Posted on Nov 16, 2019
What is CM CBOLC like? How often to CM officers get to do their job? Is there a way I can apply to get assigned to a SF group?
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So I found out I was branching into the Chemical Corps, I was honestly not expecting this, but after hearing some of the cool opportunities I can get, I have some questions that hopefully you guys can answer
1. I do not know much about chem, I am a criminal justice major, what is CBOLC like? Is it science heavy?
2. Going SOF is a long term goal of mine. Is there a way I can apply to get assigned to a SF group? I would a chance to work with them and see what their experience is like. I was told by my cadre that Chem Officers can get attached to SF/CAG and would do missions with them, when it comes to CBRN. I was also told that there are Chem EOD teams and I would have to go to the EOD course
3. How often to Chem officers "do their job", meaning by deploying to areas and routinely conducting CBRN missions?
Any information or clarity about this, is greatly appreciated. I can not find much on google and I want to make the best of my branch
1. I do not know much about chem, I am a criminal justice major, what is CBOLC like? Is it science heavy?
2. Going SOF is a long term goal of mine. Is there a way I can apply to get assigned to a SF group? I would a chance to work with them and see what their experience is like. I was told by my cadre that Chem Officers can get attached to SF/CAG and would do missions with them, when it comes to CBRN. I was also told that there are Chem EOD teams and I would have to go to the EOD course
3. How often to Chem officers "do their job", meaning by deploying to areas and routinely conducting CBRN missions?
Any information or clarity about this, is greatly appreciated. I can not find much on google and I want to make the best of my branch
Chemical Officer Basic Course
Special Operations
Special Forces
Ranger
74A: Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear Officer
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 7
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You don't "go SOF" as a support Soldier in an SF Group, it's just an assignment. If you meet the qualifications and there is an opening at that time, you might get assigned to a SF Command unit. There's no selection, it's just an assignment like many others. Now, if you decide you want to go to the 75th or 160th then you can apply and attend selection.
As for the job, in the Army you are a Soldier/NCO/Officer first and your job second. That means the majority of your time is spent doing Army stuff and at the same time you will be in charge of whatever section you have. For instance, my last unit was an SF Group and the CM LT was the OIC of the chemical reconnaissance element, OIC of the language lab, and HHC XO all at the same time.
Remember that "doing your job" is not necessarily conducting CBRN missions, that's what your Soldiers and NCOs are for. Your role is much more administrative and supportive, you're a SME on CBRN for the commander and in charge of the CBRN program at your unit.
As for selections, the officer route is very restrictive and the unit or group you are hoping to work with usually recruits by year group.
As for the job, in the Army you are a Soldier/NCO/Officer first and your job second. That means the majority of your time is spent doing Army stuff and at the same time you will be in charge of whatever section you have. For instance, my last unit was an SF Group and the CM LT was the OIC of the chemical reconnaissance element, OIC of the language lab, and HHC XO all at the same time.
Remember that "doing your job" is not necessarily conducting CBRN missions, that's what your Soldiers and NCOs are for. Your role is much more administrative and supportive, you're a SME on CBRN for the commander and in charge of the CBRN program at your unit.
As for selections, the officer route is very restrictive and the unit or group you are hoping to work with usually recruits by year group.
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2LT (Join to see)
I appreciate the feedback SFC, I was looking for information like this. I just want to make the most out of my branch to the fullest. Thank you
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It has been several years, but I started as a CM officer. I will provide info from memory, but will concede to any more recent info
1. Some STEM in BOLC, but doable as liberal arts major (I was political science). Some algebra 1 math and ACT science, but applications have vocational focus
2. For SOF as CM, talk to career manager or BOLC cadre. No guarantees, but they may know someone in their network
3. Job is unit dependent. You will do CBRN, but expect USR and additional duties as significant part of assignment
1. Some STEM in BOLC, but doable as liberal arts major (I was political science). Some algebra 1 math and ACT science, but applications have vocational focus
2. For SOF as CM, talk to career manager or BOLC cadre. No guarantees, but they may know someone in their network
3. Job is unit dependent. You will do CBRN, but expect USR and additional duties as significant part of assignment
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2LT (Join to see) I was the USAF equivalent. The first advice I am going to give you: listen to your NCOs, They will teach you everything you need to know.
Your training will teach you about what chemicals are, how to read labels, what they do, how to prevent, how to detect, how to decontaminate. How to use equipment properly so your team doesn’t get killed. You will learn what the symptoms of exposure are. You will learn about radiation exposure. Trust me, there has been quite a lot written. Check under FEMA and Hazardous Materials.
Your training will teach you about what chemicals are, how to read labels, what they do, how to prevent, how to detect, how to decontaminate. How to use equipment properly so your team doesn’t get killed. You will learn what the symptoms of exposure are. You will learn about radiation exposure. Trust me, there has been quite a lot written. Check under FEMA and Hazardous Materials.
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