[USMC Chuter]

You were told correctly.. The 1st Bn (Abn) of the 509th Infantry is an "opposing force" for readiness exercises at Ft. Polk. The chances of that unit deploying are slim to none. If deploying means that much to you, you can try your luck at requesting a change of orders to someone with a high op-tempo, such as the 82nd or one of the Ranger Bns.. The thing to remember is, you could just as easily be transferred to a unit that just returned from overseas, in which case you'll go into a garisson and training lifestyle anyway. In my opinion, your best bet is to take whatever orders you get and make the most of it. If you want to go downrange in a couple years, I'm sure that the opportunity will still be there. Only then you'll be more prepared.