Posted on Oct 1, 2020
Cpl Aerospace Engineer
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I got out of the Marine Corps Reserve in 2015. I am looking to join the Army Reserve or National Guard as a 12B. I'm dying to go on a deployment as I did 6 years in the Marine Corps reserve and never deployed. Local NG unit just came back from a deployment. I can't reach the local reserve unit. I've also checked on Tour of Duty for 12B slots, and there are none. Any tips?
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CW3 Kevin Storm
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CAARNG has two BN's of Engineers. Seems there is always one unit from each of those BN's on the ball to go somewhere. The 579th is out of Santa Rosa, the Combat Engineer unit is in Petaluma (Santa Rosa is the Parent of the Petaluma Unit). If you are down South, you would have to contact the 578th. Both units frequently get call ups for fire fighting, HRF missions, and o course support to what ever overseas mission comes to pass. If you really want to go somewhere, push hard to get in the Army Sapper School. You may get lucky and be able to work as part of your enlistment, if not submit a 4187 like everyone else. I am going to step out and say odds are you will go from being a Corporal to a Specialist. It is the way of the Army.
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Cpl Aerospace Engineer
Cpl (Join to see)
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Sir, I willl be a Specialist. I know the 578th BEB just got back from deployment last year so I don't think they'll go back for a while.
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SSG Aircraft Mechanic
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They’re cutting deployments short and drawing down. You’re going to be hard pressed most likely.
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SFC Steven Borders
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Have you talked with a NG or AR recruiter? I would start there, maybe they can get you in touch with the commander and 1SG so you can ask questions about the company and what their OPTEMPO is like.
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Cpl Aerospace Engineer
Cpl (Join to see)
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SSG, I have been in contact with both. AR recruiter gave me the # of the retention NCO. The retention NCO was very vague and wasn't directly with the company I am looking to join. He told me to go on TOD. I have been talking to the NG recruiter and he basically just tells me to go on TOD. I just feel either way, it is a gamble.

Would it be inappropriate for an E4 to contact the 1SG or Company Commander directly?
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SSG Senior Mechanic
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It is a gamble. I missed out on one because all slots were full, one because I tore ligaments in ankles, one because unit deployment got cancelled. Finally volunteered to go with line co. In maintenance section. Deployments are fewer and farther apart now.
Good luck
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SGT Squad Leader
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I have contact info for a retention NCO that sends me emails constantly about units deploying that needs volunteers from IRR to go. I turn most of them down. But send me a message and ill get you there info
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