Frequently Asked Questions (Version 6.1) Going to War

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1 Frequently Asked Questions (Version 6.1) Going to War 1. What are the chances of being sent to Iraq, either right after training, or during my term of enlistment? Deployment to Iraq or to any operational mission is always a possibility. It really depends on the unit to which you're assigned, the type of unit, its deployment status, etc. However, you will be fully trained in basic Soldier skills and your specific military skill before you report to your first duty location, and you will be prepared to be a fullyfunctioning member of your unit. 2. Is it true that Army recruiting is at an all time low? What has been done to combat the problem? Recruiting has been difficult this year, due to the impact of the ongoing war on terrorism, fear of physical harm/death by applicants and their families, and an improving civilian employment climate. The Army has provided Recruiting Command additional recruiters, increased recruiting incentives and options, and increased advertising budgets. We expect all these improvements to begin to be reflected in our recruiting achievements. 3. If I join the Army Reserve what are the chances of being deployed to Iraq? Your chances of being deployed will be based on the function of the job skill you enlist for, the unit you are assigned to, and its deployment schedule. All military, in all services, may be deployed during their career. 4. How long are deployments? Deployments vary in length from a few weeks to many months. Typical deployments to OIF/OEF are currently 12 months. 5. Why are we fighting some one else's war, and what does that have to do with us? The U.S. Military is under the command of the President. The military supports and defends the national interests of the United States, which includes foreign policy that is determined by the President, the Department of State, and Congress. 6. Can you guarantee my relative will not go to war? No. There is no way to guarantee that. 7. Can you tell me what jobs don t go to war? Everyone who enlists in the Army and Army Reserve becomes a Soldier, and as such, file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (1 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

2 faces the possibility of deployment at some point during their term of enlistment. While the actual chance of deployment depends on the military skill they enlist for, their unit of assignment, and that unit's deployment schedule, so there is no simple answer to this question. 8. If my child goes to war how long will they be gone and will they get to come home while they are gone? Typical deployments are 12 months in length and after six months, your child is usually eligible for a two-week Rest and Relaxation (R&R) leave. The exact length of deployment and R&R depends on each unit's specific mission. 9. Is my child going to war? What are the chances my son or daughter will be deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere? It depends on the specific MOS they are enlisting for. The Army doesn t just send everyone to war; it sends units with a mission. Individuals choose the job they qualify for, which generally reflects the type of work they will do. The location of that work can be almost anywhere in the world. If your child is deployed, he or she will be with his/her unit and they will deploy together. He/she will also be trained and proficient in his/her tasks and drills. Parents should have full confidence that their child will be there to do what they need to do, so they can return home safely. Soldier deployments are based on the needs of the entire Department of Defense (DOD) system for a certain area. Certain jobs deploy more often than others do, but there is no way we can know which jobs deploy over others. If a Soldier stays in for a career, he or she will probably deploy at some time, based on the needs of the Army. Not all deployments are to combat; there are deployments to many areas of the world that do not necessarily involve armed conflict. 10. When do you see the Army leaving Iraq? The President has stated we will stay in Iraq until the Iraqis are able to maintain their nation's stability on their own. The Army will stay until the President orders otherwise. 11. Are all Soldiers required to fight? Although some Army occupations are not typically engaged in fighting, every Soldier receives basic combat skills training. In today's types of military engagements, there are no "front lines," and every Soldier must be ready to defend himself/herself and his/her fellow Soldiers. Even medical personnel are trained to defend themselves and their file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (2 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

3 patients, if required. 12. Do female Soldiers have to fight/deploy? Current Army policy is such that females are not be put into ground "fighting" units that would typically engage in direct combat with the enemy. They are properly trained in support units to react to limited threats. They can't deploy in a ground combat arms position, but they can and do deploy in positions that support combat arms units. 13. How much money does a Soldier get while deployed in war as opposed to those who are not there? Soldiers deployed to a combat zone receive many tax-free benefits. Pay for enlisted Soldiers earned in a combat zone is tax-free. Additionally Soldiers deployed may earn hazardous duty pay, family separation pay (if married), and combat pay. Together, these entitlements often increase the Soldier's take-home pay by $800 or more per month. 14. Can you promise me that my family member will not be harmed if he or she joins the Army? I cannot guarantee you that, I can only guarantee they will receive the best training, the best equipment, and the best leadership in the best Army in the world. The Army takes care of its Soldiers. 15. Why should I let my family member fight someone else's war? The events of September 11 th, 2001 changed the entire world. Serving in the military, either at home or deployed, helps protect the United States and guard the freedom we all treasure. Our nation is at war. 16. How can my family member do what you do (serve as a recruiter) as opposed to going to war? They have to serve several years before they can volunteer to become a recruiter; this is not an entry-level position. 17. How often can I talk to my family member if they go to war? With modern technology such as the Internet and cell phones, it is possible that you can talk with your family member frequently; however it is impossible to say precisely how often. 18. Is the Army all about killing? Soldiers take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. The Army is not about killing anyone, it file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (3 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

4 is about supporting the United States, and when necessary, defending it at home and abroad. 19. Are African Americans and Hispanics over-represented in the Army? Do you specifically target them in your recruiting efforts? Are they paying a bigger price in terms of death and injury? Compared to their representation in American youth, African-Americans are slightly overrepresented in the Army. African-American youth represent 14% of American youth but are 16% of annual Regular Army accessions. Compared to their representation in American youth, Hispanics are slightly under-represented in the Army. Hispanic youth represent 14% of American youth but are 12% of annual Regular Army accessions. There is no evidence that African-American or Hispanic Soldiers are more likely to become casualties. Although the Army does develop advertising tailored for the General market, African-American market, and Hispanic market, recruiters do not target any specific racial or ethnic group over any other. All qualified applicants are actively recruited and encouraged to join the Army, regardless of race or ethnicity. 20. Are people from the lower economic classes over-represented in the Army? Do you specifically target them in your recruiting efforts? Are they paying a bigger price in terms of death and injury? People from lower economic classes are not over-represented in the Army. The Army recruits from all walks of life and all levels of American society. On average, new Army Soldiers come from households with median incomes quite similar to the U.S. median household income of $43,300. The Army does not target specific economic groups. The tangible and intangible benefits of Army service, such as competitive pay, excellent benefits, significant cash bonuses, money for education, service to nation, and developing leadership skills are available to all qualified applicants and appeal to a crosssection of American youth. There is no evidence Soldiers from any specific economic background are more likely to become casualties. 21. Are people from small towns over represented in the Army? Do you specifically target them in your recruiting efforts? Are they paying a bigger price in terms of death and injury? Youth from rural areas are slightly more likely to join the Army than youth from more urban areas. As already stated, the Army recruits from all walks of life and all levels of American society. Traditionally, the Army has had more success recruiting in the Southern United States and in rural areas, but the Army does not specifically target youth from these areas. Again, the benefits of Army service are available to all qualified applicants and appeal to American youth from rural, suburban, and urban backgrounds. There is no evidence Soldiers from any specific size of town or rural area are more likely file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (4 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

5 to become casualties. 22. Why do recruiters need lists of high school and college students? Recruiters must contact as many potential applicants as possible in order to introduce themselves and talk with them about what the Army and the Army Reserve have to offer them in terms of service to country and tangible and intangible benefits. Our prime target audience is people between 17 and 24 years old, and both these student groups fall within that market. 23. Why do high schools have to release student directory information to the military services? This is required by the Solomon Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which were enacted by the U.S. Congress. 24. Why must parents ask schools that their student's information not be released? Why isn't it the other way around and they would have to "opt in"? The Solomon Act specifies that they have to opt out. Safety 25. How safe is it to be in the Army now, when it's deployed? There are inherent risks associated with being a member of the armed forces. As an Army, we know and understand these risks and are proactive in developing measures to better equip and protect our Soldiers as they train for deployment. Weapon immersion training, convoy live fire, improved body armor, up-armored vehicles, and remotelyoperated equipment are just a few of the developments to make our Soldiers better prepared and capable of surviving an attack. We use information gathered from the field of operation as lessons learned to develop new and innovative equipment to ensure that our Soldiers are protected and safe. We are dealing with an enemy that deploys various tactics to inflict harm, but we are just as vigilant in countering those tactics; thereby, taking care of our own. We are committed to doing all we can to protect and bring your loved ones back alive and well. Safety of Other Services 26. Why should my child enlist in the Army as opposed to other safer Branches of Service (Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard)? Isn't the Air Force or Navy a safer choice of service? There are risks in serving in any branch of DOD. There are different missions, challenges, and benefits. While it is true that the Army is more involved in ground file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (5 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

6 combat than say, the Air Force, there are jobs in all services that are hazardous. It is not a competition; it is a team effort. The Army offers many jobs, skills, training, and opportunities that are only available in the Army. Training 27. Is basic training difficult and will my child make it? Yes, and yes. Basic training will be rigorous and realistic. Once your child enlists in the Army, and prior to reporting to basic training, he or she will participate in the Future Soldier Training Program. In this program, we work with them on a physical training program and work on common Soldier tasks to ensure your child is set up for success when he or she ships to basic training. 28. What is basic training really like? Basic training teaches core values that will help you for the rest of your life. You will have daily physical fitness exercises, inspections, training in military customs, drill and ceremony, and many other courses to help you learn first aid, etc. This training will help you throughout your life in and out of the Army. We have a video you can watch, which is very realistic and actually shows Soldiers going through Army basic training. Assignment / Job Guarantees 29. Can you guarantee that if my child enlists into the Army, they will do the job they were trained to do and not do another job that the Army deems necessary? Everyone who enlists in the Army is given a written guarantee that they will receive training in the military occupational specialty for which they've enlisted. Soldiers can expect to receive an assignment in that military skill. However, there are many other additional duties along with their specific job. And based on the needs of the Army, they can be tasked to do additional duties as a Soldier, i.e., Armor, HAZMAT, mail clerk, etc. 30. Is the job I enlist for the actual job I will do, and can I change it if I don't like it? Yes. In most cases, as long as you successfully complete training in the military occupational specialty you enlisted for, you will be assigned in that job. During your military service, you may request to change jobs and be trained in a new one. Requests are granted based on the needs of the service. 31. Can I have a specific job? Yes, if you are qualified and a vacancy and training seat exists. 32. What kind of job will they get? file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (6 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

7 It depends on their qualifications, and may be affected by whether they are primarily motivated by job selection as opposed to enlistment bonuses, educational incentives, unit of choice, etc. 33. Can you guarantee my son/daughter a specific job, and what proof do you have? Yes, we guarantee the specific military occupational specialty in which they will be trained. It is in writing in their enlistment contract. 34. Are all the training incentives/benefits guaranteed? What guarantees does a recruit have? All the terms of the enlistment are contained in the enlistment contract. 35. Can you guarantee an assignment? Yes, if you are qualified for the assignment and a vacancy exists, this can be worked out at the time of enlistment. 36. Can I pick where I get stationed? Yes, if you are qualified for the assignment and a vacancy exists at the location, it can be worked out at the time of enlistment. 37. Can my family member be guaranteed to be stationed at an installation close to home for the tenure of their obligation? If your family member qualifies for and chooses the Army's guaranteed station of choice option, he or she can be stationed near home after initial training for the first 12 months of their enlistment. Army state-side assignments are usually two years or more, if married. So, if your family member were to enlist for three years, it is possible. However, if his or her unit deploys, he or she could be stationed away from the installation during the deployment. 38. Will my husband/wife be stationed with me? (Ref Dual Military) That will depend on the needs of the Army. Generally speaking, the Army tries to station you together under the Married Army Couples Program, but there is no guarantee. Military Draft 39. Are they going to start the draft? No, neither the Department of the Army nor DOD sees a need for a draft at this time. In any case, it would take Congressional legislation to reinstate the draft. file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (7 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

8 Education Benefits 40. If my son or daughter joins the Reserve and goes to college using their tuition benefit, can they be pulled out of college to deploy? And if so, will they get credit from courses they pull out of? Yes, they can be pulled out of college to deploy, but most units know when they are deploying well ahead of their deployment date so they should have time to prepare for this. Individuals are sometimes deployed in advance of units or are asked to deploy with less notice, but usually, the unit asks for volunteers first and again, the Soldier should have time to withdraw from college. Colleges control the withdrawal and credit status for all their students; however, a Soldier who is deploying should explain his/her situation to his professors and see if he or she can get an exception so that withdrawal doesn't count against his or her credits or grades. Recruiting Improprieties 41. How has media coverage about recruiter improprieties affected your efforts in recruiting? Media coverage of some allegations against a few recruiters has not affected our ability to recruit. The vast majority of recruiters recruit with the utmost professionalism, performing their duties in accordance with the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. We work hard to maintain the trust that America places in us. Miscellaneous 42. Since my child has no spouse or children, do the parents receive any benefits? The benefits are mainly for the service member. In the event a parent becomes physically/mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself to the extent that he/she is considered to be a dependant of that Soldier, the Soldier may be able to get certain benefits for that parent under the Soldier s care. 43. Where will we live? Tell about Govt. Quarters and explain VHA and BAS. 44. Will they be able to come home and when? Explain the leave and pass policies. Also, let parents know that they can visit them at their duty stations. file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (8 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM

9 45. If I change my mind, do I still have to ship? We tell them and show them in the regulation where a recruiter cannot force them to ship. But we go back over why they re joining in the first place and the benefits. 46. Why did my recruiter tell me that I can get this and that and now you're telling me this? We explain that the recruiter knows the jobs, but not the availability and training seats for those jobs. 47. How long must my son or daughter serve in the Army? Currently, there are active Army 15-month plus training, 2-year plus training, 3, 4, 5, or 6- year enlistments. They are based on availability and the needs of the Army. All jobs have minimum enlistment periods. In some cases you can actually choose the number of years you want to serve. We'll analyze the jobs your child wants and qualifies for to determine the enlistment options that best suit his or her needs. 48. Isn't it true that minorities in the Army are put into more dangerous positions? That is totally false. Equal opportunity in the Army is thoroughly enforced. 49. How much does Army life insurance pay out? The maximum benefit now stands at $250,000 and costs under $20 a month. [NOTE: Effective 1 September 2005, SGLI automatically increases to a maximum of $400,000.]. 50. Will I be able to travel and reside with my spouse while he or she is in the Army? Yes, in most cases during normal tours of duty. However, there are some hardship tours where you would not be able to travel and reside with your spouse. file:///users/tozzi/desktop/faq%2050% htm (9 of 9)2/3/06 12:52 PM