Do Army soldiers typically get advance notice before they deploy overseas?

Question

I wasn't married to my husband when he first got deployed in 2004, he just got back in Nov 2005 and we got married soon after. He was in the reserves when he got deployed to Iraq in 2004 and before he got back he agreed to go active duty. I'm afraid that he's going to get deployed again soon. He just got back from PLDC school in May and is now training at Fort Leonardwood, he's due back this week. They are making him a Sergeant in August. Do you think these are signs of impending deployment...or...? How much advance notice would I get? I've heard people say at least six months....is that true? One more thing....I've heard some soldiers talking about there is a rumor going around that deployment time is going to be shortened to 6 months instead of 1 year.....has anyone else heard this?

Answer 1

I like justind's answer.
The first time my husband deployed, we had several months (4-6) notice. This time, we've been on stand-by for almost that long, finally have orders, but still don't have a date. Unless there's a crisis or your husband is in a rapid deployment or on-call type unit, you can expect plenty of time.

PLDC (which I think is now called Warrior Leader Course) is in fact because he's getting promoted, nothing whatsoever to do with deployment. Smile, it means more money in the bank. Training is also standard Army practice. If he's active duty now, get used to that, it happens all the time and is not necessarily an indicator for deployment. Active duty trains a lot more to keep up to speed than reserves do.

I saw an answer that said to subscribe to the Army Times for deployment info--bad idea. According to the Army Times, my husband went to war 4 months ago. Funny, he's at work across town. Things change, and so many things aren't decided, and stuff gets mis-reported all the time.

If you want an answer, ask his command. The best you can hope for is a "Not at this time", which in the Army is as certain as you're going to get.

And yes, the 6 month rumor has been going around for a while. We were also going to be out of Iraq by the end of '06, remember? Until it's in writing, nothing is factual.

Thank you for supporting your soldier. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Answer 2

Six months is the ideal amount of notice, but there are some units in the Army that are prepared to leave in a day or less.

When I left for Iraq we had six months notice.

Going to PLDC is because he was selected to be promoted, not because he's going to be deployed.

The six month thing has been going around for a long time now. If they ever get shortened is another thing though.

Answer 3

I am afraid that we get the notice we get! I am not sure that we have EVER had as long as six months, even for an ordinary posting, let alone an Op Tour.
There are certain unwritten rules for Army wives: Don't get yourself worked up about deployment or posting until he walks through the door and tells you
Don't sit around watching Television when he is deployed...concentrate on your work and your own life. He doesn't want to come home to a wreck.
Never listen to rumour...
and don't get pregnant because you think you might be seperated for a while, there's nothing worse than having a baby on your own and him missing it all.

Answer 4

You could have notice anywhere from 90 days to 24 hours.
In either case, it would be bad judgment to discuss troop movements with anyone.
PLDC is just a natural progression of training as he moves up the ranks. He would have gone even if he never deployed again.
I would doubt that deployment times would be shortened to 6 months. That just does not provide adequate time to learn the mission, perform it, and turn it over to the next unit.

Answer 5

I've had 12 HOURS notice. No one can answer the question accurately, because the sheer number of factors involved prohibit it. My Army Medic cousin was recalled from IRR to deploy. he was there a year. while there, he too went back to Acitve Duty. came back, immediately got sent to a new command, and deployed from THAT command(for a year)2 months later. he's back now, and will be deploying again before the end of the summer..three times in under 4 years.

Answer 6

Don't expect too much advance notice about deployment. There are too many crazy things going on in the world right now. Be thankful for whatever advance notices you do get, and admire your husband for being a patriot.

Subscribe to the Army Times, and the post newspaper.

Good Luck

Answer 7

It depends on the situation.

When my old unit was activated fot Desert Storm, we got one month to train and take care of personal business.

I'm sure Navy seals and the like are often "on call" and have to be ready to go at a moments notice.

And I wouldn't count on deployment time being shortened anytime soon, the military is shorthanded as it is.

Answer 8

I am sure he will deploy again. When we sign up to serve our country ,we are expected to be willing to do so anytime, anywhere ,anyplace.. I was an active Marine once, Will always be a Marine in my heart and mind. Wish I could deploy tomorrow,for their is no greater honor than to be willing to give our life for our country. Be very proud of your husband for he is in a brotherhood of warriors. Just believe that God will protect him in what ever happens..Look around you at the American young men and know that you truly have a real man...

Answer 9

I was told our unit was deploying on Friday after lunch and on Sunday I was deployed (in a non-Airborne unit)

Out of my deployments that was the least notice, you can expect about a month for most units.

Answer 10

Most of the time they do. but there not allowed to say where there going or why are they going. This i know for sure.. my older brother was in the service.
And Lord knows our family would ask him when and where he was going but he couldn't ever say for top secret reasons...etc
Which i understood that but to answer your questions yes sometimes they do find out there mission plans ahead of time. Way ahead of time !!! but i must say my brother was in the air force i don't know how the army handles there deployment process.