What kinds of things can I expect at the Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection Course?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:37:09 -0500

Hey whats up everyone. So I am in the process of building my packet for Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection Course. What kinds of things can I expect at the selection course? If anyone out there has been through the course, what can be expected and what can I do to better prepare myself for the course?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 8:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 20:39:22 -0500

Was hoping to see some responses made to this question. I have a few Soldiers also interested in CA.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 9:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 21:38:19 -0400

More research less posting SGT. I understand your question.

Answer:

To continue selecting the best soldiers for further training into the pipeline, and to keep the integrity of course strong, information about the CAAS will not be given out.

Good luck

P.S- Run a lot, make sure you drink your ORS when they give them to you, and eat THE ENTIRE MRE. But most of all, do not asses yourself out of the course, do not quit, and when you find yourself scratching your head, pick it up and realize that everyone else is too.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 2:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 14:17:52 -0400

I'm also preparing or the course and have asked your question to those who have successfully completed the course. Their response, "Be mentally and physically ready." As much as this doesn't mean much, it shows that candidates that are prepared for whatever is thrown at them are those that are needed in the corps.

These are the two primary tips I've received:

(1) Ruck and run
(2) Be professional but don't forget to be yourself

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 11:05 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 11:05:56 -0400

1) Show up prepared to pass a standard APFT
2) Be honest with yourself - don't be someone you're not.
3) I would show up being able to run 5 miles in under 40 minutes & be able to ruck 12+ miles at a 15 min/mile pace or faster.
4) Public speaking is a must - if you're not good at it, practice
5) Be able to write concise and convey your points clearly.
6) Enjoy CAAS - it's not that bad.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 3:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:14:08 -0500

I am a Civil Affairs Company Commander in the reserves and I can tell you that in CA you need to have the ability to talk to people. It is all about being able to establish relationships with people.

The couse will be physically and mentally demanding, of course, but you have to be able to think on your feet and adapt.

Good luck with your training and if you ever leave active duty and come to the reserves we are always looking for good troops.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2017 5:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 17:31:59 -0500

Don't be the weird introvert that nobody likes- talk to your teammates and be social. Pull your weight. That's all I'll say...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 8:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 20:44:31 -0500

If you are in CA or PSYOP, we dont talk about CAQC. We cant and we wont because its the right thing to do. What I can offer that is just the no shit answer...
1. Have a solid APFT. Dont need to do 300+, just be fit as you should be if you are a good Soldier.
2. Be able to ruck where is not even a thing you dread. Start training now and brake your boots really good. Dont wait to last minute... I rucked for a year gradually and I am not olympian nor infantryman.
3. Be a team player and have a "live and die for my team" mentality.
4. You need to be able to talk to anybody with confidence. If you are shy, start going to bars and talk to anybody men and women, just make friends. Thats the best way to get over that.

If you get any specific answer about the actual course then that person is violating the CA Regiment. What I told you is a great answer but it would also apply to other courses... well maybe not #4, LOL!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 4:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:20:08 -0500

Will be attending CAAS soon I hope...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 1:01 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 13:01:05 -0400

Old post but here's the answer.
Talk to your SORB CA recruiter. You will not get many direct answers, and there's a reason for that. Be physically fit, overall, not just APFT and Ruck. The better overall you are physically the more injury resistant you are, and the quicker you will recover. Also, grab the ASVAB for dummies book and study. CAAS is not just physical, there is academic and psychological assessment as well.