[L0j1k]

Honesty is the best policy. While it's reasonable that you can't expect an employer to "price" you to include those years of experience that are now gone, any employer that treats you badly or as though you were smoking weed on your couch for those four years is an employer you do not want to work for in the first place. If you are as dedicated, honest, and hard-working as you say, you'll be a desirable hire regardless of your circumstances. Also, don't let this situation eat you up: I lost six years of development experience to infantry combat deployments that I could not avoid. That's not fair, but life's not fair. If you treat this like a challenge instead of a detriment, you will be a stronger and better person than the next guy (or gal). Chin up, and best of luck to you. :)

[Tabula_Rasa]

Thanks for the support :) It sounds like you were able to get back into things after the deployment then?

[L0j1k]

Yes, certainly, though I must mention that things were never quite "back to normal" after all that time over there. I've resigned myself to probably always being affected by those tours in some form or another. But again, I'm stronger through courage, perseverance and force of will than almost anyone I know (excepting naturally tough people who have seen more than their share of life challenges -- such as other veterans, or you, five years from now). I firmly stand behind the adage that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. :)