Idk where to turn to, so here I am

[LNEV]

Hopefully you do not get mad about me posting this, but I don't really know where to get information or help. All of you are full of knowledge and experience.


I'm an f-16 jet engine mechanic in the Air National Guard. I have my 5 level, i've been in nearly two years. E-3 is my rank. I'm trying to get information on volunteering for deployments or tdy's. I joined the military to serve my country, go to college and learn as much as possible and be the greatest I can be for the situations I'm in. My unit is not deploying and hasn't since 2008. I feel trapped because I really want to go overseas and put in some work this isn't what I enlisted for. Right now I work 2 days a month and it isn't really satisfying me. I can't go active duty though for college reasons. I'm trying to become an officer. all I can think about is deploying. learning more about my job and becoming a better airman. I have talked to my supervisor who happens to be my units first sergeant and he flat out told me there are no current opportunities. I don't think he even tried to contact anyone considering he texted me less than a minute later saying there were no options available. I'm willing to volunteer to go anywhere overseas. I'm not really sure what to do but I'm very motivated to be on active duty orders here soon. I just don't know how to get there. Should I take it up the chain of command?

 

[AKkeith]

You stated that you joined the Air Force to go to college. It sounds like you are doing that, so you are accomplishing what you wanted, and that's a solid goal.

Then you say you can't go active duty for college reasons. I don't know about Air Force deployments, but being deployed you might not be able to do college on deployment anyway.

It seems you need to find what you want to do more. Do you want to do college? Or do you want to deploy? Pick your goal then go for it, but know the other might be put on the way-side until a later date.

In all honesty, why deploy? You're doing college which is great. That will set you up for the future. What's a deployment going to do? You're an engine mechanic. You'll be doing the same thing you do now, but you'll do it more, and in worse conditions. Nothing glamorous or crazy exciting, the same engine on the same platform. Just more sand and dust.

 

[LNEV]

Thank you for your reply. I'm just afraid that if I don't do it now, I might never get the chance to. I would like a break from college for a semester as well it's really getting on my nerves.

 

[LNEV]

Is there a place that exist where I could put my "name in a hat"?

 

[R.Caerbannog]

If you're seriously only working two days a month, look at knocking out some prerequisite courses. Just make sure that they can transfer to a university. When you get out, you'll be ahead of the pack. This way you can knock out the rest of your degree and have some GI bill left over for grad school.

Edit:Nvm I'm an idiot, thought was thinking something else. I'm sorry for the input, it was no bueno.

 

[Kheenbish]

You can sign up for TCN duty, might be called something else now, basically guarding locals while they work on base in deployed areas. Anyone can do these, from any AFSC. That's about all I know since I haven't actually done one of these, but knew a few individuals who did. If you really want to the opportunity is out there.

 

[Red Flag 1]

I really have to agree with what @AKkeith has already said. Make your priority completion of your udnder grad degree. More doors will open to you than are available now. You mentioned becoming an officer, and the only way you can do that is to have a degree.

I hear your impatience, and wanting to do more, get deployed down range, and I can understand that. You have to make up your mind what your goals are in the military. If your only goal is deployment, then you will have to put college on the back burner; along with becoming an officer. If you get deployed, and finish that up, what next? Most likely right back where you are today

My $.02 is to put a lid on the deployment urge, for now. Finish up your under grad work and nail down a degree. It opens up more doors for you, both in and out of rhe military. There will still be places to deploy as an 0-1; and the difference is that you will get paid more as an officer.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Gunz]

Great advice above from @Red Flag 1 and @AKkeith. I did six years in the ANG and I know how slow promotions are and how mundane the routine can get. You're an E3 at level 5 which shows your motivation...and I'm assuming you're in your early 20's. That means you've got time. Two years from now you could be anywhere in the world. In the meantime get as much experience and education under your belt as possible. That's all I got, so good luck and carry on.