9 answers
connor
Student
Florence, Oregon
10
Questions
Asked
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do u get to choose where u get deployed?
I'm asking cuz if I can choose, I already know where I want to go but if not then I'll just go where I'm needed
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9 answers
Henry Mensah
Quality and Compliance Specialist; Government Contracting
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Henry’s Answer
You generally do not get to choose where you get deployed for your first duty station. It is based on the needs of the specific branch of service. You generally are allowed to list up to three preferences, so make sure to list the places you'd like to absolutely be stationed at and make the detailers aware of any specific reasons why you would like to be stationed there. If you don't get any post you choose, take what you're given with enthusiasm. It might be the best duty station of your entire career.
Ezra Jackson
Security
81
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Hi,
I'm not aware of any instances where military personnel can choose their deployment locations. Although you can express a preference for specific duty stations when re-enlisting, there's no guarantee that your request will be granted.
I'm not aware of any instances where military personnel can choose their deployment locations. Although you can express a preference for specific duty stations when re-enlisting, there's no guarantee that your request will be granted.
ok thanks for letting me know
connor
Phil Cala
Advisory Consultant
9
Answers
Lake Ridge, Virginia
Updated
Phil’s Answer
Hey Connor,
You're absolutely right, assignments are indeed shaped by the directives set forth by our esteemed senior military officials.
In my personal journey, I discovered that the key to success was maintaining open lines of communication with my unit leadership and those at the helm. If you're eager to be deployed to a particular location, I'd strongly suggest starting by having a conversation with your leaders.
Your leaders might be able to provide you with valuable insights about whether there are units scheduled for deployment to your preferred location. However, keep in mind that these plans could shift based on operational needs.
1. Talk with your leadership about why deploying to a specific location matters to you.
You're absolutely right, assignments are indeed shaped by the directives set forth by our esteemed senior military officials.
In my personal journey, I discovered that the key to success was maintaining open lines of communication with my unit leadership and those at the helm. If you're eager to be deployed to a particular location, I'd strongly suggest starting by having a conversation with your leaders.
Your leaders might be able to provide you with valuable insights about whether there are units scheduled for deployment to your preferred location. However, keep in mind that these plans could shift based on operational needs.
Phil recommends the following next steps:
Connor, of all the answers here, I would say this is the best one. Joining the military is a very admirable choice, and it's not one that many make out of selflessness.
Eric Carter
John Fellows
Signal Officer
5
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
John’s Answer
The Army will ask for your preferred locations, but they have no obligation to fulfill them. Some extra considerations are made if you are married to another service member and you want to get assigned to the same post, but even that is based on needs of the Army.
Scott Dunne
Consulting
23
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Connor, the short answer is no. Realistically you are going to go where they need coverage. Make the best of it and enjoy where they send you.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Connor, thank you for your interest in the Military.
The long story short is no you do not get to decide where you deploy. These are normally decided because of events that happen around the world. Think Afghanistan and Iraq more recently.
Couple other things I’d like to point out, deployments and duty stations are not the same. Duty stations as an active duty solider is where you work during the times you are not deployed. This will always be at the needs of the army but you can request where you go. The longer you are in and the higher your rank, the more flexibility you have to choose these places. However, it will still be at the needs of the Military. So please do not get your hopes up for Hawaii, Germany, or Italy. Nothing against Fort Polk but that is more likely for a first or second duty situations.
Deployments are normally 9 months. That’s when you go to austere environments morally. Duty stations are typically 3 years but it’s more like a regularly job.
I’ve been a reservist for 18 years. As a reservist you have a lot more flexibility where you are “stationed” because it’s normally only one weekend a month. So it’s up to you how you go about this.
Several different paths for sure. Pick the best for you. Just remember, unless it’s on paper, it’s not a promise.
The long story short is no you do not get to decide where you deploy. These are normally decided because of events that happen around the world. Think Afghanistan and Iraq more recently.
Couple other things I’d like to point out, deployments and duty stations are not the same. Duty stations as an active duty solider is where you work during the times you are not deployed. This will always be at the needs of the army but you can request where you go. The longer you are in and the higher your rank, the more flexibility you have to choose these places. However, it will still be at the needs of the Military. So please do not get your hopes up for Hawaii, Germany, or Italy. Nothing against Fort Polk but that is more likely for a first or second duty situations.
Deployments are normally 9 months. That’s when you go to austere environments morally. Duty stations are typically 3 years but it’s more like a regularly job.
I’ve been a reservist for 18 years. As a reservist you have a lot more flexibility where you are “stationed” because it’s normally only one weekend a month. So it’s up to you how you go about this.
Several different paths for sure. Pick the best for you. Just remember, unless it’s on paper, it’s not a promise.
Sean Williams
QA Test Engineer
3
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Connor,
As a former United States Marine, no. I can't personally speak from experience for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, nor Coast Guard however, I have heard that it is a very similar process. You are always at the need of the military in most cases, that is part of the beauty of it!
The biggest contributing factor to determining where you will get deployed is based off the unit you are assigned to as well as your MOS (your job). Once assigned to a unit you may have opportunities to volunteer for specific mobilizations/operations, though in most cases you may also be volun-told where you will be going with very little to no say at all. Mind you our mobilizations have drastically gone down since the time I was in (10+ years) so it is more likely if you do get a deployment, you may have very little say over where you go as they are less frequent now more than ever and have lots of volunteers for them wherever they are. Best of luck to you Connor, Semper Fidelis!
As a former United States Marine, no. I can't personally speak from experience for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, nor Coast Guard however, I have heard that it is a very similar process. You are always at the need of the military in most cases, that is part of the beauty of it!
The biggest contributing factor to determining where you will get deployed is based off the unit you are assigned to as well as your MOS (your job). Once assigned to a unit you may have opportunities to volunteer for specific mobilizations/operations, though in most cases you may also be volun-told where you will be going with very little to no say at all. Mind you our mobilizations have drastically gone down since the time I was in (10+ years) so it is more likely if you do get a deployment, you may have very little say over where you go as they are less frequent now more than ever and have lots of volunteers for them wherever they are. Best of luck to you Connor, Semper Fidelis!
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
Normally you don't get a choice and have to go where assigned. https://www.todaysmilitary.com/life-in-the-military/relocation-deployment/duty-stations-deployment
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/support-community/deployment-basics-by-service-branch/
In certain specialties you may have a bit more choice. For some you get to pick your 1st duty station https://recruiting.army.mil/News/Article/2946486/us-army-guarantees-new-enlistees-duty-station-of-choice/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/support-community/deployment-basics-by-service-branch/
In certain specialties you may have a bit more choice. For some you get to pick your 1st duty station https://recruiting.army.mil/News/Article/2946486/us-army-guarantees-new-enlistees-duty-station-of-choice/
John Graham
Music Producer
57
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Connor! In military service, assignments are usually based on a balance of three requirements 1> Personal preference, 2> Career requirements, and 3> Needs of the Service. Of course #3 can outweigh the others based on what's happening in the world and the available occupational talent available. Here's a thread that discusses it in more detail for the Army: https://www.quora.com/How-is-the-duty-station-assignment-of-a-soldier-decided-in-the-US-Army-Can-any-soldier-be-assigned-anywhere-to-any-state
I have to say, that I didn't always get assigned to my first preference choice, or even any of my choices. But sometimes I did. My first assignment was during the Vietnam War and I had no choice, but I wound up on a nine-month deployment on a combat replenishment ship and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. We also got to visit several ports of call for rest & relaxation during that deployment, including Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
In the Navy the Personal preference part involves filling out a "preference card" with your top three choice for type of duty and location. The Career requirements part involves having a phone call or visit with your assignment officer where you discuss your long term goals for your military career and how best to get there - schools, training, type of assignments, etc. So it's not all just submitting to the needs of the Service.
Good luck!
I have to say, that I didn't always get assigned to my first preference choice, or even any of my choices. But sometimes I did. My first assignment was during the Vietnam War and I had no choice, but I wound up on a nine-month deployment on a combat replenishment ship and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. We also got to visit several ports of call for rest & relaxation during that deployment, including Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
In the Navy the Personal preference part involves filling out a "preference card" with your top three choice for type of duty and location. The Career requirements part involves having a phone call or visit with your assignment officer where you discuss your long term goals for your military career and how best to get there - schools, training, type of assignments, etc. So it's not all just submitting to the needs of the Service.
Good luck!