Which would better prepare me for SF or provide for a more enjoyable experience, going Civil Affairs or 160th?

2017-07-20T09:21:23-04:00

I will be a 25U soon, and am picking between going 160th or going CA (38B) following AIT. I want to be as ready as possible for SF when I hit my mid/late-20's. Opinions on which would better prepare me, or provide or a more enjoyable experience? I like my job, but I also want to make sure I get quality field experience that will prepare me for SF. Thank you.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 20 at 2017 9:28 AM

2017-07-20T09:28:33-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member roger that my friend you can't lose with the 160th the best in the business IMHO! Go for it!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 10:11 AM

2017-07-20T10:11:05-04:00

For being an actual operator, the CA Course is the better choice.
CA Selection and qualification is similar to the SF Course and run by the same school house (JFKSWTS in Bragg), and the soft skills taught there are very relevant to an aspiring SF Soldier.

I would ask though, why not just apply for SF Selection and cut out the middle man? Acquiring experience is well and good, but I assure you the SF training and units will prepare you just fine.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 20 at 2017 10:46 AM

2017-07-20T10:46:18-04:00

SSG Chris Erickson any insight for this servicemember?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I am curious "I will be a 25U soon, and am picking between going 160th or going CA (38B) following AIT."
Has someone told you that post AIT as a 25U E4 you will just get to "pick" and go to Task Force 160th? Or your will just "pick" and become a CA guy ?
If so, I think they are either misunderstanding / Unaware of the selection process for both of those units or something has changed drastically in the last 3 years

Response by Cpl John Barker made Jul 20 at 2017 5:12 PM

2017-07-20T17:12:08-04:00

Can't really speak for the 160th, but worked with Civil Affairs many times 2008/2009 Iraq and Afghanistan. They don't really strike me as "spec ops", they are vital don't misunderstand me just talking to the guys although they seemed less than motivated

Response by SFC Jon Vandeyacht made Jul 26 at 2017 11:02 AM

2017-07-26T11:02:03-04:00

None of them.. the only thing that can truly prepare you is yourself. PT is important, ability to learn language is important, ability to think outside the box is critical, ability to think on your feet in an intensely stressful environment is important. Ability to work in a small group and not piss of your team is critical, ability to work on your own to a unified end state is critical. Ability to see your 3rd and 4th order effects from your actions is critical. Being in a special missions unit will not give you an edge. SF selection is about you, how you act, how you behave, how you deal in intense no win situations, how you perform with a given task and no expectations.... go run - that way- now.... grab your pack and move out- that way. Land nav long distances. Accomplish what appears to be an impossible task with a small team....
It's all you. The only advice that can help you is to apply and go to selection. Don't QUIT....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2017 9:53 AM

2017-07-27T09:53:51-04:00

In my opinion, (bias because I am civil affairs) civil affairs will introduce you to a similar culture. The whole civil affairs command used to be part of special operations. Good, bad, or indifferent, a lot of cf Ca units still hold on to the sof mentality.