It’s your turn: Surviving and Thriving while Fulfilling your Deployment Requirement in the US Military
By Rob Wantowski - O2X Lead Instructor
Prior to offering advice on deployments and tips for thriving in the field, I personally experienced this life for over 30 years.
I’ve deployed for both purpose and presence. I’ve deployed to Combat Zones as well as Europe, Middle East and the Pacific Rim with durations varying between 90-285 Days.
Whether your deployment is in a Combat Zone or Singapore, short or long in duration; you need a plan to succeed mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Assuming you and your Team have completed all the required training, maintenance, equipment and administrative requirements.
All systems are at their highest state of readiness…. are you?
Pre-Deployment: Time to Plan
Fix yourself and then prepare your Team
Whether you’re in a leadership position of 20 or 2,000 Service Members or you’re just an individual experiencing your first deployment and want to plan for success; it all starts with you and your immediate family.
The most critical part of your preparation is ensuring your family, or you as an individual, have closed the loop on any medical, legal or administrative obligation. A lot of people have stumbled and struggled because they didn’t address or have a plan in place. As an individual, leader or mentor, it is important to “fix” yourself first.
Numerous day-to-day issues, conditions or projects can derail you before you start, if not properly planned for.
- Special Needs Dependent
- Elderly/Aging Parent
- Ongoing “Home Projects”
- Marital Issues
These are just a few items that can prevent or derail you or your team from reaching their optimal potential. If addressed properly or you’ve established a course of action in case of… Your chances of having a more successful and less stressful deployment have greatly increased.
Individual Deployment Goals and Aspirations
Any solid individual deployment plan should incorporate a “Growth Mind-Set”. The willingness to try learning new ways to achieve Physical, Emotional or Spiritual growth will make you a better individual and Teammate.
Assuming you have a plan in place for the home front, it’s your turn to be selfish and achieve new heights for you personally.
Achieving your goals or success takes time and patience, as we say at O2X, 1% better each day. Maybe you can eat the apple in one-bite but if you can’t, incremental gains, day-by-day, lead to extraordinary results.
Is it your goal to learn a new language, finish your degree or maximize your physical fitness? Military deployments, although long, potentially arduous and the fact you are separated from your family or loved ones, can provide an unexpected amount of time for yourself once your work responsibilities are done for the day.
Military deployments are generally a well-choreographed dance; all parties understand their responsibilities and roles within the Team.
The number of opportunities and your chance to be “selfish” but constructive cannot be understated.
Whether you’re on a USN Ship/Sub or a base in the Middle East, Europe, or the Pacific Rim … you have options.
Between higher-level education opportunities on-line or in-person, language or fitness apps… you have options.
As difficult as it may sound, you can do this! Remember, you have for the most part a schedule, if it changes, flow with it and adjust individual goals to meet the demands of your deployment schedule.
Mid-Deployment: How are we doing?
Have you followed through with your plan? Are you thriving? Still struggling to get started or put your plan into action? Fear not, you have the other half of your deployment to get going.
I always made it a point to start within the first week of the deployment. This always seemed to work best. Maybe you got a little aggressive on your personal goals and are not able to execute one or more of your personal goals. Natural barriers to your success have been the downfall of many individuals.
- Mid-Deployment Burnout
- Work Schedule
- External variables/obstacles impeded your progress
As the deployment unfolds, it’s important to periodically check in with yourself and review your progress. Halfway through your rotation can be a natural milestone, a moment to pause, assess, and celebrate the “1%” wins.
Perhaps you’ve kept up with your language lessons, chipped away at coursework, or established a consistent workout regimen. Take stock of what’s working and where you might need to adjust. These mid-deployment reflections help reinforce your commitment and provide a reality check: are you moving toward your goals, or have unforeseen challenges nudged you off course? Use this checkpoint to strategize for the remainder of your deployment, knowing that even incremental effort is laying the foundation for meaningful growth.
Post-Deployment: Assessing and celebrating your 1% Wins
Those small, steady efforts add up, progress is rarely seen without some setbacks, especially amid the unpredictable tempo of deployment life. If obstacles have slowed your momentum, accept them, readjust and move forward. Maybe you need to scale back a goal for now or shift your focus to an area where progress feels more attainable. 1% growth is as much about resilience and flexibility as it is about ticking off to-do lists.
As you transition into the post-deployment phase, bring forward lessons learned and renew self-awareness. Additionally, and quite possibly the most important area for post-deployment is your re-assimilation back to your “non-deployment” routine. If you are married, in a relationship or trying to start one it is important to make 1% gains with the family unit, post-deployment. Celebrate and support your family & friends as they endured and made their own 1% gains while you were gone.
Congratulations! You established a blueprint for future deployments and opportunities to grow.
About O2X Lead Instructor Rob Wantowski :
Prior to O2X, Rob completed a 30-year career in the United States Navy as a Diving Chief Warrant Officer Five. Robert served most of his career within Naval Special Warfare at SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Vehicle Delivery Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He completed eight combat deployments along numerous sensitive activity deployments. Robert’s awards include the Bronze Star, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals along with numerous unit and campaign awards.Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.