Is there anybody that has a contact for somebody at a CA Reserve unit that I can speak to? (primarily S3 or S1)

2015-09-27T01:40:59-04:00

I am commissioning into the Reserves and am looking around for a unit to try and join. Try as I might, I am having very poor luck actually getting in contact with units (which so far has been my experience in the Reserves). Does anybody here have a reliable contact (preferably S1 or S3, I want to follow proper chain) at a Civil Affairs or PSYOPS reserve unit (preferably in CO, TN, or VA/MD areas). If you do, it would be greatly appreciated. Really trying to be pro-active about my career and secure a spot in a unit.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 27 at 2015 2:07 AM

2015-09-27T02:07:50-04:00

Have you seen this website?

http://www.usar.army.mil/ourstory/commands/USACAPOC/Pages/Overview.aspx
It seems that it may answer your questions or at least give you a step in the right direction. Good luck with your career!

USACAPOC(A) - Official Site of the U.S. Army Reserve

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-09-27T14:04:33-04:00

I can help you, CPT Private RallyPoint Member.
Message me directly.
You can't commission directly into CA; it is not an accessions branch. But I can point you in the right direction and get you some POCs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-10-20T11:46:05-04:00

Cadet, are you looking to branch into a support role (AG, MI, SC) or are you thinking of joining a CA unit to branch CA? The reason I ask is that CA is not an initial branch granting organization. You first need to commission into a basic branch, complete the initial training in that branch, and then you would be eligible for CA down the road. Another factor in your decision should be that USACAPOC is focussing their CA specific officer training on CPTs as you need a Captain's Career Course completed before you can attend the CA Qualification Course for officers. We've seen a near 100% drop rate for LTs in CAQC, and we can't even get our high speed LTs signed up for CA CCC at this point.

I'd also suggest that time in an IN or EN unit would be hugely beneficial to you later as you build Platoon Leader and XO time in a line company. The experience you will gain - some of the best experience in an Army career, IMHO - will pay huge dividends for you and for your career down the road. That's just my 2 cents...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-10-20T13:21:35-04:00

Cadet, I am a CA Officer. You can PM me at [login to see] ...Id be happy to put you in the right direction.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-10-20T16:20:44-04:00

Cadet Rawlins,

I am sure that I can help you with whatever you need. To clarify some of the above points, you can join a CA unit, just not start out as a CA officer. We would have you be in the S-1,2,4,or 6. and send you to CAPO CCC when you make 1LT, then on to the CAQC. MTOE branches you could serve in are AG, MI, Signal, Quartermaster, MSC (70B/ 72D), and Finance at Brigade level or higher. I'll be glad to get you set up with a unit if you want to email me at [login to see] . Welcome to CA!