I was wondering a similiar thing. I really want to join, I actually would like to deploy sometime, not necessarily now, but eventually. So what the recruiters told me is true? If i were to deploy, then it's based on job. not just a mass deployment as the Army National Guard? and to be honest, im not really sure i quite understand how that works either.

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but my ANG unit just returned our flight package (pilots, maintenance, and support people) of over 300 members last fall from a trip we did to Iraq.

There are some non deployable ANG units who deal mainly with training or something, but there are also a lot of ANG units that do deploy. My unit has been to Iraq twice, Kuwait once, Saudi once, Jordan once, and al Udied once within the past 6-7 years.

I should have worded that more appropriately. The recruiters told me that the liklihood of deployment was based on a volunteer basis and/or if my job fit the need. His ex: was he has been enlisted for 6 going on 7 yrs and he's deployed 3x. Other recruiter that has been there just as long; she has never deployed. So he said it's based on when the orders come thru they are looking for people to volunteer and if they dont find enough people then they just keeping moving on until they get the people they need thru the bases. That's what i'm curious about. I just want to make sure that what I'm being told is right. Since many that have enlisted, many have been lied to just to get them to sign up. I want to enlist, but would just like it to be based on the facts.

This example might help you:

My unit has an upcoming deployment to A-stan and out of the 30-some people in my section, the Chief told us that 20 or so are needed.

The way my unit does it (apparently), is on a volunteer basis for those 20 (just from my section...not sure about other sections). People who want to deploy, who didn't get to deploy last time are chosen first. Then the rest of the people who want to deploy are selected, if there is still space. The Chief didn't sound too concerned about *not* having enough volunteers; he seemed more concerned that not everyone gets to go.

I won't yet be qualified by then, so I won't get to go. :crybaby:

Note:
This is just how my unit is handling this upcoming deployment in particular. I have no idea if this is typical of other units, or typical of my own even. I also don't know if that's how deployments are handled from one section to the next.

On edit:

An unrelated afterthought...

Not only am I disappointed that I can't deploy with my section, but also that the majority of my shop will be gone while I'm doing OJT at my unit.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hazel_Motes,

That sounds about right Hazel.

My unit put together a list early last year for a trip to Iraq. X amount from this shop, X amount from that shop, etc. We sent over 300 people and only needed to ask other units for maybe 2 or 3 extra people to fill short manned fields in my unit that couldn't send enough. We actually had to turn some people away because we had too many volunteers. Nobody was forced to go.

We do get invitations from other units from time to time to help out. We worked with a guy who was on his final tour in Iraq. He'd been there for a year...the typical ANG tour is 45-90 days. He just kept volunteering to stay to help out the next unit and came home with us.

So yeah, most likely if you want to go over you'll have an opportunity.

Just like many things with the Guard/Reserves (deployments, promotions, jobs), it depends on the unit and their mission. My Reserve unit does not have a deployment commitment so the only way we get to deply is to individually volunteer.

There are lot's of opportunities to deploy. Other than unit training managers and a few other AFSC's all personnel are considered deployable. My squadron sends at least some every AEF cycle. We are now seeing mobilization authority instead of volunteering, which your leadership should be looking into if you are tapped as it protects you from re-deployment. Volunteering does not count as a deployment when it comes your dwell time. In other words you could deploy as a volunteer and then return and be immediately redeployed under mobilization orders. Our tours are either 60 or 120 days respectively. If you have more rank expect 120 to be the minimum at least that is the current trend. The Guard out deployed the Air Force Reserve and the Active Duty combined in 2005. Going forward at this time we are starting to see other than flight packages deploying conus for AEF due to the Reserve wanting to get to the sand after performing a lot of conus needs.

To OP, you're understanding the situation correctly. People deploy from our base the same as was described above. Very few have been told they would deploy (most were officers, one is a 1stSgt) but most have been voluntary. And it goes based on need for AFSC/rank.

Weaselkeeper, I've been in the Army Reserve and trained with guys in the ARNG. With the ARNG, it's either everyone in the unit deploys or no one deploys- and deployments aren't usually voluntary. The USAR was pretty much the same, except that some could choose to volunteer individually to go with another unit. A person could be pulled on an individual basis and be made to gain a new MOS before leaving. I've known this to happen a few times.

Deployments are handled differently between ARNG and ANG.

Thanx for the responses. Greatly appreciated. As of Friday July 11th, I enlisted in the 122nd Fighter Wing ANG in Sec. Forces. I found out things l8r that day, but b4 I signed. Length of time and how it applied to me, how long b4 I could deploy, etc. Only problem now is... the waiting! Im mentally prepared to go to Basic but may not leave until January. Talk about being anxious! I was pretty much ready when I went to MEPS, after sitting there all day, ur kind of numb and would just about be ready for whatever comes ur way! ha ha. But, I'm excited about going. (kinda, as much as u can be ready for Basic)! They told me that most likely if i do deploy, it wouldn't be for about 15 months upon departure of Basic/Tech School.

Well then, welcome to the 122FW. Be sure to wave me right through the gate when you get out of BMT and tech school.

I'm an F-16 Crew Chief in the 122FW.

Congrats!! Good choice.

Congrats X. You will enjoy the ride and you seem to have a good attitude going in and that will get you a long way in your career. Good luck and post any other questions you have about ANG issues.

Thanks for all of the encouraging words. And we'll c about "waving" ya on thru the gate, there Weasel Keeper! : D lol. And yes, there is a reason for the postive attitude, This is for ME, among other reasons(joining and supporting our men and women), im not going to let anyone or anything hold me back from making this what i want it to be. Even tho thats the D.I.'S job. I have much to gain from this and plan on making everything out of it i can.

Whatever you do, do not fret about BMT these next few months before you go. You will do fine and make a lot of great memories. My wife just left Tuesday for BMT, and I told her the same thing and reassured her that she will do great and its not as bad as you think. She is very prepared and now I am waiting for her first call home this weekend. She trained with me for 4 months before basic and she went to basic meeting warhawk standards for women. I train hard and push her, and now need to even more or she is going to pass me up! The girl runs a 9:50 1.5 mile and knocks out 10 pull-ups no porblem.
You have plenty of time to train hard each week and go after the warhawk award and excel during PT evals in Security Forces Tech School. Do not shoot for the minimums, as that is no fun to just barely get by.
Practice facing movements, chain of command, rank structure, M16 break-downs, etc. Anything you study now will make your stay much easier. Stay motivated and the time will fly by and you'll be stepping off that bus in no time....

Congrats!

Thank you! : D

Guess I forgot to reply unit specific to your original question. The 122FW skycops seem like they are deployed most of the time. It seems most are home right now because they're everywhere on base, but it's not that normal for me to see that many on base at any given time. If you want to deploy, most likely you will.

I wouldn't worry too much about whether or not the recruiters have deployed...not much use for them overseas unless they volunteer to do augmentee work.

122FW SF...deploy a lot...everywhere
122FW Hospital...deploy a lot (mostly cush tropical islands or somewhere, but also over there)
122FW CES...just returned from 6 months I think at Gitmo Cuba building new prison stuff and other things.
122FW AMXS...just returned 300ish people from Iraq. Deploy every 18 months.

I just wanted to update what has happened since my last posting. I went to my first drill weekend at the beginning of the month. It was good to be able to attend a drill weekend. I also have found out my ship date for basic and tech. I wont be leaving until March 31st. So I have a little while before I leave. But was happy to find out everything, thus this far. As for everyone that I've spoken to about where I will be attending basic has said that I will be happy to be at Lackland AFB. Now, I can't wait until I am able to go(even though basic isn't supposed to be the best time of your life). lol Im sure there is worse.

Oye, Student Flight until March? Guess I'll have to say hey while you scan my CAC for the chow hall.