About to ship on my first deployment, please share some of your experiences!

I'm on my first deployment right now. 
The workload is intense, and the struggle is real but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. 
Keep a positive attitude and be ready to do your job, whatever it may be. 
you will develop a bond and closeness with all those around you, and come out of this a stronger individual in multiple aspects of your own life. That's a promise.

Other than being away from Family and the everyday conviences of life, I have had some of my best experiences on deployment.  As SGT Jaynes said it varies from branch to branch and job to job, however it is what you make of it.  Depending on how busy you are on a day to day it is also a great time to get is great shape, work on you degree and save tons of money.  The best part of deployment was the lifelong friends I made there.  The expeience I gained on these deployments did not hurt my career at all either.  Sooo.... Enjoy it, learn from it, stay safe and come home and share all of that with juniors.

I remember I was nervous as well as excited for my recent first deployment too. But take it one step at a time. Get involved in things in your off time while deployed. It will make deployment a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience. You meet so many new people too!