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?

2019-11-16T13:44:49-05:00

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

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 16 at 2019 2:04 PM

2019-11-16T14:04:31-05:00

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

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2019 3:39 PM

2019-11-16T15:39:05-05:00

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.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Nov 16 at 2019 6:47 PM

2019-11-16T18:47:23-05:00

Prepare to be a professional staff wienie and get every screwed up additional duty there is.

Response by MSG John Joseph made Nov 16 at 2019 10:05 PM

2019-11-16T22:05:44-05:00

When you met the qualifications why not put a packet in for SFselection. I'm sure you'll find it a much more rewarding career choice.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Nov 16 at 2019 10:10 PM

2019-11-16T22:10:11-05:00

2LT Private RallyPoint Member 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.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2019 12:59 PM

2019-11-19T12:59:48-05:00

Once you surpass the rank of O-3, you’ll be seeing more of the desk. If you want to get attached to SF as support personnel that would depend on the group your near by, position openings and an application. Yes, SF require support personal to apply and go through a screening process to see if your the right fit. From what I’ve read you could take advantage of that opportunity and pick their brains when you can and since your already SF support you have first picks of attending SFRE and so on and so forth. You still need to meet requirements before even trying out. Not sure on the specifics for Officers all I know is that you have to be a O-2(P) to even attend selection.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2019 10:41 PM

2019-12-22T22:41:01-05:00

1. I am currently attending CBOLC. There is some emphasis on STEM-related fields such as chemistry or biology, but it is all easy to understand. My class has a mix of STEM majors and non-STEM majors. The CBRN-oriented classroom and technical training that we received is generally easy to pick up on for most of the class, even for the non-STEM majors. That is to say, the material that you will learn is more practical than conceptual, so you will be all right. Always ask the instructors questions as needed and do the practical exercises they hand out.

2. I haven't put a lot of thought into going SF myself.Everyone else who already responded should have better insight for this question.

3. This is likely dependent on your unit and to an extent your position. If you're a recon platoon leader, you should have some free reign in planning and doing training or missions with your platoon. A similar deal should apply towards decontamination platoon leaders. As for battalion CBRN staff officers, it depends on your unit as mentioned in the answers here.