What can I expect from weekend drills in Army Civil Affairs Reserve Enlisted?

2020-05-19T11:46:56-04:00

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?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2020 12:00 PM

2020-05-19T12:00:32-04:00

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2020 2:00 PM

2020-05-19T14:00:10-04:00

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.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2020 3:41 PM

2020-05-19T15:41:33-04:00

This is a helpful post - as I am in the same position. I ship out to Fort Jackson in July, and after AIT I’ll be in Houston at the Elington JRB.

Thank you for posting this!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 20 at 2020 11:33 AM

2020-05-20T11:33:30-04:00

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

Response by SGT Cipriano Arguello made Jun 3 at 2020 5:17 PM

2020-06-03T17:17:03-04:00

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!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2021 3:57 PM

2021-12-26T15:57:34-05:00

Depends on the unit. I'm in a CA brigade unit and the 38s do missions on base a few times a year.
If it's airborne, then you'll have jump missions to where the non-jump qualified are legs on then ground (help medics, make sure jumpers don't land in water, etc).
A few years ago, we set up a CPX using the CPOF, BFT, and actors. The CA teams signed out vehicles and ran a scenario. I was a 38 but reclassed to 25b, so I was at Garrison maintaining the server.
Overall, it was a very interesting experience.
There are also remote CPX you can (and likely will be volentold) go. Also you can get deployments, HOA is the best for CA as you have a good chance of interacting with the local.
If I can help with anything else, let me know.