Can I get information on Psyops, SFAS or Civil Affairs positions in SOCOM? How are they, career-wise?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 20:47:03 -0500

I was looking for a change in my career. Currently an 11B E6 and was thinking about Psyops, SFAS or Civil Affairs, in the recruiting station they tend to not just give you info so you can go home and think about the decision. I would rather come on here first for some advice, has anyone served in those positions if so how are they career wise. Infantry is nice I love it even but looking to expand my horizons any insight would be greatly appreciated thanks.

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made Jan 5 at 2020 9:45 PM

LTC Mark Beattie — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 21:45:04 -0500

If you like the lifestyle of an infantryman then I don’t think either PSYOP’s or Civil Affairs would be rewarding to you. As a former infantryman, who enjoyed the career field, I transitioned and branch transferred to Special Forces and suspect that’s the challenge and new horizon you would likely enjoy. You need to do some online research on the missions of each organization. Do that and it should help you decide which career path is for you. You may even discover you’re right where you want to be....the Infantry!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2020 11:07 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 23:07:46 -0500

SSG Porter,

Although I mostly agree with what LTC Beattie is saying, I would find the answers for yourself. In the civilian sector this is called an "informational interview", and is really quite useful.

What you need to do is identify a CA, Psyops, or other type of unit oil are thinking about branch transferring into. Go there and see if you can find someone who would be willing to sit down and talk with you... when they are available, and discuss what a 38B (CA as an example) does. The types of missions they go on. What their team consists of.

I deployed as a 38A. The history of CA and how it came to be is fascinating. Who the first CA operators were may surprise you.

If you want to know more about the branch, go talk with someone currently working in that branch. Your 11B skills and knowledge are very useful in CA and 11B are on those CA teams (typically 4 person teams), and those teams are very tight, much like an infantry team (1x 11-series, one medic, one 38B, one 38A is the typical team).

CA works with DoS, DoD, NGOs, and a plethora of other organizations.

Go talk to someone. Go talk to a SOF recruiter, not just a retention NCO. Make those connections and ask the questions.

Good luck to you.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 6 at 2020 1:18 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 01:18:16 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 3:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 03:47:06 -0500

CA dude here on 1st SFG. Hit me up anytime

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 8:25 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 08:25:00 -0500

Psyop is closed to E6, easy answer there. As for which other branch is best for you, it depends on how you want to conduct missions. Mil to mil training or government influence.
Feel free to ask questions here or message me, I'm CA