Stupid Question - deployment?

Question

So, I have a dumb question. Right now my boyfriend is in BCT for infantry. I'm trying to prepare myself for the possibility of the big D word, but I have a few questions:

1. Should I expect that since he's infantry he'll probably be deployed soon (within the year)?

2. Are deployments never shorter than 12 months?

3. Any advice or info you can give?

Edit: Thanks for all your help. We've only been dating a few months, but we've been good friends for 5 years, so we have a pretty strong relationship. I know I'll be really depressed if/when he's deployed. I don't know how people do it

Answer 1

1. Yes, expect that he WILL Deploy 'soon' after AIT Grad.

2. Length of Deployments will depend on his Unit/Mission. Generally, they run 12-18 months now.

3. Only thing I can think of: Hang in there. You being a GF isn't going to get you very far with Information. The Military doesn't recognize GF...only Spouses...

Answer 2

My husbands primary MOS is infantry and yes infantry does deploy alot. It depends on which unit he gets sent to when he gets out of basic as to when he will be deploying, so there is no way to answer that. The deployment length depends on the branch of service, for example right now Army deployments are 15 months for Infantry. Marines usually deploy for 8 months and Navy is usually 6 months. Advice would be to always think positively, if he does get deployed he will need to be strong and positive. Don't freak out if you don't hear from him for a while (easier said than done), they have "blackouts" alot over there and when they do no one can use the Internet or phones. I hope everything goes well for you two and try not to worry about it too much. Infantry is a very respectable job, be thankful to your boyfriend for serving our country in such a strong way!

Answer 3

You never know if/when he'd get deployed and it's never less than 12 months. The only way he'd come home sooner is if he got hurt and you don't want that.

As for advice, you need to really figure out how you feel about him. If you've only been together for a short time, you need to be honest with him about how you feel and where your relationship is going, especially if he gets deployed. It doesn't do you or him any good to say you'll wait if you're not sure you will. I've heard so many stories about girlfriends who decide it's too much and send an email that they're breaking up with thier soldier and it can be devistating for the soldier because that girlfriend means so much. She's who he's fighting for, she's who he's coming home to and home means so much when you're so far away.

If you've been together for a long time, you need to be honest with yourself about how hard it can be waiting for him and if you're really willing to make the commitment to wait for him. If you wait, you need to be supportive (send letters, care packages, pictures), you need to be faithful (this may be a no-brainer, but there can be a lot of cheating in military relationships because of the distance and stress), and above all you need to be understanding. If he goes, he will see and do things he'll only tell someone who's been there and knows. There will always be things he can't tell you about it, and that's okay. When he comes back, he'll be different and it takes time for you and him to adjust. It's not easy, but if you love him, it will make your relationship stronger. The military even has a resource for the loved ones of soldiers to help when he's deployed. His unit should have the information on how to contact them if he goes.

Answer 4

1. It is hard to say when he might deploy it will depend on his unit. But considering he is infantry he has a good chance to go.

2. Some special units go on 90 day rotation etc. Usually count on a year. It is better to think far out so in case they don't come back it isn't a huge disappointment.

3. Try to stay busy to keep your mind occupied. Go to school, volunteer your time. You might be limited access to information since you are not a spouse. However when your husband gets to his unit you should still contact the family readiness group and they can help or at least if he deploys you will have a contact number.

Good luck to you both.

Answer 5

For one there's no such thing as a stupid question :) I don't know if your talking about Army though. My husband's in the Marines. Recon. His Iraq deployment last year was 7 months. His friend that joined with him is Infantry, and has never deployed to Iraq, or anywhere actually. We're getting ready for another deployment in Feb., (7 months) but this one's on a ship, and they could even get deployed to Afganistan before Feb. And while on ship, they could still go to Iraq again. As for only being a girlfried, the only information you're going to get is from your boyfriend. As for spouses, we have meetings and all the info ever needed given to us. If he does go on deployment, just be faithful, honest, loving and patient. Take some classes or find a hobby. Although I did get to talk to my husband almost everyday, more than once a day. But you'll never know when a deployment is coming, and once there they could always extend the deployment time. For us we never get all the info til about two weeks before it happens with deployments. As for training, usually about the day before, lol. Nothing's ever set in stone. Good Luck.

Answer 6

1. You never know. Don't try to speculate- you'll drive yourself nuts.
2. My husband is currently on a 400 day order, which includes the time spent while still in the States. Looking at around 10 months in country, 13 month total, but that is if they follow their word (and don't hold your breath there either. His buddy in another unit was advance party and gone for 22 months.). It can all vary greatly- you will just have to wait and find out. It also makes a difference if he is active duty or reserves/guard.
3. Keep busy. It will go by so much faster while he is deployed if you keep busy- go to school, take up a new hobby, something, anything to keep your mind off him not being there. And be there when he gets home. You will hear tons of horror stories (and all of them true) about what happens to some of these guys. Don't be one of the girls who does that.

Answer 7

As far as I understand, no deployment will be under 12 months. they will preform other things like relieveing other units in thewir deployment which may be shorter, but those usually last around 12 months as well. As far as when he will be deployed, it all depends on where they get stationed at. some deploy within 90 days after reaching their duty station and other are not even deployable units. That is a wait and see sort of thing.

Answer 8

1. Yes, most likely.
2. Never. Usually 15 months right now.
3. If you can't deal with a long distance relationship, if this is a newer relationship, if you're not married w/ kids...

I'd give it a 90% percentage that it will fail. If you don't think you can deal with all that, it would be better for both of you to just break it off now. If that's how you feel, it says nothing negative about you. I've learned the hard way that they usually just don't work. Especially when you're just starting out. Just be honest with him. It's better for him to be able to focus on his job in combat (especially as Infantry) than b.s./ drama with his girlfriend back home. When he gets back if you're both still single, that might be an option to get back together. If he cared about you or really liked you he wouldn't make you wait or pressure you to do so. It should be totally up to you. If you don't choose to, don't feel bad.

*Thanks for the thumbs down for being 100% honest and realistic... I guess I should sugar coat reality for her...

Answer 9

I assume you are talking Iraq, but the military makes deployments worldwide, each theater of operations has a different time limit, Iraq is currently 15 months, Europe is 36 months, Japan probably is too, Korea is 12 months, Alaska is 12 months, hope for the best is all advice I would give.

Answer 10

In reality you cannot even guess about deployment There are infantry troops who will not get to Iraq or Afghanistan. Few but some.

Army deployments are not less than 12 months at this time.

Advice? Yes , be patient , loving, understanding, supportive, and strong.

I thank God my wife always was.