What is the best way to become a medic in the 95th CA Brigade?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 20:07:46 -0400

My Soft Orders say I'm going to Bragg after my 68w AIT and airborne school. My imagination tells me there's a spot in the 82nd for me, which I would be honored to have, but in speaking with some cadre and prior service peers with SOF experience, I have come of the opinion that Civil Affairs might just be the perfect fit for me. What can I do to best prepare myself for that kind of opportunity, and what should I do to get in contact with someone? Either now, or at reception at Ft Bragg?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 8:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 20:13:02 -0400

82nd is the Mafia of the Army and they are short on medics and are going to snatch you in a heart beat.

On the CA part, I have been out of that community for so long I can’t advise you on what you can and can’t do to prepare. The only thing I would say is be physically fit and mentally strong to make the cut.

Response by SFC Anthony Shaffer made Sep 12 at 2018 8:22 PM

SFC Anthony Shaffer — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 20:22:43 -0400

Unless you are CA, they use and abuse all their support dudes.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 12 at 2018 8:30 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 20:30:57 -0400

This was a soldier in a similar situation. Take a look:
https://www.rallypoint.com/topics/civil-affairs/answers/how-does-a-medic-become-a-civil-affairs-medic
There are a number of CA POC's on RP but SSG(P) Kaegan Williams looks like he's in a position to help.

How does a medic become a Civil Affairs medic? | RallyPoint

I'm young to the military, but if I've learned anything about myself, I've discovered my interest in pursuing a higher level of care in the healthcare field. I'm a reservist, but I'd like to join active duty to pursue a career in Civil Affairs as a medic. Would it be better to get a 38B contract (and if I make it through selection), volunteer for SOCM, or attempt to attach to a CA unit as a medic?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 13 at 2018 6:10 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 06:10:22 -0400

Big Army stopped sending everyone and the brother and sister to Airborne School years ago. If you have a seat in airborne school your going to go to a PPP (paid parachutist position). So where ever you get assigned you're going to jump.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Sep 13 at 2018 7:40 AM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 07:40:59 -0400

https://goarmysof.com/civil-affairs/
The one gate most people fail is failing to apply. If you want to do it... then stop talking and get after it. Good luck

civil-affairs

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 1:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 01:59:55 -0400

The 95th isn't really filling slots for medics with 68 Series MOS anymore. If you really want to be a medic in the 95th, you'll have to go to CAAS (Selection) and then volunteer for SOCM (Special Operations Combat Medic). All of the medics in the 95th, with a very few exceptions, are dual hatted 38Bs with a W4 (SOCM) identifier.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Sep 15 at 2018 6:52 AM

SPC William Weedman — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 06:52:15 -0400

I suppose that since several CA or former CA are I should not recommend having him Google “Skippy’s List”. I’m given to understand the author was either CA or PsyOps...in a more serious vein, understand that if you have orders to Bragg and wings on your chest, you are going to the 82nd. If the 82nd doesn’t want/need to then you will go with the rest of the leftovers to whatever else is at Bragg. At least that was how a friend who was assigned to Bragg recently described it to me.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Sep 23 at 2018 9:37 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 21:37:40 -0400

I finished up my career in Civil Affairs and would like to say it was probably the most rewarding part of my career. Good luck to you at Ft. Bragg.