Posted on Jan 15, 2018
Ask the ARSOF recruiter: What are your 38B Civil Affairs questions?
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For Active Duty Soldiers (officer and enlisted) interested in Civil Affairs as a career option, what is CA, how do I apply, what is the unit like, what are missions like, what schools, etc...
Posted in these groups: 95th CA BDE
Civil Affairs
38B: Civil Affairs Specialist
38A: Civil Affairs Officer
Civil Affairs 38B: Civil Affairs Specialist 38A: Civil Affairs Officer
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
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Re-classed to CA back in 2011, and its a great MOS to travel as well as get to know the population you are working with. Endless opportunities as an Enlisted or Officer.
I was in Belize last year, but we also support ARSOUTH: Chile, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, etc.
My Civil Affairs Team is currently supporting "Beyond The Horizons - El Salvador" until mid August 2018.
"New Horizons" has kicked off and it is currently in operation mode in Panama.
Both Missions have a Facebook page and Twitter page
I was in Belize last year, but we also support ARSOUTH: Chile, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, etc.
My Civil Affairs Team is currently supporting "Beyond The Horizons - El Salvador" until mid August 2018.
"New Horizons" has kicked off and it is currently in operation mode in Panama.
Both Missions have a Facebook page and Twitter page
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I know I’m only a PVT2, but I speak Arabic fluently in 6 dialects, took the DLPT and scored a +2 and above on all of them. I took 2 OPI tests and also scored a +2. I’m also a native speaker and grew up in the Middle East. I know a lot about the the cultures and regions. Would this help me at all if I decide to actually go into CA?
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CW2 (Join to see)
That would definitely help you, stay current in every dialect you can - always be current DLPT, take your DLAB now, it doesnt expire. You can have your packet ready and the day you pin E4 can send it up.
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So on the reserve side I do not need to attend CAAS? I'm downrange and it's a reenlistment option but I'm not sure how the training pipeline is in the Reserves. Do you have any knowledge or experience with that? I'm trying to see if I should anticipate being gone for the 44 week training cycle as the Active component or any info on how the reserves conduct theirs. Do they also get language training? Sorry for all the questions.
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SSG (Join to see)
CW2 (Join to see) thank you for your response. One last question. Being the bulk of Army CA forces, would you say in your opinion I'd have a good shot at deployments and overseas assignments as a reservist?
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1SG (Join to see)
CW2 (Join to see), SSG (Join to see) - Assuming you meet ASVAB score, security clearance, and physical requirements, getting qualified is pretty straightforward. CA reclass is a 28-day course. Without getting in the weeds, it consists of roughly two weeks of classroom to inculcate doctrine and such, followed by a dozen days or so of practical exercise on lanes and in the local community.
As for language training, it is optional and encouraged. Reserve CA units get far more DLI slots than they have willing and qualified participants, so if you are interested in language opportunities, they are certainly available. Each unit has different core languages - mine has Arabic, Russian, Persian-Farsi, and French - and those schools are available as each cycle comes open out in Monterrey.
It is a very interesting field with a ton of opportunities to make a real difference. I have very much enjoyed it for the 17-odd years that I have been at it.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
As for language training, it is optional and encouraged. Reserve CA units get far more DLI slots than they have willing and qualified participants, so if you are interested in language opportunities, they are certainly available. Each unit has different core languages - mine has Arabic, Russian, Persian-Farsi, and French - and those schools are available as each cycle comes open out in Monterrey.
It is a very interesting field with a ton of opportunities to make a real difference. I have very much enjoyed it for the 17-odd years that I have been at it.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
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SSG (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) thank you so much! Between you and SFC Carroll I think I have answers to all my questions. Monterey would be nice and is only a few hours away from me. I spoke with my RCCC today, I meet those requirements but my ASVAB scores weren't updated in the system so he had to send the memo with my new line scores up and hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to sign the contract. I really look forward to this career path. I know it will help me on the Army side as I know it's one of those careers with a true worldwide meaning and sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as helping me in the civilian world. Again, thank you two so much for your replies.
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