Deployments are essentially unavoidable for a military-trained general surgeon. They can be a source of significant stress and professional pride. The key to avoiding the pitfalls of deployment is to maintain a positive attitude, which can be challenging at times. Achieving the appropriate mindset, allowing yourself some comforts of home, making efforts to clinically integrate and teach your team, focusing on personal and professional health, and having fun are important factors that will contribute to a fulfilling and successful deployment.