Did you take any classes during your deployment? Would you recommend it to others to stay occupied?

SGT David Ortiz-González — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 09:49:32 -0400

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Sep 27 at 2016 9:53 AM

COL Lee Flemming — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 09:53:46 -0400

I have had SM finish and start degrees on deployment. Mixed bag really...some have found the break in routine refreshing while others were too exhausted to complete the requirements!

Response by SSG Nancy Amore made Sep 27 at 2016 10:36 AM

SSG Nancy Amore — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:36:42 -0400

I took several courses over the years while on active duty. I would encourage all service members to take classes if possible.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 10:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:41:34 -0400

Depending on your OPTEMPO, a college class at a time could be good for you. Otherwise, JKO, Skillport, SSD, or ATRRS courses look good for correspondence courses as continuing education. Any SM can use professional and personal development courses on leadership, teamwork, communication army history, etc.. I think Soldiers should be encouraged to complete SSD for the next level to better understand leadership at that level. I did SSD 1-4.

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Sep 27 at 2016 11:15 AM

LTC Greg Henning — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:15:05 -0400

I completed a college Character Education course while deployed.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 27 at 2016 12:25 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:25:47 -0400

Not to be a smart ass,but the only class I had to take was to learn how to count down from 365 days,seriously I am in awe of current service members that have done multiple deployments and then to add getting an education is truely mind blowing!

Response by MSgt C Madd made Sep 27 at 2016 1:50 PM

MSgt C Madd — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:50:03 -0400

Go for it. Do not leave a deployment with out completing a personal improvement goal. PME or civilian education. I completed SEJPME, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education. It was a long boring course that I do not think I could have the patience or time to complete home station. I was glad I completed the course during a deployment. Assisted in passing the time and kept me gainfully employed in a self improvement activity.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 4:23 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:23:51 -0400

I took a Six Sigma course and obtained my black belt while deployed. Definitely worth it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 6:17 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:17:46 -0400

I highly recommend it!!!! Not only are you taking time out to better yourself, but PME on a MOB-NCOER looks very good.

Response by SPC Steven Schoenhut made Sep 28 at 2016 12:26 AM

SPC Steven Schoenhut — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 00:26:50 -0400

I took human Biology with a lab during my last deployment in Afghanistan. The instructor was a nurse with the FSB and was really nice and understanding when mission came first. I was able to really focus on it while deployed because I didn't have the other distractions of home or where and when to go out with friends or family. I think I was able to absorb more than study and dump.

Response by SPC Colin Jenks made Sep 30 at 2016 1:05 AM

SPC Colin Jenks — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 01:05:04 -0400

For me when I was deployed, I flew 5 days, one day on the ground and 1 day off. By the time I got back to the RLBs I didn't have much energy to take classes. Our maintenance guys had time. But we didnt.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 30 at 2016 2:35 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:35:51 -0400

i took college correspondence courses on every deployment.