What is the difference between physically training for Civil Affairs versus Special Forces?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:44:03 -0500

Currently looking to start training towards Civil Affairs or either Special Forces. My PT is already pretty good, and i work out every day so its constantly improving, I just wanted information on the difference in training, the physical requirements during training, if there is certain body parts i need to focus on working out, and if i need a little extra body fat or a little less body fat before going (Im currently 13% body fat). Any help and advice would be great.

PS: Im a great runner, and Great at rucking. Im the most positive person i know that stays constantly motivated, and if id have to say so myself im a great leader. I just want to know the difference between physically training between the two and if anyone knows a good PRT plan to get ready for either one.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 3:47 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:47:32 -0500

Oh yeah, the reason i come here is because i trust experienced people over a Special Forces recruiter for obvious reasons.... It is their job to recruit. Tho i am currently talking with a recruiter to get dates set up.

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Jan 17 at 2019 3:49 PM

SGM Gregory Tarancon IV — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:49:50 -0500

If you want to challenge yourself-try out for SF and go to SFAS. All you need to know is in the “The Ballad of the Green Berets” - 100 men will test today, but only 3 become Green Berets!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 3:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:59:05 -0500

Response by SGT Kevin Berman made Jan 17 at 2019 4:01 PM

SGT Kevin Berman — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 16:01:22 -0500

No experience in Civil Affairs, but what helped me through SFAS was running, rucking and lots of pushups and pull/chin ups. Little extra fat would probably help, I think I lost around 15 pounds. If you are physically fit that is half the battle - other half is state of mind - you are going to hurt, tired, etc, just have to be able to push through it.
As SGM stated, if you want a challenge, go with SF.
Best of luck.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Jan 17 at 2019 5:22 PM

SGT Edward Wilcox — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:22:15 -0500

There are no extra physical requirements for Civil Affairs. You can train for it just like you would any other non-SF part of the Army.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Jan 17 at 2019 5:26 PM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:26:53 -0500

Jonathan I have no idea what Civil Affairs training is like, I have worked with them many times and they seem like solid players. However, the physical training for Special Forces is a different beast completely. If you could imagine that would really suck worse only if some jack ass was actively shooting at me, that would be a good start. I have carried rucksacks further and that weighed more than one person should have to carry. Lots and lots of bad things are on the other side of the gates. If you finish the course(s) you will never be the same, you will never look at anything exactly the same as before. The crazy part is they dont want some knuckle dragging barbarian who is a real idiot. No they want guys who are not only able to do amazing things they want guys who very smart. I am not just saying that, the reason is what is expected from SF guys is a little nuts.

Response by MSG John Joseph made Jan 17 at 2019 7:33 PM

MSG John Joseph — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 19:33:32 -0500

About as different as an MMA fighter to a corn hole player.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 8:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 20:05:12 -0500

I went to CAAS recently. And my SGT went to SFAS. They are nothing alike. Their is physical stuff in CAAS just like SFAS but their is also vastly different stuff. If you look at the packing list CAAS requires professional attire, SFAS doesn’t. SFAS I would say is far more physically invloved .I would say make sure you are well rounded both physically and academically if you’re going to go to CAAS.

On a side note think about the mission you would enjoy more. CA is pretty much using access and influence through humanitarian work to advance US interests. SF is more training and direct action to advance US interests. So do you want to be help people meet basic needs or do you want to train them to fight.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 9:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:17:31 -0500

Don’t worry about the MOS you always train to be better than the standards.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 9:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:20:46 -0500

It’s never the fastest or physically strongest. Be prepared to test your limits and embrace the suck.