How’s life in Civil Affairs?

2019-07-21T18:05:52-04:00

I would like to know how’s the Civil affairs community. The specific subjects would be Promotion rates, lifestyle, schools opportunities & opportunities for the families. I will be going to selection in November. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 21 at 2019 9:43 PM

2019-07-21T21:43:50-04:00

Check out the 38B group page. There's already a lot of good info in there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2019 1:56 PM

2019-07-22T13:56:06-04:00

Every NCO and officer I've ever met that has ever been or currently is in CA has told me it's the best job they've ever had, and they love what they do. Fast track promotions to a point, just like with anything, but great for a career.

Response by PO2 Joseph Bender made Jul 22 at 2019 4:04 PM

2019-07-22T16:04:52-04:00

There are many opportunities in Engineering. Maryland has a lot of Engineering opportunities. My advancements were fast, but that does not mean yours will be. Utilize your Military training and leadership to get recognized, and keep your eyes open, ears tuned, and go to as many training sessions that are available at local colleges. I went from volunteer to Lead Engineer in just 2 years. I am retired now, so you should look into this seriously and keep in mind this is a serious career.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 9:18 PM

2019-07-29T21:18:21-04:00

I am the BDE CSM of a reserve CA organization, which puts us on the CF side of the house. While we often support SOF units on our deployments, USARC does not like it. Promotions are fairly consistent and timely, it's NCOES schools and seats we have problems getting. There are not enough DMOSQ courses to support our needs so this affects the promotions due to the STEP process. Train aheads to NCOES is virtually non-existant. Other than that and depending on which CACOM you would be assigned to (as a Reservist), we deploy on shirt tours every 6 to 9 months. AC CA (SOF) will deploy often as well but for 60-90 days, as I understand it. I was a 19D prior and wish I would have known about CA when I enlisted. Love it!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2019 1:46 AM

2019-08-30T01:46:30-04:00

I'm going to this class as well, I hope we both make it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-08-30T21:54:53-04:00

Civil Affairs is still the army, there are going to be awesome days and days you hate. Just less days you hate, better gear and better benefits. Promotion is automatic to E6 within six months of graduation. Promotion to E7 is competitive but we are picking up about 40-45% each year. This could all change though under the new promotion system. No idea how that will play out yet. School opportunities are awesome, but finding time can be challenging as we deploy 6 out of every 18 months, although that is changing to a 6 out of 24 so that should help there. Final note, active CA is way different than reserve CA...I have served in both.

Response by SFC Jeffery Hodgkinson made Sep 7 at 2019 6:55 PM

2019-09-07T18:55:02-04:00

Its political, you have to work with civilian's and maneuver commands. The best way to put it is "Civil Affairs" is the peace Corp of t the e army.