Deploying for the First Time
BY , MSN, RN, CCM
I had the opportunity to interview a female Army Soldier who commissioned into the Army, underwent short training, and was sent to Active Duty. I was able to ask her some questions about her first deployment and about being the only female in her platoon. This is her lived experience.
What did you do to prepare for deployment mentally and physically?
Personally, my dive into Active Duty, Army, and deployment was so quick that I just had to make things happen. While in Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), I had the luxury of a heads-up about the deployment to prepare mentally. Preparing myself physically involved simply packing everything I might need and want that could fit in my bags. The best advice I was given that eliminated a lot of my stress was to be a little selfish and take care of myself first.
What has been the biggest thing you have learned through deployment?
Be assertive of your choices and give specific intentions for the outcome you expect. Not being wishy-washy goes a long way toward earning the respect and trust of your Soldiers and colleagues.
- Make sure you get the credit for what you accomplish. People will try to take that credit for themselves and not acknowledge your contribution. However, recognize that sometimes a win is a win, no matter how it happens.
- Deployment gives you so much time to work on yourself. Most people take advantage of setting better physical training habits, so going to the gym is a must. It’s not only great for your mental and physical health, but also for your social health in getting to know people outside of work. It helps establish friendships and build memories.
What do you wish you had known about deploying for the first time that you would share with someone else?
It’s better to have something and not need it than need it and not have it. Everyone regrets not bringing or buying comfort items. When you’re working every day for 9 months straight, it pays off to indulge in the comfort items for your well-being. For clothes, bring at least one item of everything, including sweatpants and sweatshirts. It does get cold, or at least cold to you, once your body acclimates. Also, invest in a mattress pad and a good pillow because the beds are not comfortable.
We are fortunate enough that Amazon Prime and USPS ship to APO locations, but check the customs rules and regulations. Some items that can’t be ordered from a website can be shipped by family or friends at home. There are organizations that send care packages to deployed Soldiers and platoons, so make sure your people without support have what they need. You can also ship your belongings home via USPS, so definitely take advantage of that. Seriously, if you want a list of what Service Members actually used on deployment, then ask!
What is it like being the only female in your unite? What would you tell other women in your position?
I could talk your ear off for hours about what it’s like to be a female in the Army, let alone the only female in my platoon, while deployed. Being an officer, I had to figure a lot out for myself because no one is expected to help you the way that your NCOs help out Junior Soldiers. Don’t feel that your NCOs can’t help you, too, though, because they are your greatest asset.
Honestly, just keep to yourself and avoid the drama. Realize that being deployed with few females means figuring things out for yourself. The good part about that is I learned to trim my own hair because there was only a barber for the males. Also, I improved my sewing skills because so many people asked me to repair their uniform rips and buttons.
Also, just be unapologetically BADASS!
What are the hardest things about being away from your family and culture?
I was unfortunate enough to deploy at a time when I missed literally every holiday. Holidays were so big for me growing up and still are into adulthood that I struggled the most knowing I can’t be home with my family. I made do with traditions to keep myself sane and to call my family on my iPad, but it doesn’t beat being physically present.
Also, the culture shock of not only the people but also the terrain is wild. Looking outside and not seeing a single tree or speck of green makes you really appreciate even allergy season. What I’d give to walk outside and not smell gross air!
Just for fun, what foods or drinks do you miss when you’re away from home?
Really, it’s just the access to stores and food that I miss the most. The DFAC, PX, Cafe, and/or Market hours (all depending on your site) were set in stone, so if I wanted something specific, I had to get used to not getting it or waiting weeks for it to arrive. Mail was inconsistent, so I always had to think a month or longer in advance to order necessities and wants. I could get most things from Amazon, but ordering and cooking fresh food was not necessarily available at my site. People in the U.S. don’t realize the convenience we have back home.
What have you done to protect your psychological safety, being so far away and not having other females to relate to?
Don’t put yourself into situations that could get you hurt relative to SHARP or EO. Also, if there are issues, address them and report them. You have ways to protect yourself. For me, I’m independent and STAYED professional. As a female officer, my Soldiers know the line not to cross and are very respectful. I’m not one to mess with anyone, so people know better right off the bat.
Considering the Army is a profession, don’t forget to be a human, and not just the rank. My goal is for my Soldiers not just to respect rank, but also to respect me as a person. I’ve been told that my NCOs and I are approachable and personable, so if there’s an issue or problem of any kind, they will talk to us. Being empathetic and kind will get you a long way because it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.
Is There something else you want to mention about your first deployment that could help someone else?
I asked my Soldiers this question, and the same response is that there’s nothing to sugarcoat. It doesn’t matter the time or distance. Truly, you can’t prepare for the ride because every deployment is different.
Importantly, families need to check in with their Soldiers, and Soldiers need to check in with their families. We get comfortable out here, and it just becomes another day, but a Soldier’s family, spouses, and friends are always worried they may not see their Soldier again. Everyone is waiting for the moment you land in America safely and for that great big embrace. There’s nothing you will look forward to more!
Conclusion
Thank you for your service and your commitment to the United States of America. Stay safe. I know your family looks forward to the big embrace upon your arrival home.
Michelle Brusio, MSN, RN, CCM, has been an RN for twenty-six years and in case management for twenty. She is currently the Clinical Manager for Population Health, Care Transformation Organization and Primary Care at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. Michelle has experience in acute care, payer, primary care, and outpatient case management. Michelle serves on several local committees in Harford County, Maryland. Michelle also serves on several CMSA national committees. On a personal note, Michelle is a fierce allergy mom and advocate, and volunteers with her certified pet therapy dog, Gunnar Henderson.
