How do you Become a 38G CA Functional Specialist?

I think that depends on whether the experience involves Government type work. Probably not going to get credit if you are a Personal Injury lawyer. Only way to know for sure is to apply for the board. Of course, I would say your first step should be to apply for a commission as a JAG officer.

Thank you Sir, I am still a law student looking at future career opportunities. My only fear is that if I am not selected I would then be in the JAG Corps without an avenue to return to Psyop or CA

Sorry, SGT Pasquale, no progress on that yet. I keep pushing for it because we have so many highly educated enlisted in the USAR and particularly in CA. Of course, my CSM gives me dirty looks because he wants all you smart guys to be smart Senior NCOs!

p.s. Have you looked into applying for OCS?

Sir, my age prohibits that path. I am eligible for 72D (AMEDD) with an age waiver, but I would likely be a loss from CAPOC using that path. I might also be eligible for warrant (with age waiver), but may be a loss to CA as well. I was hoping that 38G, given it's specialty focus would be like 72D or other AMEDD officers and offer opportunities for older soldiers.

SFC(P) (Join to see) - If we can make you into pretty much any kind of officer, we can then transfer you over to 38G. If you think 72D is possible, I highly encourage you to go for a direct commission and then we'll go forward from there. Have had other 72Ds get approved for 38G.

Omar, sorry not yet. It depends on AMEDD's cooperation to be part of the program. Same with JAG.

Thank you for the prompt reply, Sir. Would your recommendation be to submit my 38G packet for the next board? And, once the additional skill identifiers are approved, how difficult would it be to switch identifiers?

John, yes, I would advocate two packets. Alternatively, you could do one packet now and another if needed because you wanted a different slot. Note that there is a Public Safety Officer in each CA Company, while the Civilian Supply Officer only exists at Battalion HQ and higher. I would advise you to try for the company level position since it will be a lot more fun and developmental for a junior officer.

Sir which ones are at Company level versus the battalion level? Just curious.BG (Join to see) -

1LT (Join to see) - Each company has a Public Works Officer and a Public Safety Officer. The battalion also has one each and a Civil Supply Officer (think economics). All other types of 38G are found at Brigade and higher.

Malik, no. Submit to the board and get qualified as a 38G. You do not automatically switch over to 38G, but retain your original branch. You must submit a 4187 to make 38G your primary, so just don't take that step until you need to (after the bonus period). You have a while until you will be at a Bde. or CACOM filling a 38G position.

BG (Join to see) - Roger thanks Sir I will get my packet together

If I was you, I would not rush to be 38G if you already have the ASI. Until it gets fully implemented you are good to go along either track as the 38A. Take your time.

Bob,
Think of 38G a bit like a Warrant Officer. An officer with specialized knowledge that is focused on providing that expertise and not commanding troops. A 38G will always be in a CMOC working on plans, advising commanders, etc. A 38A is going to be the team leader or company commander. Both are likely to be deployed, but 38Gs less so. There are only two 38G positions at company level (public works/ public safety). Unless a battalion were deploying, 38Gs would be unlikely to go downrange. Finance positions are only found at brigade and CACOM levels.

Sir,
Roger , and thanks for your input.

Bob Olness

Yes, you just need to submit a DA 4187 through your chain to SWCS to add 38G.

I know I have at least one officer going in front of this board and hopefully a few more got their packets in as well. I had two officers from the first board (Sep 15) make it. Our AAR was that you need to show the OTJ experience as well as the education.

I will be sitting on the board taking place tomorrow and will be happy to post the results (minus PII)