On job application, an open hiring position; would it be wise/unwise to put down a start date 6 months out?

Currently employed by company A. Must deploy for 6 months then on return wish to go to work for company B. Appling to company B for position very well qualified for that hires frequently for said position. Wise or unwise to apply now but put available date that is 6 months away (to fulfill obligations to current employee). Will this turn off prospective employer? Or will it get me in the door for my return?|||Not a good idea. You should put down two weeks. This gives you time to give your current employer the required two week notice. If you need more than two weeks then put that down. If you put something like six months down why do you think the hiring company would wait for you? I think a person would put six months down only if he really didn't want the job.|||Don't bother applying until you're down to at most 2 months left. If employers have positions open they need qualified people to fill them now. Not available for 6 months will put you in the discard bin (or filed away likely to get lost in the 'didn't quite make the cut' pile they only occasionally go through)