I am trying to go on deployment and I am told that if anyone drops out during pre mobilization and SRP that I will have a slot. Does anyone know how often soldiers are disqualified during the SRP process?

It's not rare and it happens. So you'll just have to hang around and see. But it might also depend on your rank and MOS......example: if an E-5 infantryman can't go do to a med reason, they aren't going to fill his slot with an E-3 commo guy, or truck driver.

Yeah I am E-5 and do understand what your saying, I guess I am just going to stick it out and see what happends. Thanks

If you can't go with your own unit, as in they have all they can take, maybe you can do a COTTAD Tour, if your state signs off on it. You will need to check on active tours through Gaurd Knowledge Online. Sorry, can't provide a link right now, and you need a user name and password.

I have looked at GKO but never really knew much about/looked into a COTTAD tour, I appreciate your help and will look into it.

Thank you

is GKO wher eyou volunteer for a COTTAD tour? I am on the list but not sure if it is the right one. Are there other ways to volunteer that are more effective. I am in CA and would mind being deployed.

We had a few out of area folks deploy with us after volunteering that route...depending on your MOS/AFSC, there is likely a home for you in a sandy tent somewhere.

If only they'd let you take payments for the "trade", you'd probably be offered $20K cash for the "honor" of taking somebody's spot in the sandbox...

I, having already been there - done that, would likely be one of those lining up to pay you off (it's F-ing HOT over there)...but if you REALLY want to go...I wish you luck...keep your head on a swivel and come home vertical...not horizontal.

Also, talk to your states J3 Mobilization / Readiness Officers and section. They can tell you what, and when you can volunteer for. If they want to help you. Hopefully they will, and just won't tell you to check GKO.

Should I talk to my unit first before going up to the state level? I just enlisted in the NG as an 11b and am prior service 19k. I would have gone back in as 19k, but all the armor units in CA are down south and I live up north, so I would have been quite the drive for me once a month.

You should definately talk to your unit before going to the state. As BrandonKnight said going to the mob/readiness officer is a good step. Many will tell you just to go to GKO, which is unacceptable for an answer. And thats a lot of the problem I am having now, but your state mob officer is a good place to go.