Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 4/4/2009

Question
I have reserved a job for the army in sattellite communications and it sounds very good and what i am look to get out of the army. But i am hearing very horrible things about the army like no matter what job that i sign up for i have a high chance of get sent to the front lines with a gun in my hands and no training for over a year and every other year after that. Can you confirm this?

Answer
So you signed up to be a satellite communications specialist in the Army and you want to know your chances of seeing combat? Honestly, they are high; however  I think your characterization of things is overly negative.   You will most likely deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, and if you stay in longer than 4 or 5 years, you will have multiple deployments on your record.  You will be trained in how to use your weapons, but the Army is of the firm belief that everyone is a Soldier first; meaning that you will be trained in how to use weapons and in basic infantry tactics so that you can defend both yourself and your fellow Soldiers.  You may be required to go on combat patrols and to use weapons against enemies who are trying to do harm to you or your companymates. You may just get to a base in the desert and sit on that base for a year, leaving only to depart theater but it all depends on your specific job and what unit you are assigned to.  Deployments are also dependent on the unit you are assigned to.  The standard tour is one year in a combat zone with at least 12 months back before they try to send you again; oftentimes you're back for longer before a repeat tour unless you volunteer to go back early.