How does CA and PSYOP differ in Active Duty vs Reserves?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 14:01:22 -0500

A little bit about myself. I am a 42B and a 1LT (promoted 2019MAR) and I am in the Army Reserves I also studied International Relations in college hence why I am looking into the two options. I have spoken to individuals that shared with me their experiance with working in the active side of the army and I have heard nothing but positive things. I am not sure if its a common misconception but many have also told me its easier to switch components once you tap into these communities that fall under SOCOM (I want to do both) here is the last e-mail I received from a career counselor in regards to my question.

"If you want to switch to AC you will have to look into CAD to see which branches they’re currently accepting packets for. From there you will work through the conditional release with your chain of command. If you’re wanting to go PO you will need to find a unit and they will send you to CCC. Upon the completion of CCC they can submit you for a branch transfer. It is ultimately up to you what COA you decide but say you’re eligible for CAD now you’d be applying under your current branch not PO.

My main piece of advice would be to figure out exactly what you want to do as far as what branch you want and if you want to go AC. But whatever you decide I don’t advise changing components around your time for promotion as things tend to get lost in the sauce when officers do that. "

Any piece of advice is much appreciated. Thank You

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 10 at 2020 3:33 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:33:05 -0500

You do need to make up your mind for sure, and quick! Also, going from the Reserve Component (RC) to Regular Army (RA) as either CA or PO is not a walk in the park. Yes, the branch proponent is the same. However, in the RA there is an assessment and selection requirement. Not the case for RC. You could be a graduate from a RC course, qualified with a few missions under your belt; RA could technically tell you “No Go at this station!”. Just because the lack of A&S and the RA Qualification Course (CA/PO).

So, if you really want to go RA, my best guess is to go under your current branch, then work your way around as you see fit. If DA lets you!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2020 4:21 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:21:20 -0500

There's a lot going in this.
To be a 37 or 38A you must pass Selection, so you can't just transfer in via CAD. You can CAD now as a 42, then go to Selection when your YG opens and hopefully get Selected. I'm not sure for the O side but on the E side - both branches will accept a 37/38 NCO. They push up a 368 Conditional Release whereby the condition is getting Selected. So if Selected, they are Released to AD to complete any required training (language, SOF Skills, and CULEX), and if not Selected they return to their Reserve unit.
Time is not on your side here, so you need to work fast. Both on deciding to pull the trigger as well as which trigger to pull - CA or PO.