019 11:14 PM

MAJ Vic Artiga — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 23:14:38 -0500

Your time will come. Don't worry. In 2008 I worked for an LTC who had zero combat deployments. He was a huge jerk and a coward.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 3:29 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 03:29:46 -0500

absolutely.. in the Air Force there are personnel who go out of their way to avoid deployment

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2019 8:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 08:43:39 -0500

I have been in the military for almost 20 Years and have not deployed. I was stationed in Augsburg Germany. After active duty ( I had to get out because my wife at the time left me and my 2 year-old son in Germany) I went Army Reserve. The Reserve unit I was attached to was so jacked it could not deploy to Desert Storm so I missed that deployment - I was ready to go. I got out and started a business. After 9/11 I felt the calling again and went back in but went Navy Reserve for 3 years. I got out again to start another business. In 2014 ,at the age of 50, I enlisted in the Army reserve , was demoted to E5 (break in service) had to re-earn my E6, and am now 13 months from retirement. I have not deployed yet , but my dedication to the military is rock solid at 60. I believe that I have not deployed because I have been called upon (by a higher authority) to spred the experiences/wisdom I have gained thru the years to young solider in my battalion. I feel blessed to be able support and mentor all of the young soldiers as a Battalion S6 NCOIC. So... the reason for the story is to point out that life takes us all down a path with all kinds of twists, turns and bumps. We are all exactly where we are supposed to be right at this moment. Do not worry about those that are dodging deployment. You stay laser focused on your career and goals and remember that the Army has you right where they need you. Do your best and carry on.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Nov 21 at 2019 3:14 PM

SFC Scott Higgins — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:14:02 -0500

SPC Vote, Did you falsify documents to make yourself nondeployable, get yourself transferred from a deploying unit to a non-deploying one or feign an illness or injury to keep from serving on a deployment order. If the answer is No, then I wouldn't look down on you. You have followed the orders and served as required, nothing wrong with that.

Response by CPL Michael E. R. made Nov 21 at 2019 5:43 PM

CPL Michael E. R. — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:43:03 -0500

I try to remind myself that the only time I should be looking down on one of my brethren is when I am extending a hand to help them up

Response by CPO Mark Bell made Dec 4 at 2019 9:45 PM

CPO Mark Bell — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 21:45:02 -0500

There are two ends to an arrow. The sharp pointy end and the feathered end. Both are absolutely necessary. No, I don't look down on those who have not deployed. I sought assignments where I would be deployed to assure I would be - and I was. There may be a few who seek out no deployment assignments in an effort to avoid deployment. Most do their duty regardless, deployed or not. Now there is another aspect to the relationship. Someone who has not deployed will never know the camaraderie of those who have. When you face danger with a group of warriors you grow closer together. In other assignments not so much - not the same. Hay seek out a deployment, I think you will benefit from it in many ways. Thanks for asking this question. It shows me you really do want to deploy!

Response by CPO Mary Amerson made Dec 7 at 2019 1:15 PM

CPO Mary Amerson — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 13:15:12 -0500

During my time in I deployed to Antarctica (1982) and was there at the bottom of the world for 6 months. I served on a ship and we went on deployment and I served overseas in Italy and Greece. Did I deploy to a war zone during my time in - no. Not every job, rate, MOS etc. can or do deploy but serve nonetheless. Every person that serves has my respect unless they specifically or deliberately did something to prevent them from deploying.

Response by SPC Ricky Poe made Dec 11 at 2019 2:06 PM

SPC Ricky Poe — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:06:17 -0500

If I had first had knowledge that they dodged the deployment the hell yes I would look down on them because they are worthless in my eyes because they were trained to have my back in combat and they were not there and someone may have died because they were not there to prevent it when we needed them

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 11 at 2019 9:28 PM

SGT Robert Pryor — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:28:46 -0500

It never mattered to me. Be proud of your service. Contribute according to your gifts and the needs of our country.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Dec 17 at 2019 8:09 AM

CPT Lawrence Cichelli — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 08:09:06 -0500

I am one of those who never did deploy only because they didn't pick me. I was supposed to go on 2 occasions, but the Army pulled the plug both times. The last 8 years of my career before retiring was training Soldiers that were about to deploy and I made darn sure they trained to standard!

Response by CPO David E. made Dec 23 at 2019 9:09 PM

CPO David E. — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 21:09:08 -0500

Did they enlist voluntarily? If ordered to go somewhere / do something would they do so? Did they refuse to deploy or intentionally make themselves non-deployable?

If the answers to the above (except the last) are yes, a the last a no, then they fulfilled their obligation as honorably as someone who deployed a dozen times.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Dec 23 at 2019 9:13 PM

1SG John Highfill — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 21:13:28 -0500

Only if they acted like they had or I new they somehow duck out of a deployment

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Dec 27 at 2019 8:26 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 08:26:31 -0500

No! Service is service.

Response by SrA George Gomez made Jan 9 at 2020 2:39 PM

SrA George Gomez — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:39:56 -0500

I knew people in the Air Force back in 1977 who me he told the Command personnel he smoked weed to get out of being deployed to Viet Nam, they kept him in but busted him down two grades. Personally if I was in today and I came across people getting out of deploying, yes I would look down on them because I and my friends did deploy and its part of serving. Unless they have a medical excuse or a good personal reason.

Response by SSG Clayton Lam made Jan 10 at 2020 12:19 PM

SSG Clayton Lam — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 12:19:59 -0500

No, and no one has the right to do that. I have been deployed five times and have spent 11 1/2 years overseas. Not everyone gets the chance to deploy and that is not our fault. Deployed or not, every service member has a role to play. The only people I have a disdain for are those who go through a lot of effort to ensure that they don’t get deployed.

Response by SSgt Julie Fiddaman made Jan 17 at 2020 12:32 PM

SSgt Julie Fiddaman — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 12:32:56 -0500

Never as I was stationed in Germany during the Gulf War and we sent the bombs over. Lots of long hours and hard work.

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Mar 4 at 2022 6:11 AM

SFC Ronald Moore — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 06:11:48 -0500

You signed up to serve. Thank you for your service wherever your assignments take you.