How possible is it to transfer from Reserves Enlisted 38B to Officer 38A?

2020-09-11T13:45:42-04:00

Hello,

I am working with a recruiter to join the Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Specialist E-4. I have a college degree and am anticipating earning my Masters in International Affairs. I am joining the Reserves specifically to be in Civil Affairs and it is only possible to join Civil Affairs immediately as Enlisted. In the long term I would like to transfer to become an Officer in Civil Affairs. Does anyone know if it is even remotely feasible to transfer from CA Enlisted Reserves to CA Officer Reserves? I know generally, CA Officers are either O-2 or O-3 so it seems unlikely the jump from CA Enlisted to CA Officer.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 2:18 PM

2020-09-11T14:18:52-04:00

There are two ways to do what you are asking.
1. Commission as a officer through ROTC or another commissioning source, than attend CAQC once you've completed BOLC as whatever branch you are. You can't directly commission to 38A as it is not an accession branch.
2. Commission as an officer as I mention above, then receive the 38G (CA Functional Specialty) branch through having the right education and work background.

Option one is the more well travelled method, but I have seen three or four officers go the 38G route.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-09-11T14:45:53-04:00

Once in the reserves you should be able to put a packet in for officer, there should be an NCO at the higher who handles these and will guide you thru it, you may want to talk to your commander they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Sep 11 at 2020 3:02 PM

2020-09-11T15:02:07-04:00

Probably the best way for you to gain that commission is to go for a direct commissioning board. There are career counselors that specialize in getting candidates identified in order to convene boards especially in the reserves. Part of the packet includes getting letters of recommendation from Officers or others commenting on your potential to receive a direct appointment. Since Civil Affairs isn’t considered a basic branch that a 2LT would start in you might need to start in another branch like AG then after your branched you can go to CA. Hope that helps

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-09-11T19:25:11-04:00

Like LTC John Mohor stated you cannot go straight into Civil Affairs as an officer. You first need to become a qualified officer in another branch then apply to become Civil Affairs again later. Below a link to see the qualifications but three big items are:
Be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance under provisions of AR 380-67
Be a First Lieutenant or Captain in a targeted year group
Possess a baccalaureate degree

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/special-operations/civil-affairs/civil-affairs-req.html

Civil Affairs Requirements

Learn about the requirements to becoming a Civil Affairs Soldier.