Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/24/2006

Question
I am a recently married male with one step child and twins on the way.  I am eager to join the military.  I am not eligible for the airforce or the navy due to criminal and familial circumstances.  The army is my present and available option and I want to choose a job that is least likely to be deployed to irag.  I simply wish to be with my family if possible.  Do you have any advice?  I was told by my recruiter that chaplains assistant, paralegal and accountants are least likely to be deployed.  Is there any truth to this?  

Answer
Dear Derek --

Although those jobs are LESS LIKELY to be deployed, all service member in any specialty can be deployed.  I do not recommend joining the Army, if you wish to stay with your family.  You will be separated from them for an extended period to complete basic training and advanced individual training.  Given your desire to be close to your family and not risk deployment, I would look for another line of work.

Best of luck,