How to commission into 38G in the Reserves as a current 38B?

Nicholas Schrader — Mon, 24 May 2021 18:20:36 -0400

I am currently an E4 that just transferred into 38B from 12B (Not much communication with my new unit yet as I am a few months out from drilling with them still)

There is not a whole lot of information out there pertaining to 38G. I have heard mixed stories that you need to be an officer already to obtain this MOS, then the flip side where this is a direct commission into an officer slot. Can anyone shed some light on that and clear my mixed stories up?

I also cannot find much info as a whole as to how it differs from 38A. The best information I have found is here: https://talent.army.mil/job/civilaffairs-reserve/
However, I would love to talk to a 38G and hear about their experience in commissioning, or a 38A who has assisted them.

I will want to get locked into a 38G/4C "Civil Administration" as I have a Bachelors and a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning / Urban and Regional Planning. I have done a lot of work in cities managing code, ordinances, holding meetings with stakeholders, and pushing new policy/laws into place. My current civilian line of work is a Military Planner where I help plan/design, consolidate, and advise projects for U.S. installations around the world. I believe I can use my skillset to better the mission overseas with this MOS.

Is there anyone out there that could advise or direct me into a 38G career? I have 4 years left of my current contract, but happy to sign an extended one to achieve this career path. Other than that, I am excited to start my 38 series career.

Army Civil Affairs Officer- Reserves - U.S. Army Talent Management

The Army is looking for uniquely qualified individuals that have worked human resources departments? Do you want a challenging career in the army?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 10:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 22:42:37 -0400

I looked into this when I was a 2LT. CA blasted an email to all USAR officers. I replied back to them but I was not branch qualified at the time.

So yea you have to be full fledged branch qualified officer.

You can find historic Milper messages for 38G and see the details for yourself.

Basically the biggest hurdle is going to have a current medical across the board that is less than a year old,

Be branch qualified
Have good oers
Green across the board
Look up 38G vacancies for the specialization you can offer
Current commissioning medical less than a year old. This is just not green in medpros

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 10:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 22:52:46 -0400

I would take it a step further and look up the UIC vacancy contact info and reach out to the unit itself

38G looks like a special thing one can jump a few grades based on strength of civilian background.

All the vacancies are in RFX units so you are going to hit the ground running.

I am still toying with this idea myself and if I do I want to have my captains course behind me so I can support an appointment to a field grade position by basically having all the traditional boxes checked anyway and oh by the way I want to be the economic advisor and I have 20 years in banking and MBA/CFA etc

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 25 at 2021 2:10 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Tue, 25 May 2021 14:10:47 -0400

What you see on that particle web site is probably all you will find as the Direct Commission into 38 is fairly new.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2023 8:14 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:14:02 -0500

I submitted my ODA packet through retention. I am same with you, E4 in 88M army reserve. I applied for direct commission 38G. But I have few info about the selection process and civil affairs qualification course training after selected. Anyone who knows please tell us more details.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2023 6:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 18:50:46 -0400

https://www.usar.army.mil/Commands/Functional/USACAPOC/38G-Program/38G-Candidate-Information/#:~:text=The%2038G%2F4C%20civil%20administration,and%20standards%20for%20the%20civil

404 - File or directory not found.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2023 10:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 22:31:30 -0400

Nicholas, hi my name is LTC Nunez, I am a 38A AGR. Please allow me to shed some light on the 38G direct commission.
1. It seems to me that you are a TPU soldier already so, yes you might need to extend your current contract in order for the process to be completed.
2. Once you get to your new CA Unit. Let the BN CDR and CSM, that you are interested in a 38G commission they should be able to help you with the packet and give you a letter of endorsement not requiered, but it looks good.
3. The 38G packet looks at your education (Masters/professional degrees and employment experience) according to your post, you should be good to go.
4. The 38G selection process can take anywere between 6 months to 2 years, rank depends on level of educational degree and experience but on average 1LT-CPT, every now and than u see a field grade, but those are for doctors.
5. Differences between 38A and 38G is 38A's by regulation are the only ones considered for Command.
6. A recruiter will not be able to help you much, reach out to your new CA unit and ask for their retention NCO and he/she can help you. Additionally considere you still have to complete the 38B MOS, and also consider that CA will become an accession branch within the next 2yrs.
I hope this helps you, good luck to you!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2023 6:28 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:28:11 -0400

The website you referenced has a button for "Have Questions?" which generates an email to the relevant office. Seems like a good place to start.