Off to Civil Affairs selection soon. Am I at a disadvantage for not speaking a foreign language fluently? How much ruck weight/distance?

2017-02-25T01:57:08-05:00

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Feb 25 at 2017 5:06 AM

2017-02-25T05:06:35-05:00

A lot of the CA folks I knew did not speak a language, but what it does afford you to do, is seek one and accomplish the goal. I mean you did pick the MOS and want to do the duty description did you not? In my mind the only requirement to speak a foreign language is when Airborne Qualified and an NCO, otherwise you are on the team. Enjoy and make the most of your new MOS.

Civil affairs specialists identify critical requirements needed by local citizens in combat or crisis situations. Civil affairs specialists are primarily responsible for researching, coordinating, conducting and participating in the planning and production of civil affairs related documents, while enabling the civil-military operations of the supported commander.

Job Duties
•Help plan U.S. government interagency procedures for national or regional emergencies

•Assist with civil-military planning and support

•Coordinate military resources to support reconstitution or reconstruction activities

•Support national disaster, defense or emergency assistance and response activities

•Foster and maintain dialogue with civilian aid agencies and civilian relief and assistance organizations

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a civil affairs specialist begins with 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 13 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, where you’ll learn the skills of a civil affairs specialist and be assigned to an Army Reserve civil affairs unit.

Airborne-qualified active duty noncommissioned officers can reclassify as a civil affairs sergeants after successful completion of an intensive 20-week training program that includes language, negotiations and regional training.

Helpful Skills
•Organize and analyze information

•Write clearly and concisely

•Interest in working with foreign militaries or government agencies

•Ability to learn a foreign language and adapt to a foreign culture

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 25 at 2017 1:51 PM

2017-02-25T13:51:26-05:00

For CA, 20lbs should be good.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 2:58 PM

2017-02-25T14:58:45-05:00

Don't sweat the language, you will get training.
As for weight, I would suggest 40lbs as a training weight

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 3:31 PM

2017-02-25T15:31:46-05:00

As has been stated here already, language is part of the CA training pipeline, if/after you make it through CA assessment and selection. As an army standard, if you can hump 40lbs ( not including water) for at least 12 miles for time (air asslt standard) you'll be good to go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 4:55 AM

2017-03-02T04:55:50-05:00

Do squats
Ruck 40 less
Run

Pending your questions......

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2017 6:20 PM

2017-03-03T18:20:44-05:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2017 6:22 PM

2017-03-03T18:22:31-05:00

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2017 2:18 PM

2017-03-04T14:18:42-05:00

Chicks pass CA "selection" with high regularity.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-03-09T12:11:50-05:00

Although selection is mentally challenging be able to ruck at least 40 lbs for 12 miles. You will need to do critical thinking and be able to write. Don't assume it will be a walk in the park. Don't worry about language at the moment. Worry about assessment and selection, if you are selected then you will either be able to choose a language (if you're lucky) or be assigned a language which you will be taught from an instructor.