Posted on May 19, 2020
What can I expect from weekend drills in Army Civil Affairs Reserve Enlisted?
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Hi. I am working with a recruiter to enlist in the Army Reserve Civil Affairs as an E-4. I am wondering if anyone can give some insight into what drill weekend looks like for enlisted in a reserve CA unit?
I am also curious about the 13 week CA training for soldiers after basic. Does anyone have experience going through that training?
I am also curious about the 13 week CA training for soldiers after basic. Does anyone have experience going through that training?
Civil Affairs
38B: Civil Affairs Specialist
Boot Camp
Corporal
Posted 4 y ago
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I've been doing this job for 18 years now. I think I can answer pretty much any question you have.
As for the first one, a drill weekend will vary depending on where that unit is in their deployment availability (ARFORGEN) cycle. You can expect that you will do language and cultural training, and if your unit is on the ball some training out in the community practicing gathering information and building a common operating picture. My unit does country studies on nations we are aligned to deploy into: I have a company from my battalion in eastern Europe right now.
The training is kind of secretive in content, but as someone who has trained it, I can tell you it will be challenging and a lot of fun. I really do enjoy this gig.
Seriously, any question you have, post it here or message me directly and I'll get you answers.
As for the first one, a drill weekend will vary depending on where that unit is in their deployment availability (ARFORGEN) cycle. You can expect that you will do language and cultural training, and if your unit is on the ball some training out in the community practicing gathering information and building a common operating picture. My unit does country studies on nations we are aligned to deploy into: I have a company from my battalion in eastern Europe right now.
The training is kind of secretive in content, but as someone who has trained it, I can tell you it will be challenging and a lot of fun. I really do enjoy this gig.
Seriously, any question you have, post it here or message me directly and I'll get you answers.
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CW3 (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) - I'm in the S-6 of HHC, 354th CA Brigade. I wholeheartedly concur with your comments above about the 450th being better than the HHC units for a young soldier.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you for your post 1SG. They are breaths of fresh air
I have a question about airborne reserve units in CA. If you were to be working at one, would you be sent to airborne school as a requirement or would it be like getting sent to airborne for any regular unit? (The unit of thinking of specifically is the 404th AB CA in Fort Dix, NJ)
I have a question about airborne reserve units in CA. If you were to be working at one, would you be sent to airborne school as a requirement or would it be like getting sent to airborne for any regular unit? (The unit of thinking of specifically is the 404th AB CA in Fort Dix, NJ)
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1SG (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - They would send you as a requirement, with the caveat that you have to pass the Airborne Physical. I would expect you to attend Basic Airborne within a year of assignment, assuming you are otherwise qualified.
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This is a solid MOS if you enjoy variety and being deployed! There is always some type of MOS-specific related training going on like language training and culture training but make sure to pick up other useful skills liking getting certified/ approved to drive humvees as frill weekends will be a lot of supporting the projects of CA Officers! I know they say “don’t Volunteer for stuff” but you will get the Best Experience & Training on weekend drills when you do volunteer and seek projects! Make yourself available as it will only make you more effective during actual deployments!
As for the 13 Week CA Training, I believe it’s still done at Ft. Bragg, NC so, again, make yourself stand out via your PT or grades as that will open other training opportunities—I was offered German Language school right after my CA training which came in handy when I was deployed in Bosnia! MOS Training is a lot more relaxed than basic so beware too much freedom as can lead to issues! Finally, you’ll do some Great Training in the Field as well as obstacle training! Enjoy it and Thank your Recruiter for the Great Suggestion!
As for the 13 Week CA Training, I believe it’s still done at Ft. Bragg, NC so, again, make yourself stand out via your PT or grades as that will open other training opportunities—I was offered German Language school right after my CA training which came in handy when I was deployed in Bosnia! MOS Training is a lot more relaxed than basic so beware too much freedom as can lead to issues! Finally, you’ll do some Great Training in the Field as well as obstacle training! Enjoy it and Thank your Recruiter for the Great Suggestion!
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Just keep in mind most of the CA units are in the reserves had a friend who commanded a CA Bn had 5 deployments before changing command
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