So in the coming months, I've got a military deployment coming up that is going to be keeping me busy. As it stands, according to our information, we will have plenty of downtime. So I'm stock piling things to keep myself amused/entertained when not soldiering or working or talking to my family.

One thing I am curious about is the aspect of gaming. I know guys play actual video games overseas, but what about our hobby? I know of at least two gaming groups in our little battalion, but I was looking to see if any of my service member Dumpshock companions have any experience with deployed gaming?

That would depend, I suppose on the specifics of where you are. If your on one of those Super-FOBs or Point of Entry airfields, I'm sure you could find something if you look hard enough. If your one of the last force pro elements out at base scheduled for closure, probably not. Then again, I've always been exceedingly busy and haven't looked.

Also, those mega bases typically have a local internet vendor who will sell you service at a slightly absurd price for what you get, so you could get your fix via internet games. Once again, if you are not at an uber-base, chances are your only non-work-walled internet access would be the MWR and they tend to get crowded and usually have time limits.

That said, I have never seen a deployment of a line unit where you would have time or the expectation of stability enough to maintain anything like a schedule if you couldn't find it in your own little family. If your hanging out in staff land or are a support unit, you might have some better luck, especially with the internet option.

From the sounds of it, it's a peaceful zone with all the bells and whistles. In all honesty, I am a pog, and from the word we've received, even the line units aren't doing much of anything. My immediate section doesn't strike me as the type for gaming, but like I said, I'd already identified 2 different groups in the battalion itself who are gamers (so at least around 10 people isn't bad that's going).

Not going to lie, not a big fan of the Skype/PbP style of gaming, but that's why I haven't dug into SR:Returns fully yet. The wait is driving me mad, but it'll be good when the time comes for that.

What he said.

If you are like Air Force working in fuels or air crew or something else in the rear (like computers), you probably can find a game or start one and find players and have enough downtime to game.

I'm Army S-1. So I am a staff monkey, but I can only think of a few other gamers in other staff shops.

My sugestion is to pick content that is modular like Missions or PFS and not a long running campagn so that players can drift in and out easyer.

S1? I would say focus on either ALOC or TOC staff, HHC guys on regular details like BDOC or interior guard/shit truck escort.These guys will likely have steadier schedules than people like mechanics, line guys, or anyone else who is effectively "on call" even if they're just doing force pro.