Does being a deployment junkie put your career on hold?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 01:38:06 -0400

Such as missing out on NCOES, time in ones respective field, and other professional development opportunities.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 3:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 03:26:36 -0400

You seem to have answered your own question. I assume you are an M-day (drilling Guard) soldier. I salute you for seeking to go out into harms way! Of course successful deployment tours will look good on your record, but you must make sure you get required MOS and NCO schooling and use your benefits to get your civilian education. You need that to get promoted. If you are truly a deployment junkie; you should seek active duty (Regular Army or AGR) if not already one. If you choose to stay part time Guard/Reserve, make sure you plan for a civilian career. Talk to your career counselor; I assume there is an NCO career management office for your branch as well. Make sure you take care of yourself and your family too. Any successful soldier (or civilian too!) must balance family, fun, and career to stay productive and successful. I'm sure you will do well; by asking the question, you are showing you know whats needed to be a successful NCO; you obviously joined the military for the right reasons--to do the soldier thing; to do what you are training to do--just make sure you get all the training you need both technical and to develop yourself as an NCO. Good luck to you!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 4:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 04:13:29 -0400

I don't think so, at least not in my CMF. In fact the more operational experience you have the clout you usually have when it comes to taking on other tasks. It hasn't hurt me any.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 17 at 2015 5:01 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 05:01:23 -0400

I wouldn't think so. In 2003 I didn't realize I was a multiple class no show for ANCOC. Our CSM didn't even tell us we missed them. Nothing is more important than doing that necessary job we get the big bucks for. The Army will find an inconvenient way to get us back on track. Back then, we'd go to a 4 month school during the 8 months we were home before the next deployment. Great solution. It got a 5-star rating and a giant thumbs up from all the divorce attorneys within 10 miles of the military bases.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 15 at 2018 8:14 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 20:14:59 -0500

Deployments were my ‘high’. When I could go, I would. If I wasn’t going i’d Sign up for a class if timing was right..
I’d hear about a deploy coming up and I would do a tentative sign-up.. I could still withdraw if I got the deploy.. I was doing a lot of hospitality mgt classes(Catering mgt). I had a position at the O club and NCO club to work with the catering Mgt.
It was on a volunteer base but helped me do my classes better. One guy I worked with likened that to cheating.. How so I
asked. “It gives you an unfair edge when you have esssys and tests and class discussion.. I can see that.. they were correct.. classes are theoretical.. the theory of how Catering is or should be managed in the book.. not real life sit-reps. The class, books, discussion is a
Guideline.. to being a Catering mgr.
the same goes in culinary. Doing on the job is different than in school. The 2 are
Supposed to be like each other.. some in the industry could stand to be more like school and vise/verse.. both lend or can lend to the other. .. At my job at a Steak and seafood restaurant I brought back to them some professional behavior to emulate.. I take back to school things you learn on the job. Not everything you learn in the classroom always work on the job. They should, But not always.