Since I have been given orders to a unit that is currently deployed, but returns within 2-3 months of my arrival, will be able to join them?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 13:46:34 -0500

I have been given orders to a unit currently in Country. I want to join them but there will only be 2-3 months left upon my arrival. I really really want to go. What are the odds I will be able to?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 1:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 13:51:44 -0500

Just like any other deployment, the last 2-3 months are demobilization and handover. You will arrive to your unit, have to SRP, be put on country orders, draw RFI, mobilize. This isn’t a short process and to do all of it realistically, you need at least a month and a half. The unit isn’t going to do that just to send you down range for a month when they are preparing to come back.

Odds: Slim to none

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 2:15 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 14:15:06 -0500

I am not really sure. You would have to progress to RL1 before you would do any missions which will probably be done stateside, and then go overseas. Or potentially ship out and get progressed. Or you just stay on rear D and fly the birds that are there if there are any and help the MTPs.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 2:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 14:24:36 -0500

I’m deployed right now with 3/82nd. Just saw two new LTs come forward to take PL positions and we RIP out in March. I guess it’s all unit dependent. I’d send a letter of introduction to your BN CDR and briefly express tour eagerness to come forward if able.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 29 at 2019 4:15 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 16:15:59 -0500

Going to be unlikely- probably cost them more to get you there, and trained up to standards than it's worth to either of you.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 29 at 2019 4:31 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 16:31:10 -0500

Not Army, but I would say it depends upon their current manning level.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 5:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:02:00 -0500

It's up to the unit, but most units won't send out late deployers the last 90 days

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Dec 29 at 2019 10:00 PM

CSM Patrick Durr — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 22:00:01 -0500

It is very unlikely that you will join them unless you're in a shortage job, or they are short personnel. As a WO, it wouldn't surprise me though. I assume you're at the Squadron or higher?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 12:23 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:23:51 -0500

As mentioned it can happen. But there are a lot factors. Does your unit need more pilots? Would you be better used in the Rear Detachment to help their redeployment? These are just two questions that pop into my head. But if your BC wants you then he might be able to make it happen.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 30 at 2019 2:23 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 14:23:10 -0500

Not good odds. By the time you do all your pre dep training and certifications I think you'd be too close to make it. Unless the unit has a hellatious optempo, our last troop pull was at 90 days in 05-07 but those folks had hit the rear D at about 120 to 140 days out in order to make the cut.