Is a Middle East deployment worth jumping onto a new unit (or just going over there in general)?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 10:41:21 -0400

My guard unit recently got a request from another if anyone was interested in hoping on a 9 month support deployment to Iraq/Kuwait. My question is whether a middle east deployment is worth jumping onto a new unit or just going over there in general? Any thoughts?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 28 at 2023 11:30 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:30:06 -0400

That's really a personal question because what us worth while for one wouldn't be for another. Kuwait isn't a hotspot of activity that it once was but it could possibly put you hotspot adjacent in case something pops off. For Guard units it's definitely an experience that the younger folks may be jumping at if they missed the chance to deploy during the 20 year GWOT train. It just depends on if it is something you want to expose to you and your family.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2023 11:47 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:47:10 -0400

That's too big of a question, you should narrow it down. For example, one important factor to consider is where can you be of the most use? I recommend making this question a priority. This is a long-term military perspective that allows us to stay flexible, adaptable, and resilient.

When I was downrange I did a lot of work with the MP's. Good times, good people. Talk to your chain and see if they want you around for upcoming operations. You have Joes? Get their two cents.

Ask for a POC at this other unit and make a few calls. If your priority is "Where am I useful?" Then you will ask them questions about what they're looking for in a team and what they're hoping to accomplish down range. Then, you can effectively gauge where you fit in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2023 7:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:38:01 -0400

There are three pillars of leader development. I think these are overlooked a lot. One of them is the operational domain. The only way to develop in this is to be engaged in unit operational functions. This would be training in JRTC or a development. I can tell you that I have learned from each of my deployments. If you want to learn and excel in the military this would be very beneficial for you. If you have a civilian career that would be damaged by it then I don't know if it would be worth. I did 10 years in the guard. I left the guard due to wanting to move further in my military career to be active. I found that my guard time was damaging my civilian careers.

Response by SPC David C. made Jun 29 at 2023 8:26 PM

SPC David C. — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:26:54 -0400

My advice? Any overseas deployment is a good opportunity. Yes, there are pains that come with it, but it's only doing good things for your career. You're getting real world experience you're not going to get stateside. I don't know what the money situation is like now that things have died down, but you're not spending as much of it over there so there's that. And it looks really good on paper that you have real deployments under your belt.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2023 9:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:22:27 -0400

"Is it worth it?" is a personal value judgment.
There is value in the experience that comes with a deployment. There is risk/opportunity with going with another unknown unit. There is also value, risk and opportunities to be found by not going on the deployment. Only you can answer this question for you.

Best of luck

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2023 10:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:26:57 -0400

Is it worth it is a question that only you can answer? Will you get something valuable out of it? Yes....and possibly no. No two deployments are the same. However, it is an experience that you may not get again. And, considering you are an MP in the Guard...this could very well get you over the hump to gain that promotion to SSG before your peers. One benefit about "jumping into a new unit" is that you get a whole new perspective on how operations are ran thru the eyes of a different command group.

In my 4 deployments, I have learned something new every time. I've also made new lifelong friends on each deployment.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Jul 5 at 2023 1:05 PM

SSG Steve Knox — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:05:51 -0400

Accidents occur whether you are stateside, or north\south of "arc of stability.". Safety and complacency are major concerns during deployment. The "unpredictability factor" is the game changer. Look into the readiness and history of the unit you are attaching yourself to. Ask yourself. "What do I expect to gain?" I wouldn't "jump into it" unless I had to...then again, I am not you.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 6 at 2023 6:23 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 18:23:31 -0400

Why did you join the national guard and not AD? Take that into consideration as there is surely a reason there and jumping on a nine month deployment may not be in line with that reason and life goals.