Branching and Deployments

[Roadking]

I may be getting way ahead of myself as my DS is only a candidate for the class of 2017, but mom asked a question and I only had guesses....After graduation and DS is sent off to his branch of service, when will we see him again? I realize there must be many variables involved, but as for overseas deployment what is the general length of time away? If he is assigned to a post in the U.S. how much time will pass before he can get away to come home? Could he be sent directly from West Point into combat? Mom is so proud that he is willing to serve his country but also is worried for him and wants to know the facts. Thanks.

 

[kinnem]

If he were sent from WP straight to combat, it will only be because we are desparately fighting off a massive invasion. His first assignment would be to continue his training for his specific branch. I believe all such assignments are state-side.

 

[waynexc1]

My dad and I read The Long Gray Line, and may answer some of your questions. Despite being set during Vietnam era, it shows the preparation for officers before they deploy. This storyline may simplify things , but it basically echoes the insight I have from career officers.

 

[newhampshirecandidate]

Our AP US History class read the Long Gray Line last year too. Even in Vietnam when they badly needed the officers to deploy and go into combat most of them were looking at a half year or more after graduation before they actually deployed. Keep in mind you are an investment, they won't throw you into the middle of stuff until they've made sure you're ready to go.

 

[docwalk]

so look at the plan for pulling out of the last area of operations we are currently in here: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pres...roop-withdrawal-afghanistan/story?id=13908291

if he's going to graduate in 2017, i seriously doubt, barring a new major conflict beginning elsewhere in the world, that he will deploy. in the information meeting the admissions officer from west point held in Oct 2011 for the class of 2016, asked who is thinking they will deploy. i was the only person who raised his hand, cause i'm currently enlisted. and he agreed with me. by 2016, we are supposed to be out of ahganistan, and are on track to do it.

you also have to figure into the timeline post graduation, the BOLC course, which varies branch to branch, if he decides to try for a masters degree, if he is in a non-combat branch and what his duty station is. Korea isnt a combat tour, but he is overseas for a minimum of 12 months. germany isnt a combat tour, but he is over seas for 2 years.

It also has to take into account what type of unit he is in. there are combat brigades, and other brigades. for the most part, combat brigades will do the majority of the deployments. i'm not saying that other types of brigades dont, but a combat brigade is for the most part self sufficient.

and if he is joining the army. he, if his nation calls upon him to, will deploy to a combat zone. its a fact of the life. not to get on a soap box, but if you're going to join the military in ANY aspect, be ready for that, and make your peace with that.

 

[debcst]

I read elsewhere that some of the graduates of the WP class of 2011 are preparing to deploy in April and will be the first of their class to go.