Hey all, so I'm currently a high school junior considering different paths after graduation and one of the leading options is the military. However, I know deployments can take soldiers away from home for extended periods of time - does anyone know which branch of the military tends to have the longest deployments? Would really help me gauge what I'm potentially signing up for. Thanks!
Absolutely, it's a good idea to have all the facts before making such an important decision. Typically, the branch of the U.S. Military with the longest deployments is often considered to be the Navy. These deployments can last up to a year, but the average length is approximately seven to nine months.
On the other hand, Army deployments usually last about nine months, and Marine Corps deployments typically stay within 7-8 months. Keep in mind, though, that deployment lengths can fluctuate and change based on the needs and operational tempos of each branch.
However, remember that serving in the military is more than just the time you spend on deployments. There's also the basic training, career/technical training, and the potential for non-deployment assignments elsewhere. You’ll also want to consider the type of work you want to do in the military and where you want to be stationed, as some military jobs may have different average deployment times than others.
And of course, before joining any branch of the military, it's important to consider factors beyond just deployment length, such as lifestyle, job opportunities, and benefits. Consider what branch of service aligns with your personal and professional goals, as well as your values. It's also a good idea to reach out to a recruiter, who can provide more tailored advice based on your specific questions and concerns.
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